Hurricane Paul forms in Pacific off Mexico's coast; TS Rafael near hurricane strength

The Associated Press

MIAMI - Hurricane Paul has formed in the Pacific off Mexico's coast and a tropical storm watch has been issued for a portion of Baja California.

Paul's maximum sustained winds early Monday are near 75 mph (120 kph). Some additional strengthening is forecast during the day but the U.S. National Hurricane Center says weakening is expected to begin by Tuesday.

The hurricane is centred about 565 miles (910 kilometres) southwest of the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula and is moving north near 7 mph (11 kph).

Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Rafael is expected to reach hurricane strength in the Atlantic later in the day.

Rafael's maximum sustained winds are near 70 mph (110 kph). The storm is centred about 290 miles (465 kilometres) north of San Juan, Puerto Rico, and is moving north-northwest near 10 mph (17 kph).