MIAMI — Forecasters say Tropical Storm Erick is intensifying off the coast of Mexico and quickly approaching hurricane strength.
The U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami says Erick was centered about 165 miles (270 kms) southeast of Manzanillo, Mexico late Friday. Its maximum sustained winds had reached 70 mph (110 kph), and it was moving northwest at about 10 mph (17 kph).
Erick is expected to reach hurricane strength shortly, but is expected to remain offshore.
A tropical storm warning is in effect on the southwestern Mexican coast from Zihuatanejo to Cabo Corrientes.
