MIAMI (AP) - Forecasters say Tropical Storm Arlene is strengthening in the Gulf of Mexico as it moves toward the coast of Mexico.
A hurricane watch has been issued for the eastern coast of Mexico from Barra De Nautla north to La Cruz. The storm is expected to make landfall in northeastern Mexico early Thursday.
The National Hurricane Center in Miami says Arlene is about 140 miles (225 kilometers) east-southeast of Tampico, on Wednesday. The storm's center has maximum sustained winds of 50 mph (80 kph) and
is moving west-northwest near 7 mph (11 kph). Arlene is the first named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season.
The main threat to Mexico is heavy rains that could cause flash floods and mudslides. Forecasters say extreme south Texas also could get rain.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
