Hurricane Dolores starts developing eye, expected to get stronger off Mexico’s Pacific coast

MIAMI – Hurricane Dolores was beginning to develop an eye as it strengthened off Mexico’s southwest coast Tuesday evening.

The hurricane’s maximum sustained winds increased slightly to near 85 mph (140 kph). The U.S. National Hurricane Center said Dolores was expected to become a major hurricane Wednesday.

The storm was centred about 250 miles (405 kilometres) southwest of Cabo Corrientes, Mexico, and moving west-northwest near 7 mph (11 kph).

Swells generated by Dolores were affecting parts of the southwestern Mexican coast and were expected to affect the southern coast of Baja California later Tuesday. The hurricane centre said the swells could cause life-threatening surf and rip currents.

Another system, Tropical Storm Enrique, strengthened a little but stayed far out in the Pacific, about 1,365 miles (2,195 kilometres) west of the southern tip of Baja California.

Enrique had maximum sustained winds of 50 mph (85 kph) and was moving west-northwest near 9 mph (15 kph). It was expected to weaken in the next day or two.

In the Atlantic, Tropical Storm Claudette was expected to weaken further overnight and dissipate Wednesday. Claudette’s maximum sustained winds were 45 mph (75 kph).

Claudette was centred about 240 miles (385 kilometres) south of Halifax, Nova Scotia, and moving northeast near 21 mph (33 kph).