Tropical Storm Xavier brushes Mexican coast with wind, rain

MEXICO CITY – Tropical Storm Xavier brought heavy rains and gusty winds to Mexico’s central Pacific coast Monday, then degenerated into a post-tropical cyclone as it headed away from land.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center said the storm was about 145 miles (235 kilometres) southwest of Cabo Corrientes late Monday and was moving west-northwest at 6 mph (9 kph). Tropical storm-force winds extended as far as 45 miles (75 kilometres) from the centre.

The storm’s maximum sustained winds had weakened to 45 mph (75 kph), and was forecast to continue weakening and become a remnant low by Tuesday night.

Forecasters said it was likely to bring 1 to 3 inches (2.5 to 7.5 centimetres) of rain to parts of Guerrero, Michoacan, Colima and Jalisco states.