*Tropical storm strengthens in Pacific near Mexico*

20 Oct 2007 15:37:04 GMT
Source: Reuters

ST. PETERSBURG, Florida, Oct 20 (Reuters) - Tropical Storm Kiko remains
off the Pacific coast of Mexico but may become a hurricane later on
Saturday, the National Hurricane Center said.

As of Saturday morning, Kiko was about 165 miles (265 km) west-southwest
of Manzanillo, Mexico and moving toward the northwest at five miles
(seven km) per hour.

"Additional strengthening is forecast during the next 24 hours and Kiko
could become a hurricane later today or tonight," the NHC said in an
advisory issued from Miami.

"Above-normal tides accompanied by large and dangerous battering waves
are possible along portions of the Pacific coast of Mexico in regions of
onshore flow."

The center of the storm was expected to remain offshore but heavy rains
were forecast in west-central Mexico with flash floods and mudslides
possible in mountainous terrain, the NHC said.