Trop Storm Dora Forms Off Mexico Coast

MEXICO CITY (AP) -- Newly formed Tropical Storm Dora was gathering force off the Pacific coast of Mexico on Sunday, and forecasters said it was expected to bring heavy rains without making a direct hit on land.

Dora was centered about 180 miles (295 kilometers) southwest of Acapulco and was moving toward the west-northwest at 12 mph (19 kph), according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center.

The storm had maximum sustained winds of 50 mph (85 kph) and forecasters said it could reach hurricane force on Monday while moving roughly parallel to the coast and then curving toward the west.

The hurricane center said that Dora is expected to bring 1 to 3 inches (2.5 to 7.5 centimeters) of rain to coastal areas, with as much as 5 inches (12.5 centimeters) falling in a few places.

(KA)