Tropical Storm Mario forms off Mexico's Pacific coast, expected to bring rain and possible flooding

MIAMI — Tropical Storm Mario formed Friday off the Pacific coast of Mexico and was expected to bring wind, rain and possible flash flooding, forecasters said.

Mario was described as “mini” in the National Hurricane Center’s morning advisory, but the storm packed maximum sustained winds of 40 mph. It was traveling to the west-northwest at about 14 mph.

A tropical storm watch was in effect for parts of the Michoacan state. It spanned from Lázaro Cárdenas to Punta San Telmo.

The Miami-based weather service said Mario was centered about 90 miles west-southwest of Zihuatanejo, Mexico, and about 60 miles southwest of Lázaro Cárdenas.

Forecasters said the tropical storm was expected to strengthen in the coming days.

Rainfall estimates were around 1 to 3 inches mostly for Jalisco state through Saturday morning. Higher terrain could experience flash flooding. Windy conditions were possible Friday for coastal areas in Guerrero, Michoacan and Colima states.