MIAMI (AP) -- Hurricane Lorena formed off the coast of Mexico's Baja California peninsula and a tropical storm warning has been issued for parts for of the area, forecasters said Wednesday.
The storm is expected to strengthen in the next 24 hours and heavy rain up to 15 inches was forecast for portions of the peninsula, the U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami said.
The weather agency warned of the risk of life-threatening flash floods and mudslides for the area, especially in higher terrain.
Lorena was centered Wednesday about 120 miles south-southwest of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. The storm had maximum sustained winds of 75 mph and was moving northwest at 14 mph. Those living in southwestern Mexico and the Baja California peninsula were urged to monitor the progress of the storm.
Lorena's track was still uncertain and it was not known if it would eventually make landfall in Baja California or continue moving over cooler waters in the Pacific Ocean. In fact, there's a scenario where most of the moisture stays south of Arizona, missing us completely.
Arizona's Family weather team issued First Alert Weather Days for Thursday and Friday because of the enhanced chance for thunderstorms around the Valley.
Forecasters said Lorena should weaken to a tropical storm by Friday.
Meanwhile, Hurricane Kiko was still a Category 2 storm with winds of 105 mph as it traveled west over open waters of the Pacific about 1,700 miles east of Hilo, Hawaii, the hurricane center said.
No watches or warnings were associated with Kiko, and there were no hazards affecting land, forecasters said.
Steady strengthening was expected and Kiko could become a major hurricane by Wednesday.