Tropical Storm Kiko Nears Hurricane Strength

Tropical Storm Kiko has neared hurricane strength in the eastern Pacific, but poses no threat to land.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami said early Sunday that Kiko was centered about 400 miles (640 kms) west-southwest of the southern tip of Mexico's Baja California peninsula. It had maximum sustained winds of 70 mph (110 kph) and was moving north at 7 mph (11 kph).

The hurricane center said Kiko could become a hurricane later Sunday morning, but is likely to begin weakening Sunday night and Monday.

There are no warnings or watches in effect for land. Tropical force winds extend outward up to 70 miles (110 km) from the center of the storm.

[Associated Press]