Tracking the Tropics

Center: Tropical Storm Bud could become hurricane

Posted: 05/23/12 at 9:25 pm EDT

MIAMI (AP) -- Tropical Storm Bud is moving northwest off Mexico's Pacific coast and forecasters with the U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami say it could become a hurricane overnight or later Thursday.

The storm's maximum sustained winds Wednesday evening are near 65 mph. Officials say while it hadn't gained additional strength, it has been growing in size. The center says those along the southwestern coast of Mexico should monitor the storm's progress. The center has not issued any coastal watches or warnings.

Bud is centered about 420 miles south-southwest of Manzanillo, Mexico, and is moving northwest near 7 mph.

Officials say the storm is expected to turn toward the north-northwest and north Wednesday night followed by a turn to the north-northeast on Thursday and Friday.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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