Hurricane forms off Mexican coast

Hurricane Rick is expected to gain in strength

A tropical storm off the Pacific coast of Mexico has increased in strength and has been upgraded to hurricane status, says the US National Hurricane Center.

Hurricane Rick formed 290 miles (470 km) south of Acapulco, heading west with sustained 75mph (120km/h) winds.

Acapulco's Civil Protection Department warns that heavy rain may cause flooding and landslides.

Experts say Hurricane Rick is expected to travel parallel to the coast of Mexico for at least the next five days.

Outer bands of the hurricane were expected to lash the Mexican coast with heavy rains later on Friday.

Full force predictions

Meteorologists do not believe the full force of the hurricane will hit land, reports say.

It is believed Hurricane Rick could become a powerful category four storm by early next week, with the potential to generate sustained winds of up to 155 mph (248 km/h).

Hurricane Rick is the seventh in the Eastern Pacific region this year.

Just last month, Hurricane Jimena threatened to crash into Mexico's Baja California peninsula, forcing thousands of residents and tourists to flee.

Just before it hit land Jimena eased off to a category one storm, but still brought heavy rain and winds of up to 65mph (100 km/h).