Lorena becomes a hurricane off the western coast of Mexico as Kiko travels over open waters

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 (38 centimeters) was forecast for portions of the peninsula, the U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami said.