Miami — 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.

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 (195 kilometers) south-southwest of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. The storm had maximum sustained winds of 75 mph (120 kph) and was moving northwest at 14 mph (22 kph).

Those living in southwestern Mexico and the Baja California peninsula were

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