AlHijjah 15, 1434, Oct 20, 2013, SPA -- Tropical Storm Raymond steamed Sunday toward Mexico's southern Pacific coast, an area devastated by rains and mudslides from tropical storm Manuel in September. The U.S. National Hurricane Center said Raymond is expected to become a hurricane soon, but is expected to take a strong westward turn before it reaches the coast and heads out to sea. Raymond was located about 195 miles (310 kms) south of the beach resort of Zihuatanejo and had sustained winds of 50 mph (85 kph). It was moving northwest at about 7 mph (11 kph), AP reported. Authorities in southern Guerrero state, where Manuel and Ingrid caused about 120 deaths from flooding and landslides, were more worried about the possibility of floods than the winds. The state government closed seaports and urged residents in risk areas to take precautions. Forecasters say Raymond is expected to slowly approach Mexico's southern Pacific coast Mexico late Monday or Tuesday and then begin to meander. The center says Raymond is expected to become a hurricane by Monday. Forecasters warn heavy rainfall is possible along the south-central Mexican coast in coming days and could cause life-threatening flash floods and mudslides. A tropical storm watch is in effect from Acapulco to Lazaro Cardenas, Mexico.
