Tropical Storm Simon forms in the Pacific Ocean off the southwestern coast of Mexico

MIAMI (AP) — Tropical Storm Simon formed Wednesday in the Pacific Ocean off the southwestern coast of Mexico, the National Hurricane Center said.

The center of the cyclone was located about 175 miles (285 kilometers) south-southeast of Lazaro Cardenas, Mexico. It was expected to bring heavy rainfall that could cause life-threatening flooding to parts of southwestern Mexico, with up to 15 to 25 inches (38 to 63 centimeters) of rain possible in some areas, according to an advisory from the Miami-based hurricane center.

The storm’s maximum sustained winds were around 40 mph (65 kph), the hurricane center said.