TROPICAL STORM OFF WESTERN COAST LIKELY TO REACH HURRICANE STATUS

Tropical Storm Rick is intensifying quickly off of Mexico’s western coast. As of 0900 on 16 October 2009, Rick’s centre was located approximately 315 mi/505 km south-southeast of Acapulco. Rick’s maximum sustained wind speed is 65 mph/55 kt, with higher gusts. The storm is forecast to reach hurricane status later on 16 October and will continue to strengthen over the next 48 hours. Rick is moving toward the west-northwest at 9 mph/8 kt; this movement is also expected to continue over the next 48 hours.