by Staff Writers
Miami (AFP) July 6, 2009
Tropical storm "Blanca" strengthened off Mexico's Pacific coast on Monday, with sustained gusts of 45 miles (75 kilometers) per hour, the US National Hurricane Center said.
At 1500 GMT the Miami-based center said "Blanca" was "about 410 miles (665 kilometers) south-southwest of the southern tip of Baja California," and was heading out to sea.
The storm is expected to gain strength in the next 24 hours, although NHC forecasters said it likely weaken later as it passes over cooler waters.
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