MEXICO CITY (AP) — Tropical Storm Barbara was strengthening Sunday off the southwest coast of Mexico and was expected to become a hurricane, but without menacing land, the National Hurricane Center in Miami said.

Barbara was located about 170 miles southwest of the tourist port of Zihuatanejo in Guerrero state, according to the center. It had maximum sustained winds of 60 mph, and was moving west-northwest at 12 mph. No coastal watches or warnings were issued.

The storm is expected to become a hurricane later Sunday as it moves west-northwest for two more days, before turning west into the Pacific by Tuesday, forecasters said.

Barbara formed off the southwest coast of Mexico earlier Sunday.

Heavy rainfall totals of 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 centimeters), with amounts of up to 6 inches in

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