Hurricane Lorena intensifies off the western coast of Mexico as Kiko travels over open waters

MIAMI (AP) — Hurricane Lorena was intensifying Wednesday off the coast of Mexico’s Baja California peninsula and a tropical storm warning was expanded for parts of the area, forecasters said.

The storm was expected to continue strengthening throughout the day and heavy rain up to 15 inches (38 centimeters) was forecast for portions of the peninsula, the U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami said.