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.

The weather agency warned of the risk of life-threatening flash floods and mudslides, especially in higher terrain.

Lorena was centered Wednesday about 145 miles (230 kilometers) west of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. The storm had maximum sustained winds of 80 mph (130 kph) and was moving northwest at 16 mph (26 kph).

Those living in northwestern Mexico and the Baja California peninsula were urg

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