Tropical Storm Paul weakens over Mexico

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MIAMI, Oct. 16 (UPI) -- Hurricane Paul slowed down and rapidly weakened to a tropical storm over Baja California Tuesday, forecasters said.

Tropical Storm Paul was about 85 miles west-southwest of Loreto, Mexico, the National Hurricane Center in Miami said in its 8 p.m. PDT advisory.

Maximum sustained winds were 60 mph as Paul moved north at about 12 mph.

A tropical storm warning was in effect from Santa Fe to El Pocito and from San Evaristo to Bahia San Juan Bautista. A tropical storm watch was in effect from north of El Pocito to Punta Eugenia.

Paul is expected to turn north-northwest overnight and decrease in forward speed by late Wednesday and should become a remnant low within 36 hours.

Tropical storm-force winds extended outward as far as 140 miles.

Paul is expected to produce an additional 1-2 inches of rain over the southern Baja Peninsula, with as much as 10 inches possible in isolated areas. The rains could produce life-threatening flash floods and mudslides.

A dangerous storm surge is expected to produce significant coastal flooding along the coast of southern and central Baja California.

Swells generated by Paul will affect the west coast of Baja California for the next several days. The swells likely will cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.