MIAMI, July 4 (UPI) -- Tropical Storm Erick formed off Mexico's southwest coast Thursday, while Tropical Depression Dalila was weakening in the Pacific Ocean, forecasters said.
Eric was 140 miles south of Acapulco, Mexico, and moving northwest at 12 miles per hour, the National Hurricane Center in Miami said in its 8 p.m. PDT advisory.
Maximum sustained winds were 45 mph with higher gusts, and some strengthening was forecast over the next two days.
A tropical storm warning was in effect from Lazaro Cardenas to Manzanillo, while a tropical storm watch was in effect from Acapulco to east of Lazaro Cardenas and for West of Manzanillo to La Fortuna.
Erick was expected to turn to the west-northwest by late Friday or Saturday, moving parallel to but offshore of Mexico's southwest coast.
Tropical-storm-force winds extended 45 miles from the center, and gusty winds with rain bands were reported near the southern coast of Mexico.
Three to 5 inches of rain was expected with localized amounts of as much as 8 inches, with the potential for life-threatening flash floods and mudslides.
Meanwhile, Depression Dalila weakened as it moved away in the Pacific Ocean and was expected to degenerate into a remnant low Friday.
