Tropical Storm Erick strengthening off Mexico

Tropical Storm Erick approached hurricane strength in the Pacific Ocean Friday as it moved parallel to Mexico\'s southwest coast, forecasters said. Erick was about 130 miles south-southwest of Lazaro Cardenas, Mexico, and 220 miles south-southeast of Manzanillo, the National Hurricane Center in Miami said in its 2 p.m. PDT advisory. Erick was moving west-northwest at 10 mph, with the center expected to move parallel to -- but remain offshore of -- Mexico\'s southwest coast. Maximum sustained winds were 70 mph with higher gusts, and Erick was predicted to become a hurricane Friday night or Saturday. Tropical-storm-force winds extended 70 miles from the center of the storm. A tropical storm warning was in effect for Zihuatanejo to La Fortuna, while a tropical storm watch was in effect for west of La Fortuna to Cabo Corrientes. Erick was expected to produce 3-5 inches of rain with localized amounts up to 8 inches, with the potential for life-threatening flash floods and mudslides. Tropical Depression Dalila was gradually weakening as it drifted west in the Pacific about 430 miles south-southwest of the southern tip of Baja California, forecasters said.