Tropical Storm Darby gaining strength in the Pacific, could become a hurricane

Tropical Storm Darby gaining strength in Pacific

MIAMI — Tropical Storm Darby is gaining strength in the Pacific and could become a hurricane.

The National Hurricane Center in Miami says Darby’s maximum sustained winds increased Thursday to near 70 mph (110 kph) and could reach hurricane strength later in the day.

Darby is located about 230 miles (370 kilometers) south-southwest of Puerto Escondido, Mexico, and is moving west-northwest at about 12 mph (19 kph).

Meanwhile, Hurricane Celia continues heading west-northwest over the open Pacific. The Category 2 hurricane’s maximum sustained winds have increased to near 110 mph (175 kph).