Tropical Storm Hilda strengthens far offshore in Pacific

Tropical Storm Hilda is strengthening rapidly as it churns far offshore in the eastern Pacific.

The storm's maximum sustained winds had strengthened to 60 mph (95 kph) by Thursday evening. The storm is centered 1,695 miles (2,725 kilometers) west-southwest of the southern tip of Baja California, Mexico. It is moving west at 13 mph (20 kph).

The U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami said that Hilda is expected to become a hurricane by Friday.

However, Mexican Weather Service (SNM) urged people to stay informed, take precautions against rain, strong winds and high waves and follow the instructions of the Department of Civil Protection.