Hilary Becomes Category 3 Hurricane

MIAMI (AP) - Forecasters say Hurricane Hilary is now a Category 3 storm in the Pacific south of Mexico.

Hilary's maximum sustained winds were near 115 mph (185 kph) Thursday. The hurricane is not forecast to make landfall, though officials say it is expected to rake the coast with wind, rain and heavy surf.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center says Hilary reached major hurricane status with winds of at least 111 mph (179 kph).

A tropical storm warning is in effect for Mexico's coast from Lagunas de Chacahua to Punta San Telmo. A tropical storm watch is in effect for west of Punta San Telmo to Manzanillo.

Hilary is centered about 75 miles (121 kilometers) south of Acapulco, Mexico, and is moving west-northwest.

In the Atlantic, Tropical Storm Ophelia is expected to weaken.