Rain warning for the southern Gulf Coast as it approaches TS Karl

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Tropical Storm Karl has moved slowly toward the southern Gulf of Mexico coast, and while it is not expected to develop into a hurricane, forecasters have warned of the danger flash floods due to heavy rains in the area.

The storm is expected to weaken somewhat Friday before making landfall in the state of Veracruz or the state of Tabasco Friday evening or early Saturday.

Karl had maximum sustained winds of 45 mph (75 km/h) Thursday night, the US National Hurricane Center said. The storm was centered about 155 miles (245 kilometers) north-northeast of the resort town of Ciudad del Carmen and was tracking southeast at 7 mph (11 kph).

A tropical storm warning already posted from the town of Alvarado to Ciudad del Carmen was extended to Sabancuy on Thursday evening.

Tropical storm-force winds of at least 39 mph (63 km/h) extended out to 70 miles (110 kilometers) from the center.

The hurricane center said Karl could drop 3 to 7 inches (8 to 18 centimeters) of rain over parts of Veracruz and Tabasco as well as the northern states of Chiapas and Oaxaca through Sunday morning. He said up to 10 inches (25 centimeters) could fall in isolated places.

« These rains can produce flash floods, as well as mudslides, on higher ground, » its advisory said.

The Associated Press

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