Storm Olaf in Pacific could become a hurricane: US monitors

Miami: Tropical Storm Olaf has formed in the eastern Pacific far from land and could become a hurricane on Sunday, US forecasters said.

The storm was moving west at nearly 13 miles (20 kilometers) an hour. Forecasters expect the storm to decrease its forward speed overnight, and then take a northwestern turn on Sunday.

Olaf is packing maximum sustained winds of 60 miles (95 kilometers) per hour, and it has not sparked any coastal watches or warnings.

However "additional strengthening is forecast, and Olaf is expected to become a hurricane by Sunday, and be near major hurricane strength by Monday," the NHC said.
ch/mbe