Tropical Storm Blanca forms in Pacific off western Mexico; not expected to threaten land

Tropical Storm Blanca forms off western Mexico

MEXICO CITY — Tropical Storm Blanca formed Monday off western Mexico as the second named storm of the Pacific season, but forecasters predicted it would follow a course far away from land.

Blanca was located about 410 miles (660 kilometers) south of the tip of the Baja California Peninsula on Monday night, and was heading west-northwest at 10 mph (16 kph), the National Hurricane Center in Miami said.

The storm had maximum sustained winds near 50 mph (85 kph).

The center said Blanca is expected to move into colder waters in the next couple of days, which should sap its energy.