Tropical Storm Blanca forms off Mexico

updated 11:19 a.m. ET July 6, 2009

MIAMI - Forecasters say Tropical Storm Blanca has formed in the Pacific off Mexico's western coast.

Blanca was located about 410 miles south of the southern tip of Baja California and was moving to the west-northwest at around 10 mph. Forecasters at the National Hurricane Center in Miami expect it to continue in that general direction, away from land, for the next couple of days.

The storm's maximum winds were near 45 mph, and some strengthening was expected in the next 24 hours. After that, Blanca is forecast to move into colder waters that should sap its energy.

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