Tropical storm hits Mexico coast, weakens; Hurricane Gordon nears Azores

9:14 PM, Aug 18, 2012   |    comments
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VERACRUZ, Mexico - Former Tropical Storm Helene is heading inland after making landfall along Mexico's Gulf Coast.

The storm hit a lush coastal region of oil centers and tourist resorts where hundreds of towns and villages sit along streams and rivers.

Helene quickly weakened to a tropical depression after coming ashore, but forecasters say it still poses a threat to areas where thousands of people are still recovering from Hurricane Ernesto last week.

Flooding from Ernesto left some 10,000 people homeless. Helene is predicted to bring 4 to 8 inches of rain.

Meanwhile, out in the Atlantic, Tropical Storm Gordon has grown into a hurricane with winds of about 80 mph. A hurricane warning has been posted for the central and eastern Azores.

It's expected to pass near the eastern Azores late tomorrow or Monday.

The Associated Press