Hurricane Vance Nears Mexico, Could Reach Category 3

Hurricane Vance strengthened to Category 2 on Friday, with sustained winds of 105 mph, and could reach major-hurricane status. It was moving northwest and was expected to approach the Puerto Vallarta area by Monday, while its outer bands brought gale-force winds and rough seas to the Gulf of Tehuantepec. Forecasts warned of possible heavy rain, damaging wind gusts, hazardous surf and localized flooding along western Mexico beginning next week; impacts will depend on whether Vance tracks closer to the coast or stays offshore. One forecast said Vance reaching major-hurricane status would make it the Pacific season’s 11th major hurricane, tying the record set in 2015.