MIAMI — Hurricane Dolores strengthened a little and is expected to get even stronger off Mexico’s southwest coast.

The hurricane’s maximum sustained winds increased to near 80 mph (130 kph) Tuesday morning. The U.S. National Hurricane Center says Dolores will get stronger and is expected to become a major hurricane Wednesday.

The storm is centred about 245 miles (395 kilometrees) south-southwest of Cabo Corrientes, Mexico, and is moving west near 6 mph (9 kph).

Swells generated by Dolores in southwest Mexico could cause life-threatening surfs and rip currents.

Meanwhile in the Atlantic, Tropical Storm Claudette has weakened as it moves northeastward. Claudette’s maximum sustained winds have decreased to near 45 mph (75 kph) with additional weakening expected.

Claudette is centred about 310 miles (500 kilometres) south of Halifax, Nova Scotia, and is moving northeast near 20 mph (31 kph).