Hurricane Paul weakened to a tropical storm Tuesday, easing the threat to rain-sodden resorts at the tip of the Baja California peninsula, AP reported. Paul had maximum sustained winds near 65 mph (100 kph) and was moving north at about 7 mph (11 kph), the U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami said. Forecasters predicted it was likely to weaken further but could dump up to 10 inches of rain in the mountains on Mexico's mainland, causing severe flooding. Paul was 310 miles (495 kilometers) southwest of Cabo San Lucas and about 470 miles (750 kilometers) southwest of Mazatlan. A tropical storm warning was in effect for the tip of Baja California and for the mainland from Mazatlan to Altata. Streets were already flooded with ankle-deep water in the resort of Cabo San Lucas, where authorities closed schools and opened eight shelters Tuesday. Officials were searching for the body of an American man who reportedly drowned while swimming in surging waves Monday. Paul, with winds that reached 110 mph (175 kph) on Monday, was the third hurricane to threaten this popular resort area this season. Known for their rugged beauty, San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas are popular with sports fishermen and celebrities and famous for its deep-sea fishing, world-class golf courses and pristine beaches flanked by cactus-dotted deserts. Mexico was struck by two Pacific hurricanes last month. Hurricane John battered Baja California, killing five people and destroying 160 homes, while Hurricane Lane hit the resort town of Mazatlan, causing relatively minor damage.
