Tropical Storm Hermine strengthened in the Gulf of Mexico on Monday as it moved toward the coasts of Mexico and Texas. Warnings were issued early Monday for the southern Texas coast, following earlier warnings posted along the northeastern Mexico coast. Hermine's maximum sustained winds have risen to almost 75 kilometers per hour (kph), and some additional strengthening is expected before the storm hits land. Heavy rain is forecast, with northeastern Mexico and south Texas receiving 10 to 20 centimeters and the possibility of 30 centimeters in some areas. The precipitation could cause flash floods and mudslides. At 1200 GMT, the storm was about 450 kilometers south-southeast of Brownsville, Texas and was moving north near 17 kph.
