Hurricane Erick is forecast to become a major hurricane — a Category 3 or higher — by tonight, before it reaches Mexico, the National Hurricane Center said on Wednesday.

ACAPULCO, Mexico (AP) — Hurricane Erick rapidly strengthened Wednesday afternoon into a potent Category 2 storm as it churned toward Mexico's southern coast amid warnings it was likely to become a dangerous major hurricane that would threaten the region with damaging winds, life-threatening flash floods and mudslides.