| MIAMI - A hurricane watch has been issued for the coasts of Texas and Mexico in the Gulf as Tropical Storm Hermine approaches. The hurricane watch issued Monday covers the area from Rio San Fernando, Mexico, northward to Baffin Bay in Texas. Hermine's maximum sustained winds have increased to near 50 mph (85 kph). Additional strengthening is expected and the storm could approach hurricane strength before making landfall. Hermine is located about 205 miles (325 kilometers) south-southeast of Brownsville, Texas, and is moving north-northwest near 13 mph (20 kph). Heavy rain is predicted with northeastern Mexico into south Texas getting 4 to 8 inches with as much as a foot in some places. It could cause flash floods and mudslides. THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below. MIAMI (AP) - Tropical Storm Hermine is getting a little stronger in the Gulf of Mexico as it heads toward the coasts of Texas and Mexico. A tropical storm warning was issued early Monday for the southern Texas coast. A tropical storm warning was already in effect for the coast of Mexico from Tampico to the mouth of the Rio Grande. Hermine's maximum sustained winds have increased to near 45 mph (75 kph) with some additional strengthening expected before the storm makes landfall. Heavy rain is predicted with northeastern Mexico into south Texas getting 4 to 8 inches with as much as a foot in some places. It could cause flash floods and mudslides. The storm is located about 280 miles (450 kilometers) south-southeast of Brownsville, Texas, and is moving north near 10 mph (17 kph). |