Tropical Storm Karl moved slowly toward Mexico's southern Gulf coast, and while it was not expected to grow into a hurricane, forecasters warned of the danger of flash floods from heavy rains in the region. The storm was expected to weaken somewhat on Friday before making landfall in Veracruz state or Tabasco state by late Friday or early Saturday.

Karl had maximum sustained winds of 45 mph (75 kph) late on Thursday, the US National Hurricane Centre said. The storm was centred about 155 miles (245 kilometres) north-northeast of the resort town of Ciudad del Carmen and headed southeast at 7 mph (11 kph). A tropical storm warning already posted from the town of Alvarado to Ciudad del Carmen was extended to Sabancuy late on Thursday.