Carlotta weakens to tropical depression off Mexico's coast

MEXICO CITY – Former hurricane and tropical storm Carlotta weakened into a tropical depression expected to stay just off Mexico's Pacific coast Monday, though its heavy rains continued to pose a threat of flash flooding and mudslides on shore, particularly in mountainous areas.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center said Carlotta had maximum sustained winds of 30 mph (45 kph) Sunday. It was centered about 55 miles (90 kilometers) south of Lazaro Cardenas and was moving to the west-northwest at 5 mph (7 kph).

The center said Carlotta, which is the third named storm of the Pacific hurricane season, was expected to dissipate by Monday morning but cautioned that people on shore should be alert to the dangers from its rains.