Tropical Storm Barbara formed off the southern coast of Mexico on Sunday morning, and forecasters say its expected to become the first hurricane of the season in the Eastern Pacific.

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) said Tropical Storm Barbara has maximum sustained winds of 45 mph and is moving off to the west-northwest at 12 mph.

It’s currently located about 180 miles south-southwest of Zihuatanejo, Mexico.

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A tropical storm is a tropical cyclone that as maximum sustained winds from 39 mph to 73 mph – an upgrade from a tropical depression.

The NHC said Barbara is expected to continue to move off to the west-northwest over the next few days before making a turn to the west at a slower speed on Tuesday.

Tropical Storm Barbara is expected to strengthen over the next day or two, and it’s expected to become a hurricane on Monday.

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The NHC said rainfall totals of 2-4 inches, with locally higher amounts, is forecast for the Mexican states of Guerrero, Michoacan, Colima and Jalisco through Monday, raising concerns of flooding and mudslides.

In addition, large waves at local beaches are expected to cause life-threatening rip currents.

The Pacific hurricane season runs from May 15 to Nov. 30. 

This story is developing. Check back frequently for updates.