Paul strengthens into hurricane in Pacific Paul strengthens into hurricane in Pacific - Weather updated 27 minutes ago Paul strengthens into a hurricane in the Pacific Tropical Storm Rafael expected to intensify Monday afternoon Tropical Storm Paul grew into a hurricane early Monday, and a tropical storm watch was issued for parts of Baja California, according to the National Hurricane Center. The category 1 storm with wind speeds near 75 miles per hour, is moving north at 7 miles per hour and is expected to weaken by Tuesday. It is located about 290 miles north of San Juan, Puerto Rico. It will likely affect parts of the Baja coast late Tuesday. In the Atlantic, Tropical Storm Rafael could become a hurricane later Monday, but is not expected to impact the United States, the NHC said. A tropical storm watch is in effect for Bermuda with high winds possible by Tuesday afternoon or evening. Rafael is the 17th named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season.