MIAMI >>Forecasters have issued a tropical storm warning for coastal areas in the southernmost parts of Mexico after a storm formed in the eastern Pacific Ocean.

The National Hurricane Center said late Tuesday that Tropical Storm Barbara was about 120 miles  south-southwest of Salina Cruz, Mexico.

The storm has maximum sustained winds of 45 mph and was moving north-northeast at 3 mph.

However, forecasters said the storm is expected to strengthen over the next day or two. The storm’s center should reach the coast of southern Mexico during the day on Wednesday.

A tropical storm warning is in effect in Mexico from Lagunas de Chacahua to Boca de Pijijiapan.

The storm is expected to bring 3 to 6 inches of rain over southern Oaxaca, Mexico.