Tropical Storm Boris weakens as it hits Mexico's southern coast with heavy rains

MEXICO CITY – Tropical Storm Boris weakened back into a tropical depression Wednesday, but continued to drench southern Mexico.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center said the storm was dropping heavy rains during its passage across Oaxaca and Chiapas states, with up to 20 inches (50 centimeters) possible in isolated spots. Almost 8.5 inches (21 centimeters) was recorded in the coastal town of Tonala. Veracruz and Tabasco states expected lesser amounts.

The Hurricane Center in Miami said Boris was centered about 80 miles (130 kilometers) east-northeast of the coastal city of Salina Cruz by Wednesday afternoon, and it was drifting northward at about 2 mph (4 kph) with maximum sustained winds of about 25 mph (35 kph).

The center predicted the storm would largely dissipate Wednesday night while moving across the narrow Tehuantepec isthmus toward the Gulf of Mexico.

Forecasters warned that there was still a threat of flash floods and mudslides in higher terrain.