October 7, 2008 Marco hits Mexico's Gulf Coast

VERACRUZ, Mexico (AP) - Tropical Storm Marco has roared ashore on Mexico's Gulf coast with near-hurricane force winds.

The storm has flooded coastal highways, and led to the closing of some oil platforms and a natural gas processing plant in Veracruz. Marco has also brought heavy rains to Veracruz, where authorities are preparing to evacuate some low-lying areas.

A civil protection official says some rain-swollen rivers have already jumped their banks, leaving at least two towns under 10 feet of water.

Forecasters describe Marco as a tightly wound storm, with winds extending only about 15 miles. It's expected to fade as it moves over mountainous terrain.

Meanwhile, on the other side of Mexico, Norbert has strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane. It's expected to hit the southern Baja California Peninsula by the weekend.