Hurricane John now a Category 4 storm

ACAPULCO, Mexico - Hurricane John strengthened into a dangerous Category 4 storm Wednesday, with forecasters predicting its center would come closer to land during its march up Mexico's Pacific coast, as its outer bands lashed tourist resorts with heavy winds and rain.

National Hurricane Center in Miami told The Associated Press that the storm has became a Category 4 storm with winds exceeding 130 mph.

While its eye was not projected to hit land, the U.S. National Hurricane Center said hurricane-force winds were likely to begin lashing beaches northwest of Acapulco and Ixtapa late Wednesday.