MEXICO CITY -- Tropical Storm Julio is getting stronger as it bears down on the tip of the Baja California peninsula, prompting warnings of heavy desert rains.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami says Julio is not expected to become a hurricane, though it will likely strengthen.

At last report, the storm had maximum sustained winds of 50 miles-an-hour and was centered about 35 miles south of the resorts at Cabo San Lucas. Tropical storm force winds extend 85 miles at some points.

Perhaps more dangerous is the possibility of 3 to 6 inches of rain in a normally parched region where flash flooding is possible.

The Mexican government has issued a tropical storm warning from Punta Abreojos on the West Coast of the peninsula around the southern tip and up to Mulege on the East Coast.

Julio is moving north-northwest at 13 miles-an-hour.