Arizona area residents are bracing for what could be heavy rains at least through Wednesday as Tropical Storm Paine continues to engulf the area.

As of early Monday, the tropical storm was churning southwest of the Baja, California area at winds of up to 90 mph. The storm was expected to make landfall northwest of Baja early Wednesday, by which time its impact could have weakened.

In time, Karl is expected to stir along the Caribbean Islands, posing major danger for shipping interests over the next several hours.

American authorities are hoping a cool front will prove enough to push the storm far enough northeast that it skips U.S. soil altogether.

Even if the storm manages to miss the U.S., its domestic effects could still be felt. Swells generated by the hurricane are likely to reach the East Coast and create hazards for swimmers and boaters alike. The routes of freight and cruise ships over the southwestern Atlantic Ocean could be impacted.

The storm could also endanger late-season vacationers hoping to take advantage of the still warm water temperatures before the official change of season.

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