Tropical storm fernand expected to weaken

Tropical Storm Fernand is expected to weaken to a tropical depression later in the day as it brings heavy rains to eastern Mexico, AP reported. The storm's maximum sustained winds early Monday decreased to near 40 mph (65 kph). A tropical storm warning is in effect on Mexico's coast from Veracruz north to Barra de Nautla. The government of Veracruz state has advised its 7.7 million residents to stay home, and Gov. Javier Duarte suspended classes in the state to protect children from venturing out into winds and rain. Fernand is centered about 95 miles (150 kilometers) northwest of Veracruz and is moving west-northwest near 9 mph (15 kph). The storm is expected to bring 4 to 8 inches of rain over parts of several states as it moved toward central Mexico.