CANCUN, Mexico (AP) — Authorities have been evacuating fishing communities and closing schools along Mexico's Caribbean coast as Hurricane Rina approaches.

The storm is on a track toward Cancun and the island of Cozumel, and tourists have begun leaving resorts in the region. Cruise ships are shifting their routes away from Rina's path to avoid storm surges, waves and heavy rain.

The National Hurricane Center in Miama says Rina's top winds are steady at about 110 miles an hour, making it a Category 2 storm. Forecasters say it could weaken in the next 12 to 24 hours, though it's expected to remain at hurricane strength as it nears the coast tonight.

Rina's projected track shows it curving east toward Cuba and the Straits of Florida by early next week. But the Hurricane Center cautions that there's "great uncertainty" about where it's going.

(Copyright 2011, The Associated Press)