A rare January hurricane formed far out in the Atlantic is the first to form during the month since 1938, US officials say.

The death toll in Mexico from flooding caused by former Hurricane Alex rose to six, authorities said.

BP Plc defended its chief executive yesterday after Russia’s deputy prime minister said he expected Tony Hayward to resign soon, as a strengthening storm threatened efforts to capture more oil gushing into the Gulf of Mexico.

Tropical Storm Alex is gaining strength as it swirls across the Gulf of Mexico today on a path towards Mexico’s north-eastern coast.