Mexico City - The category two hurricane Norbert lashed the west coast of Mexico Saturday, causing considerable damage along the Baja California peninsula.

The roofs of houses were blown off and electricity pylons ripped out in wind speeds of more than 200 kilometres per hour, the national weather service said.

Around 1,000 people have sought refuge in shelters as heavy rain flooded roads and houses.

Norbert was expected to sweep across the Sea of Cortez in a north- easterly direction towards the Mexican mainland Saturday, either as a a weaker Hurricane or a tropical storm.

Mexico's southern Pacific coast was also being lashed by tropical storm Odile with wind speeds of 125 kilometres per hour and heavy rains. (dpa)