Tropical storm Karina rapidly intensifies into major hurricane in Pacific: Latest forecast and track
On Sunday, it emerged as a Category 1 storm with 80mph winds
Tropical Storm Karina rapidly intensified into a major hurricane in the middle of the Pacific Ocean on Sunday.
To make the matter worse, it is reported that it could become a major storm this week.
Storm Karina formed on Sunday in the Pacific and quickly strengthened into a dangerous Category 3 with wind speed of 125mph in a matter of hours. First, it emerged as a Category 1 storm with 80mph winds.
The center of the storm is currently far out to sea and is not threatening land and is expected to stay well away from coastal areas.
Speaking about location and track, on Sunday, the Karina storm was located roughly 960 miles west-southwest of the southern tip of Baja California. It was moving northwest at 15 miles per hour on a forecast path that takes it farther out into the open Pacific.
Although it will remain offshore, swells from the hurricane are expected to generate dangerous surf and rip current conditions along parts of southwest Mexico and the Baja California Peninsula. There are currently no coastal watches or warnings in effect.
Tropical Storm Lowell was located about 985 miles east-southeast of Hilo, Hawaii with 50mph winds. It also posed no immediate threat while carrying the potential to become a hurricane.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, there will be a below-average Atlantic hurricane season due to El Nino. Forecasters projected a total of eight to 14 named storms, with three to six expected to reach hurricane status and up to three potentially strengthening into major hurricanes.
