Karina Rapidly Becomes a Major Hurricane in the Pacific Far from Land, Forecasters Say

Hurricane Karina rapidly intensified into a major storm in the Pacific Ocean without posing any immediate threat to land, according to forecasters. The powerful hurricane formed on Sunday and quickly gained Category 1 hurricane status with 80 mph (130 kph) winds. It then surged to a dangerous Category 3 level with maximum sustained winds of 125 mph (205 kph) within hours.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami reported that Karina was about 960 miles (1,545 kilometers) west-southwest of Mexico's Baja California Peninsula and moving west at 9 mph (15 kph). Meteorologists noted that additional strengthening was possible over the next day or so. While Karina was forecast to stay far from land, swells from the storm could create hazardous surf and rip current conditions along stretches of southwest Mexico and Baja California coastline.

No coastal watches or warnings were in effect at the time. Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Lowell was located about 985 miles (1,585 kilometers) east-southeast of Hilo, Hawaii, with winds of 50 mph (85 kph) and posing no immediate land threat. Forecasters predicted that Lowell could become a hurricane by Monday night or Tuesday.