- Storm Karina has intensified into a Category 4 hurricane in the Pacific Ocean , reaching maximum sustained winds of 145 mph (233 kph).
- Located approximately 1,020 miles (1,642 kilometers) west-southwest of the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula of Mexico, Karina is moving farther out to sea and poses no direct land threat, though its swells may cause dangerous surf and rip currents.
- The storm became a hurricane Sunday and has quickly intensified, fueled by warm waters far offshore. Waves are expected to affect Mexico and likely Southern California. and additional strengthening is possible Monday, followed by fluctuations in intensity.
- Tropical Storm Lowell, meanwhile, is currently active 855 miles (1,376 kilometers) southeast of Hawaii but it similarly poses no threat to land as it moves across the Pacific Ocean.
- The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has predicted a below-average Atlantic hurricane season influenced by El Nino, forecasting eight to 14 named storms.
IN FULL
Forecasters give update on Tropical Storm Karina as it strengthens into a hurricane in the Pacific
