Tropical Storm Karina has rapidly intensified into a powerful Category 4 hurricane over the eastern Pacific, with maximum sustained winds reaching 145 mph, according to the US National Hurricane Center (NHC). Despite its strength, Karina is currently far from land and is not posing an immediate direct threat to coastal areas.
The storm's rapid strengthening comes after Karina became a hurricane on Sunday. Warm ocean waters and favourable atmospheric conditions have helped fuel the system as it moves westward across the Pacific.
Where is Tropical Storm Karina now?
Karina was located about 1,020 miles (1,642 km) west-southwest of the southern tip of Mexico's Baja California Peninsula, according to the latest forecast information. The storm was moving west, away from the Mexican coast. There are currently no coastal watches or warnings in effect for Karina.
Although Karina is not expected to make an immediate landfall, its size and strength could still have an impact on ocean conditions.
The NHC has warned that swells generated by the hurricane could affect portions of the coast of southwest Mexico and the Baja California Peninsula, potentially creating dangerous surf and rip-current conditions.
