Hurricane Kristy has intensified into a Category 3 storm in the Pacific Ocean and is projected to steer clear of land as it strengthens further, according to forecasters. The storm is currently located 650 miles southwest of the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula in Mexico, moving westward at 20 mph with maximum sustained winds of 125 mph, as reported by the National Hurricane Center based in Miami.
The National Hurricane Center has warned that waves produced by Kristy will impact parts of the west coast of the Baja California peninsula later this week, which could lead to life-threatening surf and rip current conditions. Kristy initially formed as a tropical storm off the southern Pacific coast of Mexico on Monday before intensifying into a hurricane on Tuesday. Forecasters anticipate continued strengthening on Wednesday and Thursday before gradual weakening commences on Friday.
The storm is expected to remain over open waters with no coastal watches or warnings currently in effect. Brad Reinhart, a senior hurricane specialist at the center, reassured that Kristy is moving westward at a swift pace away from land, posing no immediate threats.
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