Hurricane Kristy Strengthens Into A Category 3 Storm In The Pacific Ocean

MEXICO CITY — Hurricane Kristy grew into a Category 3 storm in the Pacific Ocean on Wednesday and is predicted to stay away from land as it becomes stronger, forecasters said.

The storm was about 650 miles (1,045 kilometers) southwest of the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California peninsula, moving west at 20 mph (31 kph). The National Hurricane Center in Miami reported maximum sustained winds of 125 mph (205 kph).

Hurricane Kristy Strengthens Into A Category 3 Storm In The Pacific Ocean

Kristy’s waves will hit areas of the Baja California peninsula’s west coast late this week, causing potentially fatal surf and rip current conditions, according to the center.

Kristy formed as a tropical storm off Mexico’s southern Pacific coast on Monday before intensifying into a hurricane on Tuesday. Forecasters predicted steady to rapid strengthening on Wednesday and Thursday, followed by moderate weakening beginning Friday.

Hurricane Kristy Strengthens Into A Category 3 Storm In The Pacific Ocean

The storm was predicted to continue moving across open water. No coastal watches or warnings were in effect.

“This one is moving due westward at a quick forward speed well out to sea, so there are no concerns about land,” said Brad Reinhart, a senior hurricane specialist at the center.

Oscar, which made landfall as a Category 1 hurricane in Cuba on Sunday, dissolved into tropical remnants in the Atlantic Ocean Tuesday. The island is recovering from floods and power shortages.

SOURCE | AP