Hurricane Kristy strengthened into a Category 4 storm on Wednesday and is expected to remain away from land as it churns in the Pacific Ocean, according to forecasters. The major hurricane was located 710 miles (1,140 kilometers) south-southwest of the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula in Mexico, moving west at 20 mph (31 kph) with maximum sustained winds of 155 mph (250 kph), just shy of Category 5 status, as reported by the Miami-based National Hurricane Center.
The storm is anticipated to continue its path over open waters. Waves generated by Kristy will impact parts of the west coast of the Baja California peninsula late this week, likely resulting in life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.
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Earlier on Wednesday, Hurricane Kristy had briefly been classified as a Category 3 storm, located 650 miles (1,045 kilometers) southwest of the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula, also moving west at 20 mph (31 kph) with maximum sustained winds of 125 mph (205 kph). Waves generated by Kristy were still expected to affect portions of the Baja California coastline late this week, posing risks of dangerous surf and rip currents.
Kristy initially became a tropical storm on Monday off Mexico’s southern Pacific coast, strengthening into a hurricane by Tuesday. Forecasters expect steady to rapid strengthening on Wednesday and Thursday, followed by a gradual weakening beginning Friday. The storm is projected to continue moving over open waters, with no coastal watches or warnings currently in effect.
“This one is moving due westward at a quick forward speed well out to sea, so no concerns for land,” said Brad Reinhart, a senior hurricane specialist at the center.
In the Atlantic Ocean, Oscar disintegrated into tropical remnants on Tuesday after making landfall in Cuba as a Category 1 hurricane on Sunday. The island is now recovering from flooding and power outages.
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