Hurricane Rachal gradually strengthens as storm moves away from Mexico

Hurricane Rachal continues to gradually strengthen while slowly becoming better organized as it moves away from Mexico.

Reconnaissance aircraft found that the storm’s intensity remained roughly unchanged from overnight levels, although forecasters expect Rachal to begin strengthening again later tonight.

The hurricane’s organization has been improving slowly, and conditions could become more favorable for additional intensification as the system moves farther away from the Mexican coast.

Residents and interests along Rachal’s potential path should continue monitoring official forecasts for further changes in the storm’s strength and track.