Tropical Storm Karina Could Become Major Hurricane This Weekend

Tropical Storm Karina has formed in the eastern Pacific Ocean and is forecast to rapidly intensify into a powerful hurricane this weekend while remaining well offshore from Mexico.

The National Hurricane Center said Karina was located about 750 miles south-southwest of the southern tip of Baja California on Friday morning, with maximum sustained winds near 50 mph.

Karina Expected to Rapidly Strengthen

Favorable atmospheric conditions and warm ocean waters are expected to support significant strengthening over the next several days.

Karina could reach hurricane strength within 24 hours before developing into a Category 3 major hurricane, with maximum sustained winds potentially reaching approximately 115 mph by Sunday night.

Storm Forecast to Remain Over Open Waters

Karina is moving northwest at approximately 10 mph and is currently expected to remain over the open eastern Pacific, away from the southwestern coast of Mexico.

No coastal watches or warnings were in effect, but the storm is expected to grow considerably in size as it strengthens.

Dangerous Surf Could Reach Mexico

Large swells generated by Karina could affect portions of southwestern Mexico and the Baja California Peninsula during the weekend.

These conditions may produce dangerous surf and life-threatening rip currents along parts of the coastline, even though the center of the storm is forecast to remain far offshore.