Hurricane Karina Rapidly Intensifies to Category 3 in Eastern Pacific, Generating Dangerous Swells

Hurricane Karina formed in the Pacific Ocean on Sunday, August 30, 2026, and swiftly intensified into a dangerous Category 3 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 125 mph (205 kph) within hours. While located far out to sea, approximately 960 miles (1,545 kilometers) west-southwest of the southern tip of Mexico's Baja California Peninsula, it is expected to generate life-threatening surf and rip current conditions along portions of the coast of southwest Mexico and the Baja California Peninsula for the next couple of days. Some additional strengthening is possible.