Karina rapidly becomes a major hurricane in the Pacific far from land, forecasters say

Forecasters say Hurricane Karina has become a major hurricane in the Pacific Ocean, but poses no immediate threat to land

Hurricane Karina formed Sunday in the Pacific Ocean and swiftly intensified into a dangerous major storm within hours, fueled by warm waters far offshore where it poses no immediate threat to land.

While Karina was expected to stay well away from land, swells from the storm were likely to cause dangerous surf and rip current conditions along parts of southwest Mexico and the Baja California Peninsula, the hurricane center said.

A major hurricane is Category 3 or greater and Karina is currently a Category 1 hurricane, carrying maximum sustained winds of 80 mph.

It could become a major storm this week, forecasters say.ByThe Associated PressAugust 30, 2026, 7:17 AMMIAMI -- Tropical Storm Karina strengthened into a hurricane in the Pacific Ocean on Sunday and could become a major storm this week, forecasters said. The cyclone's center was at far out sea and was not threatening l

Tropical Storm Karina has strengthened into a hurricane in the Pacific Ocean

Tropical Storm Karina strengthens into a hurricane in the Pacific, could be a major storm this week  Toronto Star

Tropical Storm Karina strengthens into a hurricane in the Pacific, could be a major storm this week  AP News

Tropical Storm Karina is expected to become a hurricane, with forecasts indicating a path towards California.

However the storm’s name is not connected to Dolly Parton’s death

An Atlantic disturbance could first become a tropical depression then strengthen into Tropical Storm Dolly.

Storm systems are named by procedures set by the World Meteorological Organisation and the lists of names are reused every six years.