Forecasters give update on Tropical Storm Karina as it strengthens into a hurricane in the Pacific
Forecasters give update on Tropical Storm Karina as it strengthens into a hurricane in the Pacific
Rich Booth Mon, August 31, 2026 at 12:50 PM UTC
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Hurricane Karina strengthened into a major Category 4 system over the Pacific Ocean on Monday, though weather forecasters said it poses no direct threat to land.
Fueled by warm offshore waters, the storm has rapidly escalated since achieving hurricane status on Sunday, according to updates from the U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami.
Moving westward, Karina was situated approximately 1,020 miles (1,642 kilometers) west-southwest of the southern tip of Mexico's Baja California peninsula, carrying maximum sustained winds of 145 mph (233 kph).
No coastal watches or warnings have been declared, yet large ocean waves are expected to reach Mexico and likely Southern California. Meteorologists noted potential further strengthening Monday, followed by varying strength.
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This satellite image released by NOAA shows Hurricane Karina strengthening off the southern tip of Baja California on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026 (NOAA)
Elsewhere in the region, Tropical Storm Lowell was located around 855 miles (1,376 kilometers) east-southeast of Hilo, Hawaii. Packing maximum sustained winds of 60 mph (97 kph), it was advancing west.
Predictions indicate Lowell may build into a hurricane by late Monday or Tuesday. While presenting no immediate risk to land, the center warned that the storm could approach the Hawaiian Islands later in the week.
Meanwhile, one person died and about 15 people are missing or unaccounted for after a major flash flood at the Grand Canyon forced evacuations, pushed large boulders into the Colorado River and knocked out the sole water pipeline that serves tourists and residents, the National Park Service said on Sunday.
The body of a 46-year-old man was recovered Sunday evening near Crystal Rapids along the Colorado River, the park service said without providing additional details. Officials from an Arizona coroner's office were on scene.
The flooding Saturday in Bright Angel Creek, which flows into the river, led to more than 60 people being airlifted from the depths of the canyon. The park service asked anyone with details about hikers or campers still unaccounted for to get in touch.
This photo shows Grand Canyon National Park in northern Arizona on Sunday, Aug. 30, 2026, after it was hit by heavy flooding a day earlier. (Craig Sanderson via AP) (AP)
Source: “AOL Breaking”
