Carina Intensifies to Major Category 3 Hurricane, 125 mph Winds

Hurricane Carina underwent rapid intensification over the Pacific Ocean, escalating to a major hurricane rated Category 3 on the Saffir-Simpson scale. U.S. National Hurricane Center officials confirmed the system posed no immediate threat to land.

The center reported that Carina first attained Category 1 hurricane status on Sunday. Within hours, it strengthened further, with maximum sustained winds reaching 125 miles per hour—approximately 205 kilometers per hour.

A hurricane is classified as “major” when it reaches Category 3 or higher and its maximum sustained winds exceed 178 kilometers per hour.

As of the latest advisory, Carina’s center was positioned roughly 1,545 kilometers west-southwest of the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula.

Forecast track and marine hazards

Forecast models indicate Carina will continue moving farther out into the open Pacific Ocean, reducing the likelihood of a direct landfall.

Although the storm remains well offshore, the National Hurricane Center issued warnings that large swells generated by Carina are expected to produce life-threatening surf and dangerous rip currents along portions of Mexico’s southwestern coast and the Baja California Peninsula.