Hurricane Kristy Intensifies to Category 4 in Pacific

Hurricane Kristy escalated to a Category 4 storm on Wednesday as it churned away in the Pacific Ocean—though it appears to remain distant from land. Positioned 710 miles south-southwest of Baja California's southern tip, Kristy is advancing westward at 20mph. With maximum winds reaching 155mph, nearing Category 5 status, the National Hurricane Center emphasized potential hazards from waves impacting Baja California's coast, predicting life-threatening surf and rip currents by week's end.

Still, "This one is moving due westward at a quick forward speed well out to sea, so no concerns for land," stated Brad Reinhart, a senior hurricane specialist. Meteorologists noted Kristy's rapid intensification since it formed as a tropical storm off Mexico's Pacific coast on Monday. Initially reaching Category 3 status on Wednesday, the storm continued to gather strength. Forecasters anticipate gradual weakening starting Friday. Meanwhile, in the Atlantic, Hurricane Oscar dissipated into tropical remnants Tuesday after impacting Cuba as a Category 1 hurricane, leaving behind flooding and power outages. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)