Hurricane Gilma Strengthens in Pacific
- Hurricane Gilma has intensified to a Category 3 in the eastern Pacific Ocean.
- National Hurricane Center forecasts further strengthening of the storm as it remains at sea.
- The powerful hurricane poses a potential threat to areas along its path.
MEXICO CITY (AP) — Hurricane Gilma has intensified into a powerful Category 3 storm in the eastern Pacific Ocean, with forecasts indicating it will maintain its strength for the next few days while remaining offshore. As of Thursday, the hurricane was situated approximately 1,025 miles (1,649 kilometers) west-southwest of the southern tip of Mexico's Baja California peninsula, according to the National Hurricane Center in Miami. The storm boasts maximum sustained winds of around 115 mph (185 kph), with potential for further strengthening. Initially classified as a tropical storm on Sunday, Gilma has rapidly escalated in intensity, moving west-northwest at a speed of 6 mph (9 kph). The hurricane's force extends outward significantly, with hurricane-force winds reaching up to 30 miles (48 kilometers) from its center and tropical-storm-force winds extending up to 125 miles (205 kilometers). On Wednesday, Gilma had already been upgraded to a Category 2 hurricane, with expectations of becoming a major hurricane by Thursday. At that time, it was located about 975 miles (1,570 kilometers) from the Baja California peninsula, with maximum sustained winds of 105 mph (165 kph). Currently, there are no coastal watches or warnings in effect, allowing residents and authorities to monitor the situation without immediate concern for landfall. The National Hurricane Center continues to track Gilma's progress as it remains a significant weather event in the region.