Hurricane Gilma has officially become the second hurricane of the Eastern Pacific Ocean season as it strengthened early Wednesday. Positioned approximately 935 miles (1,504 kilometers) west-southwest of the southern tip of Mexico's Baja California peninsula, Gilma is expected to remain over open waters, posing no immediate threat to coastal areas.
The Category 1 storm intensified from tropical storm status last Sunday, with maximum sustained winds reaching near 75 mph (120 kph) and higher gusts. Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 25 miles (40 km) from the center, while tropical-storm-force winds reach up to 140 miles (225 km).
Gilma is currently moving west at 10 mph (16 kph). Meteorologists forecast a slightly slower westward to west-northwest motion in the coming days, with further strengthening expected during this period.
According to the U.S. National Hurricane Center, there are no coastal watches or warnings in effect as Gilma continues its journey across the eastern Pacific.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
