Kristy Rapidly Intensifies to 150 mph, Becomes Strongest Pacific Hurricane of 2024, No Threat to Land

Oct 23, 2024, 03:02 PM

Hurricane Kristy has rapidly intensified in the eastern Pacific Ocean, strengthening from a tropical storm to a major Category 4 hurricane within a short time. Initially forming from the remnants of Tropical Storm Nadine in the Atlantic, Kristy developed into a hurricane south of Mexico and is moving westward over open waters, away from land. The storm intensified from 60 mph to 120 mph in just 24 hours, marking a 60 mph increase. Kristy is now the 12th hurricane-strength cyclone to form in the Pacific Ocean this year and has surpassed Hurricane Gilma as the strongest storm in the region for 2024. The National Hurricane Center reports that Kristy has reached sustained winds of up to 150 mph (130 kt) and a central pressure of 932 mb. Forecasters expect Kristy to potentially reach Category 5 intensity before gradually weakening as it encounters cooler waters and increased wind shear later in the week.