Hurricane Fausto has intensified into a Category 2 storm in the Pacific Ocean and is projected to approach the Hawaiian Islands next week, according to the National Hurricane Center.
Forecasters stated that the potential for wind and rainfall impacts in the region is growing, though the exact intensity and path remain uncertain. As of Friday, Fausto was located approximately 1,300 miles west of the southern tip of Mexico's Baja California peninsula and 1,600 miles east of Hilo, Hawaii. The storm's maximum sustained winds have reached about 100 mph.
Beyond the Hawaiian Islands, swells generated by Fausto are expected to cause dangerous surf conditions and rip currents along parts of the Southern California coast. These swells could lead to life-threatening conditions for swimmers and surfers.
Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Bertha recently made landfall on the Gulf Coast, bringing heavy surf and some flooding to Louisiana and Texas. The National Hurricane Center declared Bertha had dissipated by late Thursday evening.