Hurricane Genevieve intensified to a Category 4 storm in the Pacific Ocean on Tuesday, far from land, while the weakening Tropical Storm Fausto was bringing large surf to Hawaii.
Genevieve reached Category 4 strength with maximum sustained winds of 140 mph (220 kph), according to the National Hurricane Center. The storm had briefly reached Category 5 strength early Monday, marking the first time in two years a storm of that intensity has occurred in the East Pacific region. Genevieve's center was located about 515 miles (830 kilometers) southwest of the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula and was moving northwest at 10 mph (17 kph).
No coastal watches or warnings were in effect for Genevieve, but the hurricane center noted that swells from the storm were affecting parts of Mexico’s southwestern coast and the Baja California peninsula, likely causing life-threatening surf and rip current conditions. Forecasters expect Genevieve to fluctuate in intensity before weakening later in the week.
Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Fausto, located farther northwest in the Pacific, has weakened. Forecasters said Fausto is expected to pass north of Hawaii, but residents should still monitor its progress for potential impacts. Large surf and strong currents were increasing on east-facing shores along Hawaii's islands. Fausto had maximum sustained winds of 65 mph (100 kph) and was centered about 340 miles (545 kilometers) east-northeast of Hilo, Hawaii, traveling west-northwest at 15 mph (24 kph).