Pacific Hurricane Karina Escalates to Cat 4 Far From Land

Hurricane Karina strengthened to Category 4 with about 145 mph winds far off the Mexican coast, and no coastal watches were in effect, though waves were expected to affect Mexico and possibly Southern California; further strengthening was anticipated. Separately, Tropical Storm Lowell was about 855 miles east-southeast of Hawaii and could become a hurricane by Monday night or Tuesday, but posed no immediate land threat.