Paul now a major Category 3 hurricane in Pacific off Mexico; TS Rafael near hurricane strength
MIAMI - Forecasters say Paul has become a major Category 3 hurricane in the Pacific off Mexico and a hurricane warning has been issued for a swath of Baja California's western coastline.
The U.S. National Hurricane Center says Paul's maximum sustained winds have increased to 120 mph (195 kph) as of 5 p.m. EDT Monday. Paul is centred about 415 miles (670 kilometres) southwest of the tip of the Baja peninsula and moving north-northeast at 13 mph (20 kph).
The centre says Tropical Storm Rafael could reach hurricane strength in the Atlantic Monday night or Tuesday.
Rafael's maximum sustained winds are near 70 mph (110 kph). It's centred about 570 miles (915 kilometres) south of Bermuda, where a tropical storm warning is in effect. Rafael's moving north at 10 mph (17 kph).
