Hurricane Gilma Strengthens in the Eastern Pacific

Hurricane Gilma, the second hurricane of the eastern Pacific Ocean season, was located 1,504 km west-southwest of Baja California. Currently a Category 1 storm, it has maximum sustained winds of 120 kph, moving west at 10 mph. No coastal warnings are in effect.

Hurricane Gilma has become the second hurricane of this year's eastern Pacific Ocean season early Wednesday, projected to stay away from land.

The Category 1 storm is currently situated around 1,504 kilometers west-southwest of the southern tip of Mexico's Baja California peninsula, as per the National Hurricane Center in Miami.

No coastal watches or warnings have been issued. Gilma was elevated to tropical storm status this past Sunday.

The hurricane is advancing westward at a speed of 10 mph (16 kph), with a slightly slower westward to west-northwest movement anticipated in the upcoming days, accompanied by additional strengthening.

Its maximum sustained winds are clocked at 120 kph, with higher gusts. Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 25 miles (40 km) from the center, while tropical-storm-force winds reach outward up to 140 miles (225 km).

(With inputs from agencies.)