Gilma Strengthens to Category 3 Hurricane

Gilma has intensified into a Category 3 hurricane in the eastern Pacific Ocean. Located around 1,025 miles from the southern tip of Mexico's Baja California peninsula, it has maximum sustained winds of 115 mph. The storm is expected to remain powerful but stay away from land.

Gilma strengthened into a powerful Category 3 hurricane Thursday in the eastern Pacific Ocean and is forecast to stay a powerful hurricane for the next few days while remaining away from land.

The storm is located approximately 1,025 miles (1,649 km) west-southwest of the southern tip of Baja California peninsula, Mexico, according to the National Hurricane Centre in Miami. Maximum sustained winds are near 115 mph (185 kph).

Forecasters predict further strengthening on Thursday. No coastal watches or warnings are currently in effect. Gilma had initially strengthened to tropical storm status on Sunday and has grown in power since then.

Moving west-northwest at 6 mph (9 kph), the hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 30 miles (48 km) from the centre, and tropical-storm-force winds extend up to 125 miles (205 km).

(With inputs from agencies.)