Hurricane Miriam Strengthens In Pacific Ocean; Category 3 Storm Not A Threat To Land

As of 11 a.m. EST, Miriam is here, or about 410 miles south-southwest of the southern tip of Baja California, according to a national weather service advisory update.

The hurricane has maximum sustained winds of 120 mph and is moving to the northwest at 12 mph.

While Miriam strengthened from a Category 2 to a Category 3 storm early Monday, “there are no coastal watches or warning in effect” due to the storm, the National Hurricane Center said.

Over the next 48 hours, Miriam is expected to make a turn toward the north-northwest late Tuesday and Wednesday.

While the hurricane may strengthen more Monday, Miriam is expected to get gradually weaker by Tuesday.

Although Miriam is not expected to hit land, the storm is having an effect on the surf of Mexico’s western coastline.

Surfers and swimmers were advised not to go out into the ocean due to Miriam, according to the advisory.

“Swells generated by Miriam will affect the south and west coasts of the Southern Baja Peninsula during the next couple of days,” the advisory noted. “These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions. Please consult products from your local weather office.”

The weather center is expected to give another update on Miriam at 5 p.m. EST, which you can check out here.