Hurricane Genevieve intensifies into a Category 5 hurricane in the East Pacific and is not expected to make landfall. Multiple outlets report that the storm becomes the first Category 5 hurricane in the East Pacific in two years. Forecasters say Genevieve is expected to remain far out to sea while moving on a track roughly parallel to the Mexico coastline.
Reports also describe rapid strengthening soon after the storm is named. Genevieve is named on Saturday night and quickly intensifies, becoming a Category 4 storm by Sunday evening before reaching Category 5 early Monday.
According to the National Hurricane Center, the hurricane’s maximum sustained winds reach about 160 mph (260 kph). With the storm projected to stay offshore, coverage focuses on its current intensity and forecast path rather than preparations for land impact. All accounts agree on the storm’s Category 5 status, the timing of its rapid intensification, and the expectation that it will not make landfall.
