Hurricane Genevieve remained active in the Pacific Ocean, away from any landmass, on Monday evening. Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Fausto, which was losing strength, generated large surf in Hawaii.
Genevieve briefly intensified to a Category 5 hurricane early Monday, a first for the East Pacific region in two years, according to the National Hurricane Center. It is expected to remain deep in the ocean, moving in a path similar to the Mexican coast.
The hurricane is recorded with maximum sustained winds of 145 mph (230 kph), located approximately 505 miles (810 kilometers) southwest of the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula. It was traveling northwest at 12 mph (19 kph).
While no coastal watches or warnings are currently in place, the hurricane center noted that swells from Genevieve are impacting parts of Mexico’s southwestern coast and the Baja California peninsula. These swells pose risks of “life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.” The hurricane is predicted to change in intensity but weaken later in the week.
Further northwest in the Pacific, Hurricane Fausto downgraded to a tropical storm on Monday evening. It is projected to head towards the Hawaiian Islands but is likely to pass north of them. Residents are advised to monitor the storm for any potential impacts.
According to the hurricane center, large surf and strong currents are affecting east-facing shores of Hawaii’s islands. Fausto’s maximum sustained winds reached 70 mph (110 kph). The storm is positioned about 415 miles (670 kilometers) east-northeast of Hilo, Hawaii, moving west-northwest at 16 mph (26 kph).