Pacific Powerhouses: Karina's Fierce but Fruitless Fury Hurricane Karina has reached Category 4 status, with winds of 145 mph whipping up waves that will eventually crash onto Mexico's coast.
Forecasters note that the storm is still a long way from land. Karina's rapid intensification over just 24 hours is remarkable.
The storm has become one of the most powerful in the Pacific, fueled by warm waters that stretch far out to sea.