Hurricane Carlotta Intensifies Over Pacific

Hurricane Carlotta has formed over the Pacific Ocean and is intensifying as it moves away from Mexico. The storm's winds have reached 80 mph, causing hazardous ocean conditions along Mexico's west-central coast and southern Baja California. Currently, no coastal watches or warnings are in effect.

Hurricane Carlotta formed over the Pacific Ocean on Friday and continues to strengthen as it moves away from Mexico, forecasters said.

The National Hurricane Center in Miami reported that Carlotta's top sustained winds have reached 80 mph (130 km/h) as it drifts further from any coastline.

While no coastal watches or warnings are in effect, ocean swells generated by Carlotta are impacting west-central mainland Mexico and southern Baja California, presenting life-threatening conditions through the weekend.

By Friday morning, Carlotta's hurricane-force winds extended up to 10 miles (20 km) from its center, located about 455 miles (730 km) southwest of the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula. The hurricane is moving west-northwest at roughly 14 mph (22 km/h).

(With inputs from agencies.)