Hurricane Kiko intensified to Category 4 in the Pacific Ocean on Wednesday, packing maximum sustained winds of 130 mph (215 kph), according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC). The storm is currently 1,600 miles east of Hilo, Hawaii, moving west at 9 mph (15 kph).
Forecasters said Kiko does not pose a threat to land at this time but could strengthen further over the next day.
Category 3 and higher storms on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale are considered major hurricanes.
ALERT: Hurricane Kiko has intensified to Category 4 strength in the Pacific and is forecast to affect Hawaii within approximately one week. It will be weaker by then. pic.twitter.com/AvCFnueRJB
— Ryan Hall, Y’all (@ryanhallyall) September 3, 2025
Hurricane Lorena Brings Rain to Baja California
At the same time, Hurricane Lorena reached Category 1, with winds of 80 mph (130 kph). It is centered less than 200 miles west of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, moving northwest at 15 mph (24 kph). Lorena is the 12th named storm of the 2025 Eastern Pacific hurricane season.
The NHC issued tropical storm warnings and watches for Baja California and parts of northwestern Mexico. Rainfall could reach 15 inches (38 cm), raising the risk of flash flooding, mudslides, and dangerous rip currents. Lorena may approach land by Friday, though it could weaken to a tropical storm before making landfall.
Heavy Rain Already Affecting the Region
Lorena’s outer rainbands have already soaked Los Cabos, dropping 2 to 8 inches of rain since Tuesday. Even if Lorena weakens, its remnants could bring heavy rainfall to the US Southwest, including Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas, through the weekend.
Flood watches have been issued for southern Arizona, where higher elevations may see more than an inch of rain. While flash flooding is possible, forecasters note the drought-stricken region may benefit from the rainfall.
Key Points to Know
- Hurricane Kiko: Category 4, winds 130 mph, no threat to land.
- Hurricane Lorena: Category 1, heavy rain in Baja California, possible US Southwest impact.
- Warnings: Tropical storm watches/warnings for Baja California; flood watches for southern Arizona.
Residents are urged to monitor local weather updates and follow safety instructions from authorities.
