Gilma becomes 2nd hurricane of eastern Pacific season and is forecast to strengthen away from land

MEXICO CITY — Gilma became the second hurricane of this year’s eastern Pacific Ocean season on Wednesday and was forecast to strengthen into a major hurricane by the end of the week as it remains away from land.

The Category 1 storm was located about 965 miles (1,553 kilometers) west-southwest of the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula of Mexico, according to the National Hurricane Center in Miami.

The storm could become a Category 3 hurricane over the coming days, forecasters said. There are no coastal watches or warnings in effect. Gilma had strengthened to tropical storm status on Sunday. Gilma was moving west at 7 mph (11 kph).

Maximum sustained winds were near 85 mph (137 kph). Hurricane-force winds extended outward up to 30 miles (48 km) from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 140 miles (225 km).