Blanca grows into Category 4 hurricane off the Mexican coast
OAKLAND, Calif. (KTVU and wires) – Hurricane Blanca was stalled over the warm waters off the coast of Baja Wednesday, sucking up moisture and quickly growing from a Category 2 to a Category 4 storm on Wednesday.
KTVU meteorologist Steve Paulson said the storm would strengthen as it hovers over 84-degree-plus water as it approaches the Mexican coast and has the potential to be the most powerful storm to hit the region in years.
By the time it makes landfall late Friday night, Paulson predicted it could be packing 130 mph winds, torrential downpours and pounding surf.
Currently, the storm was tracking toward Cabo San Lucas and the remnants of the storm could bring high surf and showers to Southern California.
Paulson said it was too early to tell if the showers would extend into the Bay Area.