Tropical Storm Karina intensifies, models suggest possible California path

Tropical Storm Karina is intensifying over the eastern Pacific and is forecast to become a hurricane this weekend, with some computer models suggesting a rare and uncertain path toward Southern California. As of Friday, August 28, 2026, the storm was located more than 800 miles south-southwest of the southern tip of Baja California, packing maximum sustained winds of about 50 mph and moving northwest at roughly 13 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center. The National Hurricane Center expects Karina to strengthen into a hurricane over the weekend.