Forecasters say Hurricane Kristy has strengthened into a Category 4 storm and is expected to remain away from land as it churns in the Pacific Ocean.

Hurricane Kristy has rapidly intensified into a Category 4 storm in the Pacific Ocean and is expected to strengthen further as it heads westward, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC).

The National Hurricane Center says Hurricane Kristy has rapidly intensified into a major hurricane, and the storm could get close to Category 5 strength as it pulls farther away from the coast of Mexico in the Eastern Pacific Ocean.