The National Hurricane Center upgraded Tropical Storm Marie to a Category One hurricane last night as the storm continued moving northwestward over the Pacific. Marie is packing maximum sustained winds of about 80 miles per hour, and forecasters expect additional strengthening through Friday. Gradual weakening is then expected to begin by the weekend. No watches or warnings have been issued for the Southern California coast, but officials are warning residents about potentially dangerous ocean conditions. Swells generated by Hurricane Marie are expected to reach San Diego County by Friday, producing waves between six and seven feet and increasing the risk of strong rip currents. The storm could also bring showers to the region by the weekend. Beachgoers are urged to use caution near the water, especially in areas without lifeguards, and to pay attention to changing surf conditions. Forecasters will continue monitoring Marie as it moves farther across the Pacific.
