Hurricane Sandra strengthens to Category 4 storm in the eastern Pacific

MIAMI – Hurricane Sandra has strengthened to a powerful Category 4 storm in the eastern Pacific off Mexico’s coast.

The hurricane’s maximum sustained winds increased early Thursday to near 145 mph (230 kph). The U.S. National Hurricane Center says no significant change in strength is expected but weakening should begin Friday.

Sandra is centred about 500 miles (810 kilometres) southwest of Cabo Corrientes, Mexico, and is moving north near 12 mph (19 kph).