Hurricane Dolores strengthens to cat. 4 storm in Pacific

Hurricane Dolores has rapidly strengthened to a powerful Category 4 storm in the Pacific off Mexico's coast.

The storm's maximum sustained winds early Wednesday are near 130 mph (215 kph) with some additional strengthening forecast during the next day.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center says the hurricane will begin weakening Thursday.

Dolores is centered about 310 miles (499 kilometers) south of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, and is moving west-northwest.

Swells generated by the hurricane are affecting parts of Mexico's southwestern coast along with the southern coast of the Baja California peninsula. The swells could cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.