Hurricane Priscilla continues to pick up strength in the Pacific Ocean, with its outer bands expected to affect the southern Baja California peninsula starting Tuesday, Oct. 7.

The hurricane center said in an Oct. 7 advisory Priscilla was located about 215 miles south of the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula with maximum sustained winds near 110 mph with higher gusts, making it a Category 2 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale .

Forecasters said additional strengthening is expected, with Priscilla expected to become a major hurricane in the next couple of hours. The NHC considers any hurricane that hits Category 3 or higher as a major hurricane.

Priscilla is forecast to begin weakening on Wednesday, Oct. 8 and continue through the week.

On the forecast

See Full Page