Major Hurricane Genevieve to rapidly intensify: Live tracker maps

Hurricane Genevieve has become the first major hurricane of the 2026 Eastern Pacific season—and the first major hurricane in either the Eastern Pacific or Atlantic basins this year—as forecasters warn the storm could continue strengthening into a Category 4 storm by Monday.

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) said Genevieve, currently a Category 3, packed maximum sustained winds of 120 miles per hour as it churned over the open waters of the eastern Pacific Ocean well southwest of Mexico. While the storm is not expected to make landfall, forecasters warned it could strengthen further over the coming days before a gradual weakening trend begins later in the week.

In addition to Genevieve, the NHC also is tracking Hurricane Fausto, which is taking aim at Hawaii.

Newsweek reached out to the NHC by email for comment.

What Is a Major Hurricane?

A major hurricane is defined as a Category 3, 4 or 5 storm on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale (SSHWS), with sustained winds of at least 111 mph. These hurricanes are capable of causing devastating wind damage and significant coastal impacts when they approach populated areas. Genevieve crossed that threshold Sunday after a period of rapid intensification that saw the storm strengthen dramatically.

During a Category 3 hurricane, if the storm reaches or nears land, “devastating damage will occur,” the NHC said in a webpage dedicated to the SSHWS.

“Well-built framed homes may incur major damage or removal of roof decking and gable ends,” the agency’s webpage said. “Many trees will be snapped or uprooted, blocking numerous roads. Electricity and water will be unavailable for several days to weeks after the storm passes.”

Where Is Major Hurricane Genevieve?

According to the NHC, Genevieve was located about 515 miles southwest of Manzanillo, Mexico, on Sunday morning while moving west-northwest at about 16 mph. The hurricane’s minimum central pressure had fallen to 963 millibars, another sign of its strengthening structure.

Hurricane Genevieve: Live Tracker Maps

Animated weather footage from windy.com shows Genevieve churning off the coast of Mexico with strong winds.

Satellite footage also clearly captures the storm, showing a distinct eye in the center.

Despite its strength, heavy rain is expected to remain well offshore during the storm’s lifespan.

Though the storm is not expected to make landfall, some coastal impacts are expected.

“Swells generated by Genevieve are affecting portions of the southwestern coast of Mexico and will likely reach southern portions of the Baja California Peninsula tonight or Monday,” the NHC said in the public advisory. “These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.”

Forecast models indicate Genevieve will remain over open water, eventually encountering cooler sea surface temperatures and a less hospitable environment that will prompt weakening. However, meteorologists expect the storm to maintain major hurricane status through at least Wednesday morning.

Genevieve’s milestone arrival marks the first high-end storm of the 2026 season in either major North American basin, with the Atlantic currently quiet and no other tropical cyclones under active monitoring by the NHC.

Contact Newsweek editors for this story: Steve Mollman and Anthony Murray.