Hurricane Erick strengthened in the Pacific Ocean and could become a major hurricane before striking Mexico, the National Hurricane Center warned.

Forecasters say Erick has been upgraded to an "extremely dangerous” Category 4 hurricane near Southern Mexico’s Pacific coast. The Miami-based U.S.

The storm was downgraded slightly before making landfall, from a powerful Category 4 to a Category 3. While slightly reduced in power, Erick is still considered a major hurricane as a Category 3, which can carry winds of up to 129 mph (210 kph).