The U.S. National Hurricane Center says Hurricane Erick has formed in the eastern Pacific on a forecast track where it could make landfall in Mexico.

Hurricane Erick has formed in the Pacific Ocean and is expected to rapidly strengthen, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Hurricane Erick is rapidly intensifying in the Eastern Pacific Ocean,and reached Category 3 status on Wednesday evening.A major hurricane is defined as a Category 3, 4 or 5 cyclone on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.