California could get a rare tropical rain hit from Hurricane Marie as Pacific erupts with 3 storms

Southern California could be in line for a rare tropical rainmaker this weekend as three storms churn through the Pacific and sends moisture toward the Golden State.

Hurricane Marie strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane Wednesday evening and is expected to drift north while holding its strength for the next few days.

The storm is predicted to eventually weaken over open water hundreds of miles from California.

But its moisture could still make the trip.

High-altitude winds may pull tropical moisture from Marie into Southern California, southern Nevada and the western Four Corners this weekend, bringing potentially beneficial rain showers to the region.

There is no current expectation of flooding in Southern California from the storm.

Beachgoers will have a different problem.

South-facing beaches could get hit with high surf and dangerous rip currents, making conditions hazardous along the coast.

Marie is part of a busy week in the tropical Pacific, where three hurricanes are currently spinning across the basin.

And while Marie has been getting plenty of attention in California, another storm is threatening to become a much bigger headache for Hawaii.

Hurricane Lowell has exploded into a powerful Category 4 storm with peak winds of 140 mph.

The hurricane was located south of Hilo, Hawaii, and is forecast to make a sharp turn north.

That could bring Lowell near Hawaii as a major hurricane early next week.

Kauai is currently considered the Hawaiian island most at risk, with nearby Niʻihau also being closely watched as the projected track shifts.

Officials are urging Hawaii residents to monitor the latest forecasts and prepare emergency supplies as long-range predictions for Lowell remain unusually uncertain.

Then there is Hurricane Karina, the Pacific’s other powerhouse.

The Category 3 storm had sustained winds near 115 mph Thursday and has looked particularly impressive on satellite images.

But Karina is expected to weaken quickly this weekend as it tracks north and east of Hawaii, staying safely over the open ocean.

For Southern California, the takeaway is far less ominous.

Marie is expected to stay well offshore, but its tropical moisture could still give the region a soaking this weekend while dangerous surf and rip currents threaten the beaches.