PUERTO ESCONDIDO, Mexico (AP) — Tropical Storm John made landfall along Mexico’s southern Pacific coast, posing a significant threat of life-threatening flooding after rapidly intensifying into a major hurricane.
The storm hit the coastline near Punta Maldonado late Monday as a Category 3 hurricane, packing maximum sustained winds of 120 mph (190 kph). By early Tuesday, John had weakened to a tropical storm with winds of 70 mph (110 kph) and was expected to continue weakening.
Despite the downgrade, the U.S. National Hurricane Center warned that John’s slow movement and heavy rainfall could trigger catastrophic flash floods and landslides across several Mexican states.
"Seek higher ground, protect yourselves, and remember that life is irreplaceable. We are here to help,” Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador urged citizens on social media.
The storm is forecast to impact the region surrounding Punta Maldonado, as well as popular tourist destinations like Acapulco and Puerto Escondido, before losing strength as it moves inland.
The National Hurricane Center cautioned that heavy rains along Mexico’s southwestern coast could cause “significant and potentially catastrophic, life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides” in Chiapas, Oaxaca, and Guerrero throughout the week.
Monday’s rapid intensification caught many by surprise. According to AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Matt Benz, warmer ocean waters are increasingly contributing to the sudden strengthening of hurricanes.
“These sudden surges in hurricane strength have become more frequent, suggesting that changing climate patterns are playing a role,” Benz said.
Residents in Oaxaca’s coastal towns remained on edge as weather forecasts shifted and local authorities scrambled to respond. Laura Velázquez, the federal civil protection coordinator, urged coastal residents to evacuate to shelters, emphasizing the need to protect lives.
Businesses in Puerto Escondido began shutting down after authorities ordered the suspension of beach activities. “Everything’s been closing since the evacuation orders,” said Ana Aldai, a restaurant worker in the town.
Officials in Guerrero and Oaxaca announced that schools in coastal areas would remain closed on Tuesday. Oaxaca’s governor reported that 3,000 people had been evacuated, 80 shelters established, and over 1,000 military and state personnel deployed to handle the situation.
Social media videos showed tourists walking through heavy rains in Puerto Escondido, while fishers hurriedly moved their boats to safety. Roads in the region were already unstable due to previous rains.
This storm comes as a fresh blow to a region still reeling from the devastation caused by Hurricane Otis in 2023. Otis, which also intensified rapidly, struck Acapulco with little warning, leaving widespread destruction, power outages, and loss of life.
Following criticism for its slow response to Otis, the Mexican government has promised to improve its emergency management efforts. President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum has proposed working on an improved early warning system, similar to the country’s earthquake alerts.
Tropical Storm John is expected to drop between 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm) of rain along the coast of Chiapas by Thursday, with heavier rainfall of up to 20 inches (50 cm) forecast in Oaxaca and southeastern Guerrero. Isolated areas may see even more precipitation, heightening the risk of severe flooding.
“You’ll likely feel the impact of this storm for weeks, if not months,” Benz warned.
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