WEATHER
Hurricane John 2024: When and where has it hit Mexico?
A rapidly intensifying storm in the eastern Pacific, is poised to make landfall on Mexico’s southern coast, prompting widespread concern.
Hurricane John, which began as a tropical depression on Sunday, has undergone swift intensification. By Monday afternoon, it had strengthened to a Category 2 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 100 mph.
The storm continued to intensify, reaching Category 3 status before making landfall in Mexico’s southern Pacific coast late on Monday night.
A hurricane warning has been issued for the coastline stretching from Punta Maldonado, Guerrero, to Bahías de Huatulco, Oaxaca. Tropical storm warnings extend north to Acapulco and south to Salina Cruz.
The Mexican states of Chiapas, Oaxaca, and southeastern Guerrero are expected to bear the brunt of the storm.
Impacts of the hurricane
John is predicted to bring extraordinary rainfall to the affected regions. Coastal areas of Chiapas state could see 6 to 12 inches of rain, with isolated areas potentially receiving even higher amounts. The Oaxaca coast and southeastern Guerrero may experience 10 to 20 inches of rainfall through Thursday.
The National Hurricane Center has warned of “damaging hurricane-force winds, life-threatening storm surge and flash flooding are ongoing.” These conditions pose significant risks to coastal communities and infrastructure which have already taken a battering thius hurricane season.
Hotels in Puerto Escondido are on standby, awaiting directives from Mexican Civil Protection to begin evacuating tourists. Residents and tourists alike are being advised to prepare for potential evacuation as conditions are expected to deteriorate rapidly.