Hurricane John Rapidly Intensifies and Hits Mexico’s Southern Coast with Full Force
Hurricane John struck Mexico’s southern coast on Monday night after rapidly intensifying into a powerful Category 3 storm. The hurricane, with maximum sustained winds of 120 mph (193 kph), made landfall south-southwest of Marquelia in Guerrero state around 9:15 p.m. local time, according to the National Hurricane Center. Authorities have issued urgent warnings for life-threatening floods and mudslides, urging residents to take immediate precautions as the storm continues to unleash its fury.
The storm’s sudden intensification has been alarming. Just a day before making landfall, Hurricane John was moving at only 35 mph (56 kph). However, in less than 24 hours, the storm underwent two rapid intensifications, more than tripling in strength. “This heavy rainfall will likely cause significant and possibly catastrophic, life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides to the Mexican States of Chiapas, Oaxaca, and southeast Guerrero, particularly in areas near the coast,” the National Hurricane Center warned.
In preparation for the storm’s arrival, Oaxaca state, a well-known tourist destination for its scenic beaches and landscapes, took proactive measures. Governor Salomón Jara Cruz announced that 3,000 people had been evacuated, and 80 emergency shelters had been set up across the region. Local authorities also suspended classes in several coastal zones, while businesses in Puerto Escondido, a popular tourist spot, shut down as ordered. Ana Aldai, a restaurant worker, expressed concern over the sudden warnings, noting that “there was no opportunity to make the necessary purchases.”
The National Hurricane Center forecasts torrential rain of 10 to 20 inches, with isolated areas along the Oaxaca coast receiving up to 30 inches by Thursday. Coastal areas in Chiapas are also expected to endure six to 12 inches of rainfall, with isolated totals reaching 15 inches. The storm surge, combined with destructive waves, could lead to significant coastal flooding, further endangering residents in the affected areas.
