Hurricane John made landfall on Mexico's southern coast as a major Category 3 storm, bringing with it warnings of 'life-threatening' floods and mudslides. With maximum sustained winds of 120 mph, the storm hit south-southwest of Marquelia in Guerrero state on Monday night.
The storm underwent rapid intensification, increasing its speed by more than three times in just 24 hours. The National Hurricane Center issued alerts for significant and potentially catastrophic flash flooding and mudslides in the Mexican states of Chiapas, Oaxaca, and southeast Guerrero.
Oaxaca, a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful landscapes and beaches, took precautionary measures by evacuating 3,000 people and setting up 80 shelters. Classes were suspended in coastal zones, and businesses in tourist spots like Puerto Escondido closed as authorities ordered the suspension of work on main beaches.
Residents and businesses in the affected areas expressed concern over the rapid response from authorities, with limited time for necessary preparations. The forecast predicts torrential rainfall of 10 to 20 inches, with isolated totals reaching 30 inches, along the Oaxaca coast to southeast Guerrero until Thursday.
Chiapas is also expected to experience heavy rainfall of six to 12 inches, with isolated totals of up to 15 inches during the same period. The National Hurricane Center warned of a life-threatening storm surge that could lead to significant coastal flooding near the landfall location, accompanied by large and destructive waves in coastal areas.
