Good evening, everyone. We’re tracking severe weather impacting Mexico’s southern Pacific coast today.
Former Hurricane John, which made landfall late Monday near Punta Maldonado as a Category 3 storm with winds up to 120 mph, has since weakened to a tropical storm. However, its effects are still being felt across the region.
As the storm moved inland, its intensity diminished early this morning to winds of about 50 mph. Despite this weakening, significant hazards persist.
The storm triggered mudslides and uprooted trees, causing widespread damage. Tragically, two fatalities have been reported after a mudslide hit a house in Tlacoachistlahuaca, a remote mountain area.
Authorities evacuate thousands as heavy rains and mudslides threaten coastal regions.Heavy rains from the storm continue to pose a serious threat, with the potential for catastrophic flash flooding and additional mudslides, particularly in the states of Chiapas, Oaxaca, and Guerrero.
Residents in these areas are urged to seek higher ground and remain vigilant. The slow movement of the storm, coupled with its rainfall, increases the risk of dangerous conditions.
In response, local authorities have evacuated approximately 3,000 people from coastal areas and set up 80 shelters. Military and emergency personnel are on the ground to assist with the response.
The Mexican government is emphasizing the importance of safety over material concerns, and residents are advised to take all necessary precautions.
The storm’s unexpected intensification has raised concerns among meteorologists, with AccuWeather’s Matt Benz noting that such rapid intensification events are becoming more frequent due to warmer ocean temperatures.
As the storm drifts northwest, it is expected to continue weakening, but coastal cities like Acapulco and Puerto Escondido are still bracing for potential impacts.
The region, still recovering from last year’s Hurricane Otis, faces another challenging situation as it grapples with the aftermath of this latest storm.