Hurricane John slams Mexico’s southern Pacific coast, causing ‘life-threatening’ flooding

Boats are stored on a beach to protect against the expected arrival of Tropical Storm John in Puerto Escondido, Mexico, Monday, Sept. 23, 2024. (AP Photo/Luis Alberto Cruz)

PUERTO ESCONDIDO, Mexico (AP) — Hurricane John slammed into Mexico’s southern Pacific coast Monday night, bringing strong winds and heavy rains as it grew from a tropical storm to a powerful hurricane within hours.

Hurricane John’s rapid intensification caught authorities by surprise, who rushed to update their guidance to residents to keep up with the stronger hurricane.

The hurricane made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane, hitting the tourist resort state of Oaxaca, with maximum sustained winds of 190 km/h.

Shortly before the hurricane struck, the U.S. National Hurricane Center reported that “life-threatening” and storms and flash floods were already ravaging the Pacific coast near Oaxaca. Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador and other officials urged people to seek shelter.

“Seek higher ground, protect yourself and do not forget that life is the most important; material things can be replaced. We are here” López Obrador wrote on social media platform X.

John made landfall near the city of Punta Maldonado and will likely also hit the nearby tourist resorts of Acapulco and Puerto Escondido before weakening further inland.

The unexpected increase in hurricane strength caught scientists, authorities and residents in the area by surprise. Matt Benz, senior meteorologist for AccuWeather, attributes it to warmer oceans that add strength to hurricanes.

As a result, unexpected increases in hurricane strength have become more frequent, Benz said.

“These are storms like we haven’t really experienced before” he said. “Rapid intensification has occurred more frequently in modern times than in the historical record. That tells us something is going on there.”

Residents of Oaxaca’s coastal towns were tense as the weather forecast changed and authorities responded.

Laura Velázquez, the federal coordinator for civil protection, told residents of cities on the Pacific coast that they should leave their homes and go to shelters to “protect their lives and the lives of their families.”

“It is very important that all citizens of the coastal zone… take preventive measures” said Velazquez.

Ana Aldai, 33, a restaurant worker on the coast in the tourist hub of Puerto Escondido, said local businesses began closing after authorities ordered the suspension of all work on the area’s main beaches.

Authorities in the states of Guerrero and Oaxaca announced that classes would be suspended in many coastal areas on Tuesday.

Oaxaca’s governor said the state government had evacuated 3,000 people and set up 80 shelters. He also said he had sent 1,000 soldiers and state workers to deal with the emergency.

Social media videos from Puerto Escondido showed tourists in flip-flops walking through heavy rain and fishermen pulling their boats out of the water. Heavy rains in previous days have already left some roads in the region in a precarious situation.

Aldai said yes “a little nervous” because the authorities quickly informed us about it. “There was no way to make essential purchases. That’s also what worries us” she said.

Benz, the meteorologist, expressed concern that the storm could weaken after making landfall and remain over the coastal area, which could cause even more damage.

The hurricane is sad news for the region, which was hit last year by a similar, rapidly intensifying Hurricane Otis.

Otis devastated the resort town of Acapulco, where residents had no warning of the force of what was about to hit them. One of the fastest-intensifying hurricanes ever seen, scientists at the time said it was a product of changing climate conditions.

Otis left the city without power for days, leaving bodies strewn along the shore and desperate family members searching for missing loved ones. Much of the city was left in a state of lawlessness, with thousands searching stores for food and water.

López Obrador’s government has been heavily criticized for its slow response to Otis’ case, but authorities have vowed to speed up action.

Newly elected President Claudia Sheinbaum said her government plans to improve an early warning system similar to the one the country has in place for earthquakes.

By Thursday, John is expected to bring 15 to 30 centimeters (6 to 12 inches) of rain to coastal areas of Chiapas, with heavier rainfall in isolated spots. In areas along and near the coast of Oaxaca to southeastern Guerrero, 25 to 50 centimeters (10 to 20 inches) of rain with isolated higher totals can be expected through Thursday.

“The effects of the storm will likely be felt for the next several weeks or months.” added meteorologist Benz.