hurricane john's rapid intensification catches mexico tourist hubs of acapulco and puerto escondido off guard

Hurricane John's Rapid Intensification Catches Mexico Tourist Hubs Off Guard

Puerto Escondido, Mexico—Hurricane John struck Mexico's southern Pacific coast, becoming a major hurricane within hours and posing severe flooding threats. It made landfall near Punta Maldonado as a Category 3 storm with winds reaching 120 mph.

Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador urged citizens to find higher ground and prioritize life over material belongings.

By Tuesday, John weakened to a Category 2 hurricane, still expected to impact coastal cities like Acapulco and Puerto Escondido.

Prior to landfall, life-threatening storm surges and flash floods were reported along Oaxaca's coast.

The Increasing Threat of Rapid Intensification

The unexpected strength of Hurricane John surprised scientists and residents, attributed to warmer ocean temperatures fueling hurricanes. AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Matt Benz stated that rapid intensification has become more frequent, indicating a shift in climate dynamics.

Defining rapid intensification, meteorologists note a wind increase of at least 30 knots within 24 hours.

Oaxaca's coastal residents were advised to evacuate to shelters. Local businesses began closing, and classes were suspended in affected areas.

Preparations and Evacuations

The state government reported evacuating 3,000 people and setting up 80 shelters. Military and emergency personnel were deployed to assist.

Social media showcased tourists navigating heavy rains as roads faced dangerous conditions.

Past Storms and Lessons Learned

This hurricane arrives a year after Hurricane Otis devastated Acapulco with minimal warning. Criticism followed for the slow governmental response, prompting commitments to enhance early warning systems.

Forecasts predict rainfall of 6 to 12 inches across Chiapas and up to 20 inches along the Oaxaca and Guerrero coasts through Thursday.

As a result, the impact of Hurricane John may linger for the coming weeks.

Climate Watch: The Ongoing Battle Against Climate Change

Hurricane John highlights the critical need for awareness and preparedness as storms become more unpredictable under changing climate conditions.