Hurricane John will become a major storm before hitting Mexico's Pacific Coast
According to the National Hurricane Center in the United States, Storm John grew to Category 1 on Monday. It is expected to grow into a major hurricane before it hits Mexico's Pacific Coast.
The NHC reported that Hurricane John had winds of up to 137 kph (85 mph) and higher gusts. A rapid strengthening was forecast. If winds reach 96 mph, the storm will become a Category 2.
The NHC forecast indicated that John will make landfall near the resort destination Puerto Escondido on Tuesday. It is expected to bring with it powerful winds, a dangerous surge of water and potentially life-threatening flooding.
The NHC has warned that all preparations must be completed "as quickly as possible" in order to protect lives and property, as the winds are expected to hit the coast by Monday evening.
Under a cloudy skies, residents of Puerto Escondido hurriedly tow boats in and put away beach furniture on Monday.
NHC: The coast from Punta Maldonado up to Bahias de Huatulco has a hurricane alert. A tropical storm warning extends east to Salina Cruz, and west to Acapulco.
The largest refinery of the Mexican state-run company Pemex is located in Salina Cruz. Meanwhile, Acapulco has been devastated by Hurricane Otis and recovery efforts continue. Reporting by Diego Ore in Mexico City, Kylie Madry and Fredy Garca in Puerto Escondido. Editing by Alistair Bell.
(source: Reuters)
