Up to 260 km/h
“Potentially catastrophic”: Hurricane of the highest level is heading for Mexico
This satellite image provided by NOAA shows Hurricane Otis approaching Mexico’s Pacific coast near Acapulco
© -/NOAA / DPA
Pacific storm “Otis” quickly developed into an extremely dangerous hurricane of the highest level 5 as it headed towards Mexico’s west coast. There are warnings of “catastrophic damage” and wind speeds of up to 260 kilometers per hour.
A hurricane warning has been issued for the coastal section between Punta Maldonado and Zihuatanejo. However, after making landfall, the hurricane is forecast to weaken quickly again. According to forecasts, “Otis” is expected to reach the coast early Wednesday morning (local time).
Hurricane in Mexico: Soldiers on duty, heavy rain expected
Meanwhile, precautions have been taken in Acapulco in the state of Guerrero. Soldiers were stationed on the seafront, schools were closed on orders from the local government and emergency shelters were prepared.
Rainfall of up to 51 centimeters was expected in Guerrero and parts of neighboring Oaxaca state, the NHC warned. These could lead to flash floods and flooding in cities and mudslides in higher areas.
President Andres Manuel López Obrador urged people online to go to emergency shelters and stay away from rivers, streams and ravines.
Tropical cyclones form over warm ocean water. Increasing global warming increases the likelihood of strong storms. A hurricane is defined as a wind speed of 119 kilometers per hour. Hurricane season begins on May 15th in the Pacific and June 1st in the Atlantic. It ends on November 30th in both regions.
On October 9, 1997, category four hurricane Paulina made landfall in Acapulco. At that time, more than 200 people died.