Hurricane John recently struck Mexico’s southern Pacific coast with intense winds and heavy rainfall. The storm rapidly intensified from a tropical storm to a major hurricane, catching authorities off guard as they updated guidance for residents. It made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane near Punta Maldonado in Guerrero, south of Acapulco and Puerto Escondido. The US National Hurricane Center warned of “life-threatening” storm surges and flash floods near Oaxaca, prompting Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador to urge people to seek shelter.
The rapid intensification of hurricanes like John has become more common, attributed to warmer oceans adding fuel to the storms. AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Matt Benz noted that these storms have not been experienced previously. Another potential hurricane was developing on Mexico’s Gulf coast, likely heading for northern Florida as a Category 3 event. Residents in Oaxaca were advised to evacuate, and classes were suspended in affected areas. The government of Guerrero and Oaxaca evacuated thousands of people, set up shelters, and mobilized personnel to address the emergency.
The aftermath of rapidly intensifying hurricanes like John can be devastating, as seen with Hurricane Otis which struck the same area last year. Otis caused widespread destruction in Acapulco, leaving at least 47 people dead and prompting a state of lawlessness in the city. The response to Otis was criticized for being slow, but authorities have pledged to improve their early alert system for natural disasters. Mexico’s President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum plans to work on enhancing the country’s early warning system, similar to the one in place for earthquakes.
The impact of Hurricane John in Mexico is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by rapidly intensifying storms, especially in coastal regions vulnerable to extreme weather events. As the frequency of these storms increases, authorities must ensure that residents are adequately prepared and informed to mitigate risks. Climate change is believed to be a factor in the rapid intensification of hurricanes, highlighting the urgent need for global action to address the underlying causes of extreme weather events. The resilience of communities in the face of such disasters will be crucial in minimizing the loss of life and property.
