Category 3 Hurricane John Hits Southern Mexico, Sparking Evacuations and Severe Flood Warnings

Hurricane John made a powerful impact on Mexico’s southern coast Monday night, reaching Category 3 strength. The storm, with winds up to 120 mph (193 kph), hit just south-southwest of Marquelia in Guerrero state around 9:15 p.m., according to the National Hurricane Center.

Authorities warned of severe floods and mudslides, potentially life-threatening, as the storm continued to intensify rapidly within a day. Just 24 hours earlier, the storm was moving at 35 mph (56 kph) before tripling its speed.

Severe rainfall from Hurricane John has created significant dangers, particularly for the coastal regions of Chiapas, Oaxaca, and Guerrero. The storm is expected to cause major flash floods and mudslides, particularly in vulnerable coastal communities.

The National Hurricane Center emphasized that the most significant impacts would likely occur along the coast, where the risk of flooding is high. Oaxaca, a popular tourist destination, is one of the key areas bracing for the storm’s effects.

In response to the storm, Oaxaca’s government evacuated around 3,000 residents and opened 80 emergency shelters. Schools in coastal areas were also closed, and businesses, especially in tourism-heavy regions like Puerto Escondido, were forced to halt operations.

Many locals expressed concern about the storm’s rapid approach, noting how little time they had to prepare before authorities issued warnings. This sudden shift in daily life has left residents anxious about the potential damage.

Hurricane John is expected to bring extreme rainfall to parts of Oaxaca and Guerrero, with estimates ranging from 10 to 20 inches, and isolated areas possibly receiving up to 30 inches.

Chiapas will also experience heavy rains, with 6 to 12 inches expected, and some isolated regions receiving up to 15 inches. This downpour is expected to continue through Thursday, posing further risks of flooding and landslides in affected areas.

Additionally, the storm is generating dangerous coastal conditions. A life-threatening storm surge is predicted along the coastline near the hurricane’s landfall, which could cause severe flooding.

This surge will be accompanied by large, destructive waves, worsening the situation for communities along Mexico’s southern coast. The National Hurricane Center warned that these coastal impacts would pose significant dangers in the coming days.