Hurricane John Threatens Mexico

John Becomes a Hurricane and Threatens Mexico
The NHC is closely monitoring the natural phenomenon
What areas are being affected?

Hurricane John rapidly intensified this Monday in the eastern Pacific Ocean, raising alarms for authorities and residents along Mexico’s southern coast.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported that the storm reached maximum sustained winds of 165 kilometers per hour, becoming a Category 2 hurricane.

The hurricane was located about 45 kilometers south of Punta Maldonado, moving north at 15 kilometers per hour, with the potential to make landfall in the coming hours.

John Becomes a Hurricane and Threatens Mexico

Mexican authorities are led by Civil Protection Coordinator Laura Velázquez.

They urged residents in coastal areas, particularly in the states of Guerrero and Oaxaca, to evacuate and seek safety.

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“It’s very important that all citizens in coastal areas take preventive measures,” Velázquez emphasized, highlighting the urgency due to the imminent dangers.

Through social media, the National Coordination of Civil Protection continues to provide updates regarding hurricane John to the public.

Why Is This Happening?

11pm EDT Mon 23rd Sep: Here are the latest key messages for Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine #PTC9 which is forecast to strengthen significantly in the coming days. Hurricane Watches & Storm Surge Watches will likely be issued on Tuesday.

Latest forecast: https://t.co/sH2UrRq5Wz pic.twitter.com/rMbehVW4SI

— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) September 24, 2024

Meteorologists, including Matt Benz from AccuWeather, attribute John’s rapid intensification to the warming of ocean waters.

This is a key factor in the increasing frequency and intensity of hurricanes in recent years.

Benz noted that these types of storms have become more frequent, signaling significant changes in global climate patterns.

“Rapid intensification is happening more frequently in modern times than in the past. This indicates that something is changing,” Benz warned, a trend consistent to what has been seen recently with hurricanes in Mexico.

What Measures Are Authorities Taking?

Due to the effects that #John may bring, if authorities instruct you to evacuate or if you live in a high-risk area, do so and go to a #TemporaryShelter.

Exercise extreme caution along the coast of #Oaxaca and #Warrior.

⁦@laualzua⁩ pic.twitter.com/4C9MpcKe6C

— National Civil Protection Coordination (@CNPC_MX) September 24, 2024

The growing strength of hurricane John has raised concerns among residents and businesses in tourist areas like Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca.

In those places, many shops have closed following the authorities’ warnings.

In response to the hurricane threat, the government of Oaxaca evacuated around 3,000 people and set up 80 shelters in coastal communities.

Additionally, 1,000 military and Civil Protection personnel have been deployed to manage the emergency.

What’s Next for Hurricane John?

📰 #CNPCStatement:
𝐂𝐍𝐏𝐂 Urges Residents of Oaxaca, Guerrero, and Chiapas to Take Shelter as Hurricane John Approaches

https://t.co/U9uwgShyF1 pic.twitter.com/7Ks08oQh3b

— National Civil Protection Coordination (@CNPC_MX) September 24, 2024

Classes have been suspended in the most affected areas of Guerrero and Oaxaca as a precaution.

Meteorologists warn that John could continue to strengthen in the coming hours, possibly becoming a major hurricane before making landfall.

Forecasts suggest the hurricane could bring 15 to 50 centimeters of rain to coastal areas of Oaxaca, Chiapas, and Guerrero, significantly increasing the risk of flash floods and landslides.

Local and federal authorities are closely monitoring the hurricane’s path and development as residents brace for John’s impact.