A tropical storm that made landfall on Mexico’s southern Pacific coast has weakened from a major hurricane but continues to pose serious threats with forecasts of heavy rain and flash floods over the coming days.
The U.S.-based National Hurricane Center reported that “slow-moving John” will bring significant rainfall to coastal areas of southwest Mexico throughout the week. The storm is expected to cause potentially catastrophic flash flooding and mudslides in the states of Chiapas, Oaxaca, and Guerrero.
As John approached, residents were advised to seek shelter from the strong winds and rain battering the beaches near Marquelia in Guerrero. Maximum sustained winds have decreased to around 70 miles per hour (110 kilometers per hour), down from over 120 mph earlier. A tropical storm warning remains in effect from east of Acapulco to Lagunas de Chacahua on the Pacific coast.
The NHC anticipates further rapid weakening, with John likely to become a tropical depression later today. Rainfall estimates predict up to 15 inches in parts of Chiapas, and nearly double that in some areas of Oaxaca and Guerrero. The National Civil Protection agency noted that extraordinary rainfall—greater than 250 mm (9.8 inches)—is being recorded in Oaxaca and Guerrero, while torrential rain affects Chiapas.
A red alert was issued, urging people to stay indoors and avoid windows. President Andrés Manuel López Obrador emphasized the importance of safety, stating, “Seek higher ground, protect yourselves, and remember that life is the most important thing; material items can be replaced.”
In preparation for the storm, authorities in Oaxaca have opened temporary shelters, closed schools, and mobilized machinery for potential road clearance. Guerrero has also closed schools and prepared around 300 temporary shelters. The international airport in Puerto Escondido suspended all flights, while restaurant workers and fishermen took precautions by bringing furniture and boats to shore.
Hurricanes typically affect Mexico’s Pacific and Atlantic coasts between May and November. Last October, Hurricane Otis, a Category 5 storm, caused extensive damage and loss of life in Acapulco, catching authorities off guard with its rapid intensification.
