Hurricane John Expected to Strengthen into Major Storm Before Hitting Mexico’s Pacific Coast – Reuters

PUERTO ESCONDIDO, Mexico (Reuters) – Storm John has intensified into a Category 1 hurricane and is anticipated to grow stronger before making landfall on Mexico’s Pacific coastline, as reported by the National Hurricane Center (NHC).

The hurricane is packing winds of approximately 85 mph (137 kph), with even stronger gusts expected. If wind speeds reach 96 mph, John will be classified as a Category 2 hurricane.

The storm is projected to hit land on Tuesday near the popular resort area of Puerto Escondido, bringing along powerful winds, a perilous storm surge, and the potential for life-threatening flash floods.

The NHC urged residents to expedite their preparations to safeguard lives and property, as winds are expected to start impacting the coastline as early as Monday evening.

Under a gloomy sky, residents of Puerto Escondido busied themselves with securing boats and putting away beach furniture on Monday.

The NHC has issued a hurricane warning along the coastline from Punta Maldonado to Bahías de Huatulco, while a tropical storm warning extends eastward to Salina Cruz and westward to Acapulco.

Salina Cruz is home to Mexico’s largest domestic refinery operated by the state-run oil company Pemex. Acapulco is still recovering from the devastation caused by Hurricane Otis last year.