On October 24, 2023, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released a satellite image showing Hurricane Otis heading towards the Pacific coast of Mexico near Acapulco. The storm is predicted to reach land on Wednesday and a hurricane warning has been issued for the area from Punta Maldonado to Zihuatanejo.
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Hurricane Otis is anticipated to make landfall on Mexico’s Pacific coast as a Category 5 hurricane, with wind speeds surpassing 160 mph during the early hours of Wednesday morning.
According to The Weather Channel, the hurricane may be the strongest to ever strike Acapulco on the Pacific coast of Mexico, potentially impacting one million individuals.
Since late Monday, the wind speeds of Hurricane Otis have increased by 110 mph, pushing it into the unique classification of a near-landfall Category 5 storm.
The National Hurricane Center reported on Tuesday evening that southern Mexico is facing a dire situation as Otis rapidly strengthens and approaches the coast.
“The Acapulco metropolitan area is facing an extremely grave situation as a powerful hurricane is expected to pass through or directly hit the city on Wednesday. This level of intensity is unprecedented in the recorded history of hurricanes in this region of Mexico.”
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In case you missed it, Hurricane Otis has reached Category 5 status.
On Tuesday evening, Hurricane Otis grew into a hazardous Category 5 storm and is projected to remain powerful as it reaches Mexico. This presents a serious risk of flash floods and damaging mudslides.
On Monday, the wind strength of the tropical cyclone was at 50 miles per hour as a tropical storm. However, by Tuesday evening, it had intensified to a Category 5 hurricane with winds reaching 165 miles per hour.
According to The Weather Channel, this hurricane is predicted to be the strongest to make landfall on Mexico’s Pacific coast in Acapulco, potentially impacting one million individuals.
The most hazardous section of the storm is predicted to pass through the city of Guerrero.
In anticipation of Hurricane Otis, officials in Guerrero have been coordinating emergency shelters. Additionally, all school classes in the state have been suspended.
According to the Mexican news source Excelsior, Alejandra Méndez Giron, the general coordinator of the National Meteorological Service, stated that the tropical storm is predicted to reach land on Wednesday morning or noon in Acapulco. Its size will cover the coast from Tecpan de Galeana to Copala, and based on its path, the most hazardous section is anticipated to pass over Guerrero.
The meteorologist issues a warning about a potential “humanitarian crisis” following the storm.
Jonathan Porter, AccuWeather’s chief meteorologist, stated on Tuesday evening that Otis will pose a significant danger to areas along the Mexican coast, particularly in the densely populated city of Acapulco, which is home to nearly one million individuals.
No major hurricanes have ever hit this region before. Otis could cause severe destruction and lead to a humanitarian emergency, with numerous individuals requiring medical assistance, provisions, housing, and access to clean water after the storm.
Mexico is preparing for the arrival of Hurricane Otis, which has been described as “potentially catastrophic.”
The Weather Channel predicts that Otis will cause precipitation ranging from eight to 16 inches in Guerrero and certain areas of Oaxaca until Friday. The forecast also mentions the potential for even greater amounts, up to 20 inches, in some locations.
Possible flooding and mudslides may occur in elevated regions.
The people living in the area have been cautioned about the potential dangers of surfing due to the storm surge expected along the coast. This is especially true for areas near and east of where the hurricane is expected to make landfall.
Otis’ wind speeds have increased by 110 mph since late Monday, pushing the hurricane into the uncommon category of a nearly reaching Category 5 storm before making landfall.
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The intensity of Hurricane Otis has reached Category 5.
On Tuesday evening, Hurricane Otis grew to a perilous Category 5 storm and is predicted to sustain its intensity as it reaches the coast of Mexico. This poses a serious risk of flash floods and damaging mudslides.
The strength of the wind in the tropical cyclone escalated from a 50-mph tropical storm on Monday to a Category 5 hurricane with winds reaching 165 mph by Tuesday evening.
According to The Weather Channel, this hurricane is predicted to be the strongest to hit Acapulco on Mexico’s Pacific coast, potentially impacting one million individuals.
Welcome to The Independent’s live updates on Hurricane Otis, as Mexico prepares for the arrival of this powerful Category 5 storm.
Source: independent.co.uk
