Hurricane John, a rapidly intensifying storm, roared onto Mexico’s southern Pacific coast late Monday, making landfall as a Category 3 hurricane with winds reaching 120 mph. The storm’s swift escalation caught both residents and authorities off guard, leaving a path of destruction in its wake. Popular tourist destinations like Acapulco and Puerto Escondido were battered by life-threatening floods and storm surges, forcing widespread evacuations and emergency measures along the Pacific coastline.
Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador urged residents to prioritize safety over possessions, stressing the paramount importance of life, while assuring citizens of the government’s commitment to responding to the crisis. By early Tuesday, John had weakened to a Category 2 hurricane with winds at 100 mph, but it remained a significant threat as it moved inland over Oaxaca and Guerrero. The U.S. National Hurricane Center issued warnings that devastating storm surges and flash floods continued to impact Mexico’s Pacific coast.
Hurricane John’s rapid intensification is a stark example of a growing trend that experts are linking to climate change. Warmer ocean waters serve as fuel for hurricanes, leading to storms that unexpectedly gain strength with alarming speed. Matt Benz, Senior Meteorologist at AccuWeather, emphasized that these phenomena are occurring more frequently and becoming increasingly difficult to predict. “These storms are different from what we’ve historically seen,” Benz said. “The increasing frequency of rapid intensification is a clear sign that something has changed.”
Rapid intensification, characterized by a wind speed increase of at least 35 mph within a 24-hour period, can leave entire regions unprepared, offering little time for evacuation or storm preparation. Residents of Oaxaca’s coastal cities found themselves in this very situation as authorities scrambled to issue warnings. In response, Laura Velázquez, Mexico’s federal civil protection coordinator, urged residents of coastal cities to evacuate immediately. Around 3,000 people were evacuated in Oaxaca alone, and 80 shelters were set up across the state. Guerrero and Oaxaca state governments also ordered schools to close and suspended classes in affected regions. Local businesses in Puerto Escondido shut down as beachgoers and tourists rushed to find shelter.
Ana Aldai, a 33-year-old restaurant employee in Puerto Escondido, expressed frustration over the lack of preparation time. “We were informed quickly, and there was no time to stock up on essentials. It’s been distressing,” she said. Videos circulating on social media depicted heavy rains, strong winds, and rising floodwaters. Fishermen were seen pulling boats ashore while tourists in flip-flops waded through waterlogged streets.
While the hurricane began weakening over land, the heavy rainfall poses a significant risk. Benz noted that the storm could stall over the coastal regions, bringing prolonged downpours and flash flooding. Through Thursday, some areas could receive up to 20 inches of rain, particularly along the Oaxaca coast and parts of southeast Guerrero. The ongoing rainfall is expected to cause extensive damage, especially in regions that have already seen intense weather in recent days.
The devastation of Hurricane John comes just one year after Hurricane Otis, another rapidly intensifying storm, wreaked havoc on Acapulco. Otis left widespread destruction, knocked out power for days, and caused chaos as residents struggled to find basic supplies. The aftermath of Otis led to harsh criticism of the Mexican government for its slow response. In the wake of Otis, Mexican authorities have pledged to improve emergency alert systems for hurricanes and other natural disasters. President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum stated that her administration would prioritize enhancing early warning systems, similar to Mexico’s earthquake preparedness measures, to mitigate future storm impacts.
As Mexico braces for the aftermath of John, experts warn that the impacts could last for weeks, with damage to infrastructure, businesses, and local communities stretching beyond the immediate storm.
