Hurricane John, classified as Category 3 on the Saffir-Simpson scale, made landfall on Monday night in the state of Guerrero, specifically near Marquelia, at 9:15 p.m. (Central Mexico time). With maximum sustained winds of 195 kilometers per hour and gusts reaching up to 220 km/h, the meteorological phenomenon has unleashed its fury on the southern coast of the Mexican Pacific, also affecting the state of Oaxaca.
The National Meteorological Service (SMN) has warned of the possibility of storm surges and waves of between five and seven meters in the region, as well as the formation of waterspouts on the coasts.
Faced with the imminent threat, authorities have urged the population to seek refuge in safe places, prioritizing life over material things. The president of Mexico, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, also warned coastal residents to remain prepared and sheltered.
Heavy rains have caused significant flooding and landslides, closing important roads such as the Oaxaca-Puerto Escondido superhighway, specifically in the Barranca Larga – Ventanilla section, which has a landslide at kilometer 47.
The Puerto Escondido international airport has suspended all its flights, and approximately 300 temporary shelters have been set up in Guerrero to assist evacuees.
Thus the gusts of wind in Cuajinicuilapa, Guerrero, due to the strong gusts of wind from Category 3 Hurricane John. (X/azucenau)
Authorities continue to monitor the situation, as heavy rains are expected to persist in coastal areas of southwestern Mexico, which could cause severe flooding and damage. Although the hurricane is expected to weaken as it moves over high ground, the danger of flash flooding remains latent in states such as Chiapas, Oaxaca and Guerrero.
How the hurricane struck
Social media has been flooded with images and videos documenting the impressive force of Hurricane John. These visual testimonies capture shocking moments that reflect the chaos and devastation in the affected areas. The clips circulating show gusts of wind dragging objects and torrential rains that begin to turn the streets into rivers.
In Marquelia, a viral video shows several people on the street, some of them talking on the phone, while a lightning bolt lights up the sky and then a lightning bolt strikes dangerously close, causing a brief fire in a vehicle and leaving several sparks on the ground.
In Acapulco, images of fallen trees blocking important roads have been documented. The combination of strong gusts of wind and torrential rains has led to an atmosphere of fear and unease among the inhabitants of the coastal areas.
In another clip circulating on social media, the sky of Marquelia can be seen illuminated by intense flashes of lightning as Hurricane John approaches. The camera captures the fierce electrical activity, with lightning illuminating the dark and threatening surroundings
Despite the intensity of Hurricane John and the red alert issued by the authorities, in some areas, such as Acapulco Diamante, calm still prevails. The tranquility of the night contrasts with the uneasiness that is felt in the air, since the storm is expected to approach in the next few hours, bringing with it extraordinary rains.
The speed with which Hurricane John intensified, going to Category 3 in less than 24 hours, has surprised many and has made clear the ferocity of nature.
Source: infobae
