Hurricane Otis, which is heading toward the tourist resort of Acapulco in Mexico, has been upgraded to a “potentially catastrophic” category five hurricane. “Catastrophic damage is likely where the center of the cyclone hits the coast,” warned the US National Hurricane Center (NHC) on Tuesday (local time). “Otis” is currently around 88 kilometers from Acapulco over the sea and is reaching wind speeds of up to 260 kilometers per hour, the NHC said.
A hurricane warning has been issued for the coastal section between Punta Maldonado and Zihuatanejo. However, after making landfall, the hurricane is forecast to weaken quickly again. According to forecasts, “Otis” is expected to reach the coast early Wednesday morning (local time).
Meanwhile, precautions have been taken in Acapulco in the state of Guerrero. Soldiers were stationed on the seafront, schools were closed on orders from the local government and emergency shelters were prepared.
Rainfall of up to 51 centimeters was expected in Guerrero and parts of neighboring Oaxaca state, the NHC warned. These could lead to flash floods and flooding in cities and mudslides in higher areas.
President Andres Manuel López Obrador urged people online to go to emergency shelters and stay away from rivers, streams and ravines.
Tropical cyclones form over warm ocean water. Increasing global warming increases the likelihood of strong storms. A hurricane is defined as a wind speed of 119 kilometers per hour. Hurricane season begins on May 15th in the Pacific and June 1st in the Atlantic. It ends on November 30th in both regions.
On October 9, 1997, category four hurricane Paulina made landfall in Acapulco. At that time, more than 200 people died.
