**”John” Strengthens to Category 2 Hurricane**
The meteorological phenomenon known as Hurricane “John” has rapidly intensified this afternoon, ascending to a Category 2 storm on the Saffir-Simpson scale, according to reports from the National Meteorological Service (SMN). Currently, Hurricane “John” is positioned 90 kilometers south of Punta Maldonado, Guerrero, and 155 kilometers west of Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca.
With sustained winds of up to 155 kilometers per hour and gusts reaching 195 kilometers per hour, “John” is slowly moving north. Authorities anticipate that the hurricane could make landfall between Monday night and early Tuesday morning in the regions of Pinotepa Nacional, Oaxaca, and Copala, Guerrero.
The National Water Commission (Conagua) has issued alerts for torrential rainfall, extremely strong winds, and high waves in the southern and southeastern regions of Mexico. The effects of the hurricane are also expected in central and eastern parts of the country, with intense rains forecasted for Veracruz and Puebla, and very heavy rains for Tabasco, Michoacán, and Morelos.
Authorities are urging residents to take maximum precautions, follow the recommendations of Civil Protection services, and avoid maritime activities in the affected areas. Evelyn Salgado Pineda, the Governor of Guerrero, has declared the State Civil Protection Council to be in permanent session to coordinate response actions for the hurricane’s arrival.
**From Storm to Hurricane**
The tropical storm “John” intensified to a Category 1 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale, south of Guerrero and Oaxaca. It is projected to reach Category 2 before making landfall, or possibly even ascend to Category 3, as stated by the National Meteorological Service (SMN).
“Due to the effects of tropical storm John, located off the coast of Oaxaca, and the potential tropical cyclone Nine, situated in the western Caribbean Sea, the Government of Mexico urges extreme precautions to minimize risks to the population and safeguard property,” the SMN stated in a press release.
Hurricane “John”, which originated from tropical depression 10-E, has maximum sustained winds of 140 kilometers per hour and gusts up to 165 kilometers per hour, moving north at six kilometers per hour. During a press conference, Alejandra Méndez Girón, the General Coordinator of the SMN, predicted that “John” would make landfall on Tuesday morning or afternoon between Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, and Copala, Guerrero. The system’s circulation is expected to bring intense to extraordinary rainfall in Guerrero, Oaxaca, and Chiapas.
Additionally, the “John” tropical storm center, which shows variable movement, was located 165 kilometers south of Punta Maldonado, Guerrero, and 185 kilometers southwest of Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, as of 09:00 local time, with winds of 110 kilometers per hour and gusts hitting 140 kilometers per hour. Precaution zones for hurricane effects are in place from Punta Maldonado to BahÃas de Huatulco, Oaxaca, and for tropical storm effects from east of BahÃas de Huatulco to Salina Cruz, Oaxaca. The storm’s cloud bands are expected to cause rain in Guerrero, Oaxaca, and Chiapas.
**Secondary Update**
As Hurricane “John” continues to advance, new information on the storm’s progression and its potential impact has emerged. Current projections indicate that the storm might strengthen further, with potential upgrades to Category 3 intensity as it approaches landfall. Communities in the path of the hurricane are urged to continue monitoring updates from the National Meteorological Service and local authorities.
Hurricane impact simulations are also predicting significant disruption to transport and communication infrastructures in affected areas. Authorities have begun evacuations in the most vulnerable regions and have set up emergency shelters to accommodate those displaced by the storm.
According to local meteorological agencies, the severity of Hurricane “John” could lead to prolonged power outages and require substantial recovery efforts post-storm. Experts stress the importance of preparedness and timely evacuation to mitigate the hurricane’s potential devastation.
Stay safe and stay informed by following the latest updates and guidelines from local authorities and meteorological services.