Hurricane Otis live updates: Death toll still unknown after ‘catastrophic’ Category 5 storm cuts off Acapulco
A day after Hurricane Otis roared ashore in Acapulco, unleashing massive rains, the resort city of nearly one million still remains almost entirely cut off with the death toll uncertain.
Otis slammed into Mexico on Wednesday morning as the strongest storm to land on the country’s west coast, descending the city into chaos, setting off looting and leaving destruction and power outages in its wake.
The images and accounts were of extensive devastation, toppled trees and power lines lying in brown floodwaters that in some areas extended for miles.
Many of the once sleek beachfront hotels in Acapulco looked like shattered hulks a day after the Category 5 storm blew out hundreds — and possibly thousands — of windows.
Otis went from a Category 1 to a Category 5 storm in only 12 hours — the fastest rate ever recorded in the Eastern Pacific Ocean.
The storm had lost strength by Wednesday afternoon and was downgraded to a tropical storm as it moved past the Guerrero state. But soon after a 4.4-magnitude earthquake shook a resort town just 120 miles north of Acapulco.
Key Points
Acapulco still mostly inaccessible after havoc wreaked by Hurricane Otis
Survivors describe horror as Acapulco residents left in flooded and windblown chaos
Hurricane Otis makes landfall near Acapulco
Why did Hurricane Otis grow so quickly?
Hurricane Otis path tracker: Where will the storm hit next?
14:00 , Martha Mchardy
Heavy rain from Otis will continue to impact areas of southwest Mexico across Guerrero and Oaxaca states, and may also cause “life-threatening coastal flooding” through Thursday, NHC said.
Martha McHardy reports:
Hurricane Otis path tracker: Where will the storm hit next?
Is it safe to travel amid Hurricane Otis?
13:30 , Martha Mchardy
After Hurricane Otis escalated into a Category 5 storm last night (24 October), concerns over the safety of travel to Mexico and the risk of further natural disasters have risen.
Hurricane conditions made a powerful landfall in Acapulco on Mexico’s Pacific coastline on Wednesday morning and sustained 165-mph winds are expected to sweep the south coast between San Jose del Progreso and San Jeronimo de Juarez on 25 October.
The general directorate of tourist services, Ángeles Verdes, said: “Safety is our top priority, and currently, travel to certain regions of Mexico may be risky due to adverse weather conditions and affected infrastructure.
“The recommendation from Ángeles Verdes is that you reconsider your trip or stay informed about the situation in Mexico before making a decision. It is important to check the warnings and recommendations of local authorities and civil protection to ensure your safety during your stay.
“Mexico is a beautiful country with a lot to offer visitors, but in situations like this, it is essential to prioritize safety. For when you postpone your trip, we will be here to help you with future experiences in Mexico when conditions are safer.”
Is it safe to travel to Mexico right now?
Watch: Hurricane Otis makes landfall as 165mph winds hit Mexico
13:00 , Martha Mchardy
Hurricanes are getting stronger. Here’s why
12:30 , Martha Mchardy
Hurricane Otis slammed into Mexico early on Wednesday as the strongest ever storm to make landfall on the country’s west coast.
Otis went from a Category 1 to Category 5 hurricane in just 12 hours — the fastest rate ever recorded in the Eastern Pacific Ocean.
The storm made landfall near Acapulco and is moving north-northwest through the country.
As global temperatures increase and sea levels rise, tropical cyclones - the catch-all term for hurricanes and typhoons - are expected to become more powerful and destructive, scientists say.
The ocean hit record high temperatures this year, driving marine heatwaves around the world. This heat is being caused by a fossil-fuel driven climate crisis with El Nino, a cyclical weather pattern, layered on top.
Louise Boyle reports:
Hurricanes are getting stronger. Here’s why
Watch: Infrared satellite shows ‘extremely dangerous’ Hurricane Otis make landfall in Mexico
12:00 , Martha Mchardy
Watch: Hurricane Otis winds blast through Acapulco hospital after storm makes landfall in Mexico
11:30 , Martha Mchardy
Why did Hurricane Otis rapidly intensify into a Category 5 overnight?
11:00 , Martha Mchardy
Hurricane Otis slammed into Mexico early on Wednesday as the strongest-ever storm to make landfall on the country’s west coast.
Otis went from a Category 1 to Category 5 hurricane in only 12 hours — the fastest rate ever recorded in the Eastern Pacific Ocean.
According to the National Hurricane Center, the eye of Otis made landfall close to the resort town of Acapulco around 12.25am local time with winds of 165mph. Forecasters described it as “a nightmare scenario” for southern Mexico.
The storm is tracking north through the country and is expected to dump five to 10 inches (13-25cm) of rain on Guerrero state with as much as 15 inches (38cm) possible in some areas. That raised the possibility of mudslides and flashfloods in Guerrero’s steep mountainous terrain.
Martha McHardy reports:
Why did Hurricane Otis rapidly intensify into a Category 5 overnight?
Residents express anger as stores looted and rescue efforts remain slow
10:29 , Stuti Mishra
With assessment of damages and loss of life still unknown from Hurricane Ortis, there seemed to be a widespread frustration with authorities in Acapulco which has been left completely devastated after the storm.
While some 10,000 military troops were deployed to the area, they lacked the tools to clean tons of mud and fallen trees from the streets, the Associated Press reported.
Hundreds of trucks from the government electricity company arrived in Acapulco early on Wednesday, but seemed at a loss as to how to restore power, with downed electricity lines lying in feet of mud and water.
Pablo Navarro, an auto parts worker who was lodged in temporary accommodations at a beach front hotel, told the agency that he stood outside a discount grocery and household goods store near the hotel zone, as hundreds of people wrestled everything from packs of hot dogs and toilet paper to flat screen TVs out of the muddy store, struggling to push loaded metal shopping carts onto the mud-choked streets outside.
"This is out of control," he said.
Isabel de la Cruz, a resident of Acapulco, tried to move a shopping cart loaded with diapers, instant noodles and toilet paper through the mud.
She viewed what she took as a chance to help her family after she lost the tin roof of her home and her family's important documents in the hurricane.
"When is the government ever going to look after the common people?" she said.
Inside one store, National Guard officers allowed looters to take perishable items like food, but made futile efforts to prevent people from taking appliances, even as people outside loaded refrigerators on top of taxis.
Death toll from Hurricane Ortis still unknown
09:29 , Stuti Mishra
A day after Hurricane Ortis made landfall in Mexico's Acapulco, unleashing heavy rains and leaving residents without electricity or internet service, the death toll still remains uncertain.
It took nearly all day Wednesday for authorities to partially reopen the main highway connecting Acapulco to the state capital Chilpancingo and Mexico City. The vital ground link allowed dozens of emergency vehicles, personnel and trucks carrying supplies to reach the battered port.
Acapulco's commercial and military airports were still too badly damaged to resume flights.
On Wednesday night the city plunged into darkness. There was no phone service, but some people were able to use satellite phones loaned by the Red Cross to let family members know they were OK.
'We laid down on the floor': Survivors describe horror as Acapulco residents left in flooded and windblown chaos
08:29 , Stuti Mishra
A day after Hurricane Otis roared ashore in Acapulco, unleashing massive floods and setting off looting, the resort city of nearly one million descended into chaos.
The early images and accounts were of extensive devastation, toppled trees and power lines lying in brown floodwaters that in some areas extended for miles.
Jakob Sauczuk was staying with a group of friends at a beachfront hotel when Otis hit. "We laid down on the floor, and some between beds," Mr Sauczuk said. "We prayed a lot."
One of his friends showed reporters photos of the windowless, shattered rooms in the hotel. It looked as if someone had put clothes, beds and furniture in a blender, leaving a shredded mass.
Mr Sauczuk complained that his group was given no warning, nor were offered safer shelter, by the hotel.
Pablo Navarro, an auto parts worker who was lodged in temporary accommodations at a beach front hotel, thought he might die in his 13th story hotel room.
"I took shelter in the bathroom, and thankfully the door held," said Navarro. "But there were some room where the wind blew out the windows and the doors."
Why did Hurricane Otis grow so quickly?
07:13 , Stuti Mishra
Hurricane Otis tore across Mexico's southern Pacific coast as a powerful and dangerous Category 5 hurricane on Wednesday.
The National Hurricane Center said the storm rapidly intensified into a Category 5 hurricane, meaning its wind speed were by 35mph (46kph) in 24 hours.
Its rapid intensification left officials blindsided.
Here's how the hurricane intensified so quickly and how record-breaking ocean temperatures are fuelling stronger and more destructive cyclones in general.
Martha McHardy reports:
Why did Hurricane Otis rapidly intensify into a Category 5 overnight?
Acapulco still mostly inaccessible after havoc wreaked by Hurricane Otis
06:42 , Stuti Mishra
The town of Acapulco remained almost inaccessible by roads Wednesday night as officials continue to assess the damage from Hurricane Otis.
Little is known about possible deaths or the full extent of the damage as experts are calling Otis the strongest storm in history to make landfall along the Eastern Pacific Coast.
Many of the once sleek beachfront hotels looked like toothless shattered hulks, after Hurricane Otis blew out hundreds - and possibly thousands - of hotel windows.
Choked with mud and debris, with no electricity or internet service, the Pacific coast resorts descended into chaos after the storm, as thousands engaged in massive looting.
Diamond Zone, an oceanfront area replete with hotels, restaurants and other tourist attractions, looked to be mostly underwater in drone footage that Foro TV posted online on Wednesday afternoon, with boulevards and bridges completely hidden by an enormous lake of brown water.
Large buildings had their walls and roofs partially or completely ripped off.
Dislodged solar panels, cars and debris littered the lobby of one severely damaged hotel. People wandered up to their waists in water in some areas, while on other less-flooded streets soldiers shovelled rubble and fallen palm fronds from the pavement.
While much of the city was in the dark and without phone service, some people were able to use satellite phones loaned by the Red Cross to let family members know they were OK.
In photos: Hurricane Otis flattens buildings and resort and unleashes massive flooding
06:08 , Stuti Mishra
Rescue efforts hampered by unaccessible roads
05:00 , Louise Boyle
Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador said that rescue efforts and repair convoys were being hampered by the lack of access. Roads were covered in debris and bridges had collapsed in places after Hurricane Otis.
Flights had been grounded and officials were struggling to access the area as the local military airport had also sustained damage.
The storm moved inland on Wednesday bringing powerful winds and heavy rains across the states of Guerrero and Oaxaca. Otis is expected to begin to dissipate when it slams into Mexico’s mountain range later tonight.
Footage of Acapulco shows aftermath of Otis
04:00 , Ariana Baio
#Acapulco #Otis
Rumbo a barra vieja, el desastre pic.twitter.com/OePXEeMyjH— Jonatan Mendoza (@Jonatan93294410) October 25, 2023
Otis took many forecasters by surprise
02:00 , Martha McHardy
Hurricane Otis slammed into Mexico early on Wednesday as the strongest-ever storm to make landfall on the country’s west coast.
Otis went from a Category 1 to a Category 5 hurricane in only 12 hours — the fastest rate ever recorded in the Eastern Pacific Ocean.
The National Hurricane Center considers a storm to rapidly intensify if it increases wind speed by 35mph (46kph) in 24 hours.
While it is still too early to say what impact the climate crisis had on this individual weather event, record-breaking ocean temperatures are fuelling stronger and more destructive cyclones in general.
Heat in the ocean supercharges hurricanes with more moisture and stronger winds. This heat is being caused by a fossil-fuel-driven climate crisis with El Nino, a cyclical weather pattern, layered on top.
The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) says that the climate crisis’s impact on hurricane power is “like adding fuel to a fire”.
Sea level rise is compounding the danger. Since the late 19th century, global sea level has risen by eight inches – threatening coastal communities and increasing flooding risk when storms push water inland.
Rising sea levels can also wipe out natural coastal defences which act as buffers to hurricanes such as marshy wetlands and swamps.
In Photos: Landslides threaten Acapulco area after storm
01:00 , Ariana Baio
Satellite footage shows lightning strikes in eye of Hurricane Otis
Thursday 26 October 2023 00:15 , Ariana Baio
SATELLITE SPOTLIGHT: @NOAA's #GOES18 🛰️ caught an incredible display of eye wall #lightning as Hurricane #Otis rapidly strengthened yesterday evening. According to @NHC_Atlantic, Otis was the strongest Eastern Pacific hurricane to make landfall in the satellite era. #Acapulco pic.twitter.com/auThP6ueUO
— NOAA Satellites - Public Affairs (@NOAASatellitePA) October 25, 2023
Acapulco cut off by Cat-5 Hurricane Otis which caught forecasters by surprise
Wednesday 25 October 2023 23:00 , Louise Boyle
A “nightmare scenario” struck shortly after midnight in the coastal city of Acapulco on Wednesday.
Hurricane Otis roared ashore in southern Mexico, the strongest-ever storm to make landfall on the country’s west coast.
The hurricane underwent explosive intensification from a Category 1 to a Category 5 in just 12 hours in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, catching forecasters by surprise. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) described it as a “nightmare scenario” for the region.
The storm made landfall with 165mph winds and torrential rain of up to 15 inches in places.
Read more here:
Acapulco cut off by Cat-5 Hurricane Otis which caught forecasters by surprise
Earthquake detected in resort city hours after Otis
Wednesday 25 October 2023 22:30 , Ariana Baio
A 4.4-magnitude earthquake was detected in the resort city of Zihuatanejo – just 120 miles north of Acapulco – hours after Otis caused massive destruction to the southern part of Mexico’s Pacific coast.
A preliminary evaluation of the area was conducted by state and municipal personnel in the area, the Mexican civil protection coordination agency said.
Residents were not warned of the earthquake because the seismic system used to warn people was unable to operate.
SkyAlerts – the early earthquake-warning service, said damage left behind from Otis had left their infrastructure “temporarily inoperative”.
Actualización del sismo de Zihuatanejo:
SSN ajusta magnitud de 5.0 a 4.4 con epicentro a 28 km al suroeste de Zihuatanejo, #Guerrero.
La conectividad de @REDSkyAlert es limitada en Guerrero por el devastador paso de #Otis. Por lluvias y vientos, la afectación en la red es desde… pic.twitter.com/vVUNnKoqjx— SkyAlert (@SkyAlertMx) October 25, 2023
Otis now a tropical storm
Wednesday 25 October 2023 22:00 , Ariana Baio
The Category 5 hurricane that lashed through parts of Mexico’s Pacific coast was downgraded to a tropical storm, just hours after it made landfall.
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) said maximum wind speeds were around 60 mph on Wednesday afternoon.
It was located around 130 miles North / North-West of Acapulco.
A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Punta Maldonado and Acapulco.
“A Tropical Storm Warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area,” the NHC wrote.
After Hurricane Otis landslides threaten residents
Wednesday 25 October 2023 21:30 , Ariana Baio
Residents of Acapulco were unable to leave the town on Wednesday after rains brought by Hurricane Otis caused landslides on the highway.
The Secretary of Infrastructure for the Mexican state of Guerrero said on Twitter that a section of the Acapulco Highway, Chilpancingo faced “total closure” due to the landslides.
There are no alternative routes to leave the area, meaning residents will have to remain at their homes until the landslides are cleared.
They urged people to take precautionary measures.
In Oceania: A powerful cyclone made landfall in Vanuatu
Wednesday 25 October 2023 21:05 , Ariana Baio
A tropical cyclone that picked up strength made landfall on the island nation of Vanuatu on Tuesday.
The cyclone, named Lola, had the power equivalent to a Category 3 hurricane when it hit the country. The Vanuatu Meteorology Department said the cyclone’s wind speeds were over 100 mph with gusts over 115 mph.
Vanuatu Red Cross spokesperson Shirley Johnson told AccuWeather they were “expecting to have major, major damage.”
“I am afraid we won’t have enough relief in time to save the people,” Ms Johnson said.
Half a million Guerrero residents without power
Wednesday 25 October 2023 19:00 , Ariana Baio
After Hurricane Otis pummeled parts of Mexico on Wednesday, over a third of electric customers in Guerrero were left without power.
Comisión Federal de Electricidad, the state-owned Mexican electrical provider company, said more than 504,000 residents woke up without power but they managed to restore 40 per cent of its customers.
A team of 846 electrical workers, 96 cranes, 347 vehicles, 26 emergency plants and 1 helicopter assisted in the company’s quick response to the power outages.
Where will Hurricane Otis hit next?
Wednesday 25 October 2023 18:30 , Martha McHardy
Hurricane Otis made landfall close to Acapulco, Mexico in the early hours of Wednesday after rapidly intensifying from a Category 1 to Category 5 storm in just 12 hours.
The hurricane had weakened to a Cat-2 and was moving inland by Wednesday afternoon. The storm is now around 100 miles northwest of Acapulco.
It is expected to lose even more power as it hits Guerrero state’s steep mountains, before dissipating on Wednesday night.
The Mexican government discontinued a hurricane warning for Acapulco but issued a tropical storm warning for Punta Maldonado, around 100 miles to the south.
Read more here:
Hurricane Otis path tracker: Where will the storm hit next?
Watch: Hurricane Otis makes landfall as 165mph winds hit Mexico
Wednesday 25 October 2023 18:10 , Martha Mchardy
No immediate reports of fatalities from Hurricane Otis
Wednesday 25 October 2023 17:45 , Martha Mchardy
President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said there were no immediate reports of fatalities from Hurricane Otis, but cautioned that authorities were struggling to get updates.
“The hurricane is still affecting the area and communications are completely down,” he told reporters at a regular government press conference.
In pictures: Destruction caused by Hurricane Otis
Wednesday 25 October 2023 17:30 , Martha Mchardy
More than 500,00 people left without electricity as Hurricane Otis rips through Acapulco
Wednesday 25 October 2023 17:12 , Martha Mchardy
Mexico’s Comisión Federal de Electricidad said that half a million customers had lost power during Hurricane Otis but that Wednesday morning, around 200,000 were reconnected.
The company said that they would begin work restoring those who were still cut off once the weather conditions improved.
Mapped: Path of Hurricane Otis
Wednesday 25 October 2023 17:10 , Martha Mchardy
Why did Hurricane Otis grow so quickly?
Wednesday 25 October 2023 16:50 , Martha Mchardy
Hurricane Otis is tracking north through the country and is expected to dump five to 10 inches (13-25cm) of rain on Guerrero state with as much as 15 inches (38cm) possible in some areas. That raised the possibility of mudslides and flashfloods in Guerrero’s steep mountainous terrain.
The National Hurricane Center considers a storm to rapidly intensify if it increases wind speed by 35mph (46kph) in 24 hours.
While it is still too early to say what impact the climate crisis had on this individual weather event, record-breaking ocean temperatures are fuelling stronger and more destructive cyclones in general.
Martha McHardy reports:
Why did Hurricane Otis grow so quickly?
Otis likely to dissipate tonight
Wednesday 25 October 2023 16:45 , Louise Boyle
Otis is tracking to move farther inland and is now about 100 miles northwest of Acapulco. It will continue to move across southern Mexico through Wednesday night.
Heavy rainfall and flash flooding continues in the region. Winds have dropped to 80mph with higher gusts. Rapid weakening is expected when the system hits the mountains of Mexico. Otis will likely dissipate tonight.
The Mexican government has discontinued the Hurricane Warning west of Acapulco, and changed the Hurricane Warning from Acapulco to Punta Maldonado to a Tropical Storm Warning.
Hurricane Otis now a Category 2 hurricane
Wednesday 25 October 2023 16:43 , Martha Mchardy
Hurricane Otis has been downgraded to a Category 2 hurricane.
The storm was expected to continue losing strength as it traveled inland before dissipating over southern Mexico on Wednesday night.
It made landfall as a Category 5 storm shortly after midnight, but was soon downgraded to a Category 4 storm.
It has now been downgraded to a Category 2, with sustained winds of 110mph, down from 165mph.
The National Hurricane Center uses the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale to determine storm categories.
This rates storms based on the severity of their wind speed in a one to five rating, but does not take into account rainfall or flooding.
Heavy rain is expected across southern Mexico through Thursday, with risk of flooding and landslides.
Otis causes power outages, extensive building damage and flooding
Wednesday 25 October 2023 16:36 , Martha Mchardy
Power outages, extensive building damage and flooding have been reported in the Acapulco area after Hurricane Otis made landfall early on Wednesday.
Much of the city was plunged into darkness overnight on Wednesday, with power outages reported across the city, while homes and shopping centers have been destroyed by powerful winds.
The governor of Acapulco, Evelyn Salgado Pineda, said authorities are working to restore telephone lines as soon as possible.
“We continue at #Acapulco , where effects on mobile communication are reported. However, we are already coordinating to restore telephone lines as soon as possible,” she said in a post on X.
“During the day, I will be #EnTerritorio , attentive to the needs of our people. I ask you to remain calm, avoid spreading rumors and continue to pay attention to official information. I will keep you informed at all times,” she added.
Seguimos en #Acapulco, donde se reportan afectaciones en la comunicación móvil. Sin embargo, ya estamos en coordinación para restablecer las líneas de telefonía lo antes posible. (1/3)
— Evelyn Salgado Pineda (@EvelynSalgadoP) October 25, 2023
Hurricane Otis’s intensification is unprecedented
Wednesday 25 October 2023 16:30 , Ariana Baio
In one of the most rapid intensifications in hurricane modern history, Otis managed to increase by approximately 110 miles per hour within 24 hours.
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) considers rapid intensification when a storm increases by 35 mph in 24 hours.
Over the last 20 years, hurricanes in the Atlantic have been twice as likely to rapidly intensify compared to the later half of the 20th century.
The National Hurricane Center called the situation with Otis a “nightmare scenario” for southern Mexico where residents were unprepared for the extremely strong storm.
Wednesday 25 October 2023 16:10 , Ariana Baio
President Andrés Manuel López Obrador of Mexico said he was considering travelling to Acapulco later today so long as the conditions allow it.
Mr López hosted a press conference on Wednesday afternoon in which he addressed the current conditions of Hurricane Otis calling it’s sudden intensification “atypical.”
Conferencia de prensa matutina, desde Palacio Nacional https://t.co/o2RfzF75yX
— Andrés Manuel (@lopezobrador_) October 25, 2023
Hurricanes are getting stronger. Here’s why
Wednesday 25 October 2023 15:50 , Martha Mchardy
Hurricane Otis slammed into Mexico early on Wednesday as the strongest ever storm to make landfall on the country’s west coast.
Otis went from a Category 1 to Category 5 hurricane in just 12 hours — the fastest rate ever recorded in the Eastern Pacific Ocean.
As global temperatures increase and sea levels rise, tropical cyclones - the catch-all term for hurricanes and typhoons - are expected to become more powerful and destructive, scientists say.
Louise Boyle reports:
Hurricanes are getting stronger. Here’s why
Watch as 165mph winds hit Mexico as Hurricane Otis makes landfall
Wednesday 25 October 2023 15:30 , Martha Mchardy
Watch as Hurricane Otis plunges 1 million people into total darkness
Wednesday 25 October 2023 15:10 , Martha Mchardy
Hurricane Otis plunged one million people into total darkness in the Mexican city of Acapulco.
Power outages have been reported in parts of Guerrero state, where Otis made landfall as a Category 5 storm early on Wednesday.
Mexico’s national civil protection agency said in a tweet that parts of Guerrero state were already seeing power cuts as the storm came ashore, and it warned residents in the area to remain calm and seek shelter until authorities confirmed that the danger had passed.
The hurricane is expected to cause “catastrophic damage”, bringing at least 15 inches of rain and 165mph winds to Acapulco.
Acapulco, a city of 1 million people, has now been plunged into almost total darkness as Category 5 Hurricane Otis makes landfall. pic.twitter.com/tkQyEQjeg6
— Nahel Belgherze (@WxNB_) October 25, 2023
Hurricane Otis destroys Galerias shopping center in Acapulco
Wednesday 25 October 2023 14:50 , Martha Mchardy
Before and after pictures show the damage caused to the Galerias shopping center in Acapulco by Hurricane Otis.
The hurricane, which made landfall as a Category 5 storm, is expected to cause “catastrophic damage”, bringing at least 15 inches of rain and 165mph winds to Acapulco.
Acapulco Mayor Abelina López warned that the city – which is home to roughly 800,000 people – is on “maximum alert” as she urged residents to hunker down at home or move to the city’s shelters.
🇲🇽 #Mexique : Des Photos avant et après du centre commercial Galerias #Diana à #Acapulco soumis à l'ouragan #Otis.#HurricaneOtis #Hurricane pic.twitter.com/F7GYJ34KDo
— Leo.news (@leo__news) October 25, 2023
Watch: Infrared satellite shows ‘extremely dangerous’ Hurricane Otis make landfall in Mexico
Wednesday 25 October 2023 14:30 , Martha Mchardy
Do not travel to Mexico, general directorate of tourist services warns amid Hurricane Otis
Wednesday 25 October 2023 14:10 , Martha Mchardy
Mexico’s general directorate of tourist services Ángeles Verdes has warned people not to travel to the country as Hurricane Otis brings strong winds and heavy rainfall to the country.
The directorate warned travel to Mexico is “risky” after the National Hurricane Center said Otis could bring “catastrophic damage” to the country.
“Safety is our top priority, and currently, travel to certain regions of Mexico may be risky due to adverse weather conditions and affected infrastructure,” the directorate said in a statement.
“The recommendation from Ángeles Verdes is that you reconsider your trip or stay informed about the situation in Mexico before making a decision. It is important to check the warnings and recommendations of local authorities and civil protection to ensure your safety during your stay.
“Mexico is a beautiful country with a lot to offer visitors, but in situations like this, it is essential to prioritize safety. For when you postpone your trip, we will be here to help you with future experiences in Mexico when conditions are safer.”
Flights cancelled amid Hurricane Otis
Wednesday 25 October 2023 13:50 , Martha Mchardy
Almost all arrivals and departures from Acapulco International Airport were cancelled or delayed this morning as a result of strong winds brought by Hurricane Otis.
Most of the routes, according to Flightradar24, were directs to other Mexican cities, including Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Tijuana on carriers including AeroMéxico, Viva Aerobus.
However, airports in Mexico City, Cancun, Guadalajara and Tijuana appear to be running scheduled flights as usual, and afternoon flights from Acapulco are still scheduled to run.
Hurricane Otis path: Where will the storm hit?
Wednesday 25 October 2023 13:30 , Martha Mchardy
Hurricane Otis made landfall close to Acapulco in Mexico early on Wednesday, after suddenly forming and strengthening off the coast.
Otis strengthened from a tropical storm into a major hurricane before it slammed into Mexico’s coast at around 12.25am local time with sustained winds of 165 mph, the National Hurricane Center said.
It was originally classed as a Category 5 hurricane, but has since been downgraded to Category 4.
The hurricane is now expected to continue to weaken quickly as it heads inland through Guerrero state’s steep mountains, before it dissipates on Wednesday night.
Hurricane Otis path: Where will the storm hit?
Hurricane Otis brings strong winds, heavy rainfall and flash flooding to Southern Mexico
Wednesday 25 October 2023 13:10 , Martha Mchardy
Southern Mexico is being battered by strong winds, heavy rainfall and flash flooding after Storm Otis made landfall in Acapulco, the National Hurricane Center said.
Up to 15 inches of rain is expected to fall on Wednesday, raising the threat of landslides and floods, as winds of up to 165mph batter Acapulco.
“Strong Winds Continuing to Spread Inland Over Southern Mexico. Heavy Rainfall and Flash Flooding Occurring Over Portions Of Southern Mexico,” the National Hurricane Center said in a tweet.
Hurricane #Otis Advisory 13A: Strong Winds Continuing to Spread Inland Over Southern Mexico. Heavy Rainfall and Flash Flooding Occurring Over Portions Of Southern Mexico. https://t.co/Oy8uoeSibM
— NHC Eastern Pacific (@NHC_Pacific) October 25, 2023
What is a Category 4 hurricane?
Wednesday 25 October 2023 12:52 , Martha Mchardy
Hurricane Otis has been weakened to a Category 4 storm, the National Hurricane Center said.
It made landfall in Acapulco as a Category 5 storm, with authorities warning of “extremely destructive winds “ and “catastrophic damage”, but it is now expected to weaken.
The National Hurricane Center uses the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale to determine storm categories, which rates storms based on the severity of their wind speed in a one to five rating, but does not take into account rainfall or flooding.
A Category 4 storm is classed as a storm with sustained winds of 130mph-156mph, while a Category 5 storm is a storm with sustained winds of 157mph or higher.
According to the National hurricane center, in a Category 4 storm, catastrophic damage will occur from winds, including severe damage to buildings, such as losing roof structure and/or some exterior walls. Most trees will be snapped or uprooted and power poles downed, the center says. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas, with power outages lasting weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.
Meanwhile, a Category 5 storm will also cause similar catastrophic damage, but a higher percentage of homes will be destroyed, with total roof failure and wall collapse.
Latest pictures as Otis makes landfall in Acapulco
Wednesday 25 October 2023 12:20 , Martha Mchardy
Hurricane Otis now a Category 4 storm
Wednesday 25 October 2023 12:00 , Martha Mchardy
Hurricane Otis has been weakened to a Category 4 storm, the National Hurricane Center said.
It was previously graded as a Category 5 storm, with authorities warning of “extremely destructive winds “ and “catastrophic damage” as Otis made landfall in Acapulco.
The hurricane is now expected to continue to weaken quickly in Guerrero state’s steep mountains.
Otis was about 25 miles (40 kilometers) north northwest of Acapulco with its maximum sustained winds decreasing to 130 mph (215 kph) and moving at 10 mph (17 kph). The center of Otis is expected to move farther inland over southern Mexico through Wednesday night.
