Flossie Rapidly Strengthens into Hurricane Near Mexico’s Pacific Coast

MEXICO CITY — Flossie has intensified into a hurricane off the southwestern Pacific coast of Mexico. According to the U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami, Flossie reached Category 1 status on Monday night, boasting maximum sustained winds of 80 mph. At that time, the storm was positioned approximately 174 miles south of Manzanillo and was moving west-northwest at a speed of 10 mph.

Forecasts indicate that Flossie will continue along the coast for several days, bringing significant rainfall to multiple Mexican states. In response to the approaching storm, the Mexican government has issued a tropical storm warning for the southwestern coast, specifically spanning from Punta San Telmo to Playa Perula. Additionally, a tropical storm watch has been put into effect for other coastal regions, including areas from Zihuatanejo to Cabo Corrientes, indicating that tropical storm conditions could impact these locations within the next 48 hours.

While Flossie’s center is expected to remain offshore, residents should prepare for heavy rainfall, with forecasts predicting up to 6 inches in some parts of Guerrero, Michoacán, Colima, and Jalisco through Wednesday. The potential for life-threatening flooding and mudslides is heightened, particularly in steep terrains where the ground may not be able to absorb the excessive moisture effectively. Meteorologists expect Flossie to strengthen over the next 36 hours before it begins to weaken as it traverses cooler waters.

всей