Hurricane Otis Update: Mexico Braces for Extremely Dangerous Category 5 ‘Catastrophic’ Storm; Schools Across Guerrero Shut (Watch Videos)

Washington, October 25: The US National Hurricane Center (NHC) warned that hurricane Otis has become an "extremely dangerous" Category 4 storm as it was fast approaching the Pacific coast of southern Mexico. According to its latest update, the NHC said the hurricane's winds have now increased to near 233 km/h and will strengthen to a "potentially catastrophic" Category 5 storm when it makes landfall on early Wednesday, reports the BBC. Hurricane Otis Now a Catastrophic Category 5 Storm off Mexico's Pacific Coast Nearing Acapulco.

The Center has also warned of "destructive waves" and heavy flooding in coastal areas, including the popular Acapulco resort. A hurricane warning is now in effect for a 350 km-long stretch of coastline between the coastal towns of Zihuatanejo and Punta Maldonado in the state of Guerrero. Hurricane Otis Intensifies Into Extremely Dangerous Category 5 Storm, Set to Hit Mexico's Acapulco.

Hurricane Otis Effects

"A potentially catastrophic storm surge is expected to produce life-threatening coastal flooding near and to the east of where the centre makes landfall. Near the coast, the surge will be accompanied by large and destructive waves," the BBC quoted the NHC as saying.

Heavy Rainfall Due to Hurricane Otis

It added that Otis was expected to produce up to 15 inches of rainfall on Friday across Guerrero and western coastal areas of the neighbouring Oaxaca state. The NHC also forecast that "rapid weakening will occur after landfall". Ahead of the hurricane's arrival, Guerrero's authorities have been preparing emergency shelters, while schools across the state were closed.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 25, 2023 11:38 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).