Major Hurricane Raymond Threatens Acapulco, Mexico with Heavy Rain

Major Hurricane Off Mexican Coast

Hurricane Raymond has rapidly intensified to a Category 3 hurricane as of early Monday. It's currently about 165 miles west-southwest of Acapulco, Mexico.
Top sustained winds increased from 40 mph on Sunday morning to 120 mph by early Monday morning. This is the first major Category 3 or higher rated hurricane of the season in the eastern Pacific.
The hurricane is forecast to drift slowly north on Monday and will impact the west-central coast of Mexico through Tuesday. Due to the rapid intensification, hurricane warnings are in effect for the coast of southern Mexico, spanning from Tecpan de Galeana westward to Lazaro Cardenas. Additionally, hurricane watches and tropical storm warnings are in effect from Acapulco to Tecpan de Galeana.
Heavy rain is expected to be the main impact from Raymond. This rainfall could cause life-threatening flash floods and mudslides near and inland from the coast of west-central Mexico.
In addition, tropical storm-force winds and hurricane-force winds are possible in the watch and warning areas along the coast. The strength of the winds will be dependent on how close the center of Raymond gets to the coast. This is uncertain since Raymond is moving very slowly and is expected to eventually turn back to the west away from Mexico.


Link:http://www.weather.com/news/weather-hurricanes/hurricane-raymond-mexico-acapulco-zihuatanejo-pacific-20131021