Hurricane John Triggers State of Emergency in Mexico
Hurricane John is making its way towards the Mexican coast, bringing with it heavy rains, strong winds, and the threat of flooding. The storm has already caused significant damage in several states, including Guerrero, Michoacán, and Colima.
The Pacific Ocean has once again become the stage for a powerful and slow-moving storm, as Hurricane "John" intensifies to a Category 1 hurricane. With a variable and unpredictable path, "John" is anticipated to make landfall between the late hours of tonight and early Friday morning, hitting the coastal municipalities of Aquila and Coahuayana in Michoacán, and Tecomán in Colima. Authorities are on high alert, bracing for the potential devastation, while both residents and local governments prepare for the storm's arrival.
The National Weather Service has placed a significant portion of Mexico's Pacific coastline under a precautionary watch. The prevention zone for hurricane effects stretches from Técpan de Galeana, Guerrero, to Punta San Telmo, Michoacán. Further, there is a tropical storm prevention zone from Punta Maldonado to Técpan de Galeana, and from Punta San Telmo to Manzanillo, Colima. These precautionary areas underscore the wide circulation of the storm, which is expected to bring torrential rainfall and strong winds far beyond the immediate vicinity of landfall.
As "John" churns slowly through the Pacific Ocean, the remnants of previous weather disturbances have only added to its strength. A low-pressure zone off the coasts of Guerrero and Michoacán has absorbed what remained of "John," boosting its intensity and increasing the unpredictability of its movement. The National Water Commission has warned that the storm, while currently classified as Category 1, may further intensify into a Category 2 hurricane before it hits land.
Ground Softened by Days of Rain, Landslides and Flooding Expected
The slow advance of "John" has already brought continuous rains for three consecutive days in parts of Guerrero and Michoacán, weakening the terrain and creating prime conditions for landslides and flash flooding. In Acapulco, massive rocks have fallen onto cars, though fortunately no casualties have been reported thus far. The prolonged downpour has also affected Chilpancingo, the capital of Guerrero, where the Huacapa River has reached unprecedented levels, flooding multiple neighborhoods.
These conditions are not isolated to Guerrero. In Tecpan, a section of a road collapsed near the Cuajilote Bridge, cutting off the Costa Grande region of Guerrero, a coastal area heavily reliant on this road for transportation and commerce. This same route had previously suffered damage during Tropical Storm "Max" in 2023, highlighting the region's vulnerability to recurring natural disasters.
Authorities have already taken significant measures to mitigate the impact of Hurricane "John." The Federal Roads and Bridges Department of Revenue and Related Services (Capufe) confirmed the closure of the Chilpancingo-Acapulco highway, specifically between the Palo Blanco and La Venta toll plazas. This crucial artery remains closed in both directions, effectively halting traffic and limiting mobility in one of Mexico's most important tourist and commercial corridors.
Capufe has urged citizens to report any issues via the emergency line (074), emphasizing that these preventive measures are necessary to ensure public safety. Meanwhile, the National Civil Protection Coordination (CNPC) has issued updates to its Emergency Declaration Bulletin, extending it to include additional municipalities in Guerrero: Cuautepec, Las Vigas, San Marcos, and San Nicolás. This update activates federal emergency funds, ensuring the swift allocation of resources to respond to the damage and destruction anticipated from the storm.
Power Outages and Safety Measures
Acapulco, already battered by heavy rains, is experiencing power outages as a safety precaution. The Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) reported that 1,170 users in Acapulco's Diamante Zone have been left without electricity after authorities de-energized parts of the electrical grid to prevent accidents from the flooding. The CFE has assured the public that power will be restored as soon as conditions allow, but with "John" still approaching, these disruptions could extend further.
In Michoacán, where the storm's direct impact is expected, local authorities are similarly vigilant. The State Coordination of Civil Protection has raised the Red Alert in the municipalities of Aquila, Arteaga, Coahuayana, Chinicuila, Lázaro Cárdenas, and Tumbiscatío. These communities are preparing for the worst as the storm draws nearer. Municipalities on the Michoacán coast are also on yellow and orange alert, signaling varying degrees of readiness depending on their proximity to the hurricane's path. In neighboring Colima, an orange alert has also been issued, as the state's government anticipates heavy rainfall and possible flooding due to the storm’s wide circulation.
While Michoacán and Colima brace for the most severe impact, the effects of Hurricane "John" are expected to ripple through much of the country. The hurricane’s cloud bands will bring heavy rainfall to states including Oaxaca, Jalisco, Veracruz, Puebla, Chiapas, and Tabasco. These areas, already prone to flooding, must now contend with the secondary effects of "John" even if they do not experience direct hits.
Local populations in these states have been warned to remain vigilant, as rising river levels and waterlogged soil could cause dangerous flash floods and landslides. In many of these regions, infrastructure is ill-equipped to handle the expected volume of rain, prompting concerns that damage from "John" may spread far beyond the immediate coastal areas.
The Uncertainty of "John’s" Trajectory
As of today, the eye of Hurricane "John" remains off the coast of Michoacán, still classified as a Category 1 storm. However, meteorologists are closely monitoring the hurricane, as its unpredictable behavior and slow movement make future developments difficult to forecast with certainty. Although a potential upgrade to Category 2 has not been ruled out, the main concern remains the immense volume of rain the storm is expected to bring to large swathes of the country.
With the memory of past storms still fresh in the minds of many, local, state, and federal authorities are sparing no effort in their preparation for Hurricane "John." Emergency teams are on high alert, shelters have been established, and citizens have been advised to heed warnings and stay informed through official channels. In the coming hours, Mexico’s Pacific coast will face the full force of "John," and while the storm’s future remains uncertain, the response to it is being coordinated with precision, ready to mitigate its devastating effects.
This comprehensive response comes as Mexico faces yet another significant natural disaster in a year already marked by extreme weather events. As always, the resilience of the communities affected will be tested, but with coordinated efforts from both the government and civil society, the country aims to minimize loss and recover swiftly from the aftermath of Hurricane "John."
