(CNN in Spanish) — Hurricane Otis is strengthening rapidly as it moves toward the southern Mexican state of Guerrero, where authorities have canceled classes at all levels before it makes landfall on Wednesday, according to the latest forecast from the hurricane management. US National Hurricane Center (NHC).
In just six hours, Otis strengthened Tuesday from a tropical storm to a Category 3 hurricane and is expected to make a Category 4 landfall, the National Hurricane Center said in its latest update. “The system is now expected to reach extremely dangerous Category 4 hurricane status when it reaches the coast of southern Mexico,” he added.
As of Tuesday afternoon, Otis was 150 km southwest of Punta Maldonado and 185 km southeast of Acapulco, Guerrero, with sustained winds of 205 km/h, moving north-northwest at 13 km/h, according to The latest report from Mexico’s National Meteorological Service (SMN).
Where will Otis make landfall?
Track monitoring indicates that Otis will make landfall between 4:00 and 6:00 a.m. Wednesday west of Acapulco, SMN general coordinator Alejandra Margarita Méndez said Tuesday at a news conference.
In addition, he warned that the dangerous quadrants of this hurricane will be over the municipalities of Tecpan de Galeana and Acapulco. The official added that after the system makes landfall, it will remain in Guerrero state for 48 hours.
There are several advisories and warnings in effect for the southern coast of Mexico. A hurricane warning has been issued for Punta Maldonado west to Zihuatanejo, including Acapulco, while a tropical storm warning and hurricane watch are in effect for Lagunas de Chacahua to Punta Maldonado, according to SMN.
SMN warned that the rains that Otis will bring will affect several states in the country:
- Heavy rain will fall in Guerrero state (150 to 250 mm)
- Oaxaca will record heavy rains (75 to 150 mm)
- Heavy rain (25 to 50 mm) will fall in the state of Mexico, Morelos and Puebla.
- There will be showers in Mexico City and Michoacan
In addition, winds of 150 to 180 km/h and waves 6 to 8 meters high are expected on the coasts of Guerrero and Oaxaca.
According to the authorities, the rainfall will be accompanied by electrical discharge, in addition to which it may lead to landslides, a rise in the levels of rivers and streams, as well as floods and inundations in the affected states.
Mendez asked residents to take strict precautions against the dangers of storms, strong winds and waves. He also urged following the recommendations of the National Civil Protection System in every field.
Guerrero suspends lessons at all levels due to the arrival of Otis
The Guerrero state government announced on Tuesday the suspension of classes at all educational levels for Wednesday, due to the proximity of Hurricane Otis, which is expected to make landfall that morning.
The decision affects nearly one million students, according to data from the Mexican Ministry of Public Education.
The alert extends to the state’s 81 municipalities, according to a statement issued by the Minister of Education of Guerrero State, published on his personal page on the Costa Chica social network.
With information from Veronica Calderon