Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Saturday, November 23, 2024 78° Today's Paper


Top News

Hurricane Rick hits Mexico’s southern Pacific coast

ASSOCIATED PRESS
                                A fallen structure blocks a street after the passing of Hurricane Rick in Lazaro Cardenas, Mexico, this morning. The hurricane hit Mexico’s southern Pacific coast early today with winds and heavy rain.

ASSOCIATED PRESS

A fallen structure blocks a street after the passing of Hurricane Rick in Lazaro Cardenas, Mexico, this morning. The hurricane hit Mexico’s southern Pacific coast early today with winds and heavy rain.

Related Photo Gallery

Hurricane Rick slams into Mexico

MEXICO CITY >> A compact Hurricane Rick roared ashore along Mexico’s southern Pacific coast early Monday with 105 mph winds and heavy rain amid warnings of potential flash floods in the coastal mountains.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center said Rick made landfall as a Category 2 storm about 15 miles east of the port of Lazaro Cardenas around 5 a.m. local time. Later this morning, Rick was 40 miles north of Lazaro Cardenas, moving north at 9 mph.

Forecasters said the storm was relatively compact, with hurricane force winds extending only 15 miles from the eye, but they said its winds and rain could still cause problems around the larger resort of Acapulco to the east.

The storm’s maximum sustained winds had decreased to 80 mph.

The center warned that Rick could produce flash floods and mudslides in the mountainous terrain on the coast.

“During its passage over land, it will cause intense to torrential rains and possible mudslides and flooding, as well as rising levels in streams and rivers, in the states of Guerrero, Michoacan, Colima and Jalisco,” Mexico’s National Water Commission said in a statement.

Authorities in Lazaro Cardenas said they had opened six emergency shelters for people who might want to leave low-lying areas. Zihuatanejo opened a shelter at the municipal auditorium.

The state of Guerrero, where Zihuatanejo and Acapulco are located, said rains and wind had already knocked over some trees and damaged a road.

By participating in online discussions you acknowledge that you have agreed to the Terms of Service. An insightful discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. If your comments are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. Report comments if you believe they do not follow our guidelines. Having trouble with comments? Learn more here.