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Hurricane Otis rapidly intensified into a Category 5 hurricane just before hitting Acapulco and southern Mexico, leaving residents and officials with little time to prepare.
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Hurricane Otis Unleashes
The storm transformed from a tropical storm to a Category 5 hurricane in only 12 hours, making it the most intense hurricane to hit this part of Mexico and the Pacific coast.
Record-Setting Intensity
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The National Hurricane Center issued a warning of a "nightmare scenario" as Otis continued to strengthen while approaching the coast.
"Nightmare Scenario" Unfolding
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Research shows that tropical systems, like Otis, are rapidly intensifying more frequently, especially as they near landfall.
Rapid Intensification Trend
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Hurricane Otis made landfall near Acapulco with sustained winds of 165 mph, causing severe winds that posed a significant risk to high-rise buildings.
Otis Makes Landfall
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Otis is forecast to create life-threatening storm surges and large, destructive waves, in addition to heavy rainfall that could lead to flooding and mudslides.
Impacts of Otis
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Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador urged coastal residents to seek shelter and avoid areas near rivers, streams, and ravines before the hurricane's arrival.
Evacuation Measures
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Temporary shelters were opened in areas including Tecpan de Galeana, Coyuca de Benítez, and Acapulco to provide refuge for residents as the storm approached.
Safety Measures
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A hurricane warning is in effect for coastal areas from Punta Maldonado westward to Zihuatanejo, highlighting the severity of the situation.
Hurricane Warning
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Otis became the fastest-intensifying hurricane in Eastern Pacific history and tripled the typical criteria for rapid intensification.
Extreme Rapid Intensification
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Before Otis, the East Pacific had not experienced Hurricane Patricia in 2015, which had a lower intensity and affected less densely populated areas.
Category 5 Landfall
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