The hurricane had approached Mexico’s southern Pacific coast, with maximum sustained winds of about 120 mph (195 kph).
“Damaging hurricane-force winds, life-threatening storm surge, and flash flooding are ongoing,” the NHC said, stressing the severity of the situation.
Mexico issued a hurricane warning from east of Acapulco to Bahías de Huatulco along the Pacific coast.
President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador urged coastal residents to seek higher ground and prioritise safety. “Seek higher ground, protect yourselves, and remember that life is the most important thing; material possessions can be replaced,” he posted on the social media platform X.
The National Civil Protection agency has issued a red alert, advising residents to stay indoors and away from windows as the hurricane approaches.
Laura Velázquez, the federal coordinator of civil protection, instructed residents in Pacific coastal cities to evacuate and move to shelters.
The state government of Oaxaca has evacuated 3,000 people, established 80 shelters, and deployed 1,000 military and state personnel. In Puerto Escondido, businesses closed after authorities suspended all activity on the main beaches.
AccuWeather senior meteorologist Matt Benz said that rapid intensification of hurricanes is becoming more frequent. “Rapid intensification has occurred more frequently in modern times compared to the historical record, indicating that something is changing,” Benz said.