Caribbean Storm Threatens Hurricane Formation as John Weakens
- Tropical Storm John made landfall near Punta Maldonado, Mexico, as a Category 3 hurricane with winds of 120 mph before weakening to a tropical storm.
- Heavy rains and high winds are affecting the Cayman Islands, with warnings of a nearby cluster of thunderstorms potentially developing into a major hurricane.
- Hurricane watches are in effect for parts of Florida, eastern Mexico, and Cuba, prompting officials to urge residents to prepare for significant impacts.
Late Monday, Tropical Storm John made landfall near Punta Maldonado, Mexico, after rapidly intensifying into a Category 3 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 120 mph. As the storm moved inland, it weakened to tropical storm status, but the U.S. National Hurricane Center warned of the potential for catastrophic flash flooding and mudslides due to its slow pace and heavy rainfall. The storm's impact raised concerns for the southern Pacific coast of Mexico, where life-threatening conditions were anticipated. Simultaneously, the Cayman Islands experienced heavy rains and large waves, prompting forecasters to monitor a nearby cluster of thunderstorms that could soon evolve into a major hurricane. This situation has led to heightened vigilance in the region, as the storm is expected to intensify rapidly. In response to the developing weather systems, hurricane watches were issued for several areas, including Florida's Tampa Bay and parts of eastern Mexico and Cuba. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency, urging residents to prepare for significant impacts, including potential power outages and storm surges. Officials emphasized the importance of readiness, advising those in evacuation zones to leave and ensuring they have sufficient supplies for at least three days. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing assessments of the storm's trajectory and potential impacts on the southeastern U.S.