Hurricane Max strengthening in Pacific as it nears Mexico
Thursday, September 14, 2017, 2:24 PM - A week after a powerful earthquake struck Mexico, killing nearly 100 people and deadly mudslides brought on by former Hurricane Katia, forecasters are now watching Hurricane Max in the Pacific as it nears the southern coast.
Max boasted maximum sustained winds of 140 km/h Thursday afternoon prior to slamming into Mexico's Pacific coast. It has since been downgraded to a tropical storm, with maximum winds of 110 km/h.
"Max is moving toward the east near 8 mph (13 km/h), and a turn toward the east-northeast is expected by tonight," The U.S. National Hurricane Center said Thursday evening. "On the forecast track, the center of Max will move farther inland over southern Mexico tonight."
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Tropical storm warnings are in effect for Acapulco to Lagunas de Chacahua.
Max has the potential to produce total rainfall accumulations of 100-250 mm in the Mexican state of Guerrero and western portions of the state of Oaxaca, with isolated amounts of 500 mm possible over coastal areas.
"These torrential rains may produce life-threatening flash floods and mudslides," adds the NHC.
In addition to the strong winds and heavy rain, dangerous storm surge is expected to cause significant coastal flooding.
Check back for updates as we continue to monitor Max.
