Tropical Storm Raymond upgraded to a Hurricane on Sunday and forecasters believe the storm could hit a part of Mexico’s Pacific coastline that has already been devastated by storms this year.
The National Hurricane Center is predicting that Category 2 Hurricane Raymond would take a sharp turn toward the ocean after reaching within 50 miles of the Mexican coast but that the winds and rain from the storm’s bands could bring the threat of heavy rain, flooding and landslides.
The storm is expected to hit around the resort city of Acapulco, which had been seriously damaged in mid-September by Tropical Storm Manuel. The city’s airport had been flooded forcing the military to conduct an emergency evacuation of tourists. The damage from Manuel had been estimated in the six billion dollar range and most repairs have not taken place. Over 120 people were killed as a result of Manuel.
Forecasters say a cold front moving south is what would direct the storm back out to sea but if the cold front stall or slows the Hurricane could reach closer to the coast or even make landfall.
Officials in the coastal areas have closed seaports and have urged residents to evacuate. They say many of the area’s dams are already filled past capacity and while attempts are being made to lower water levels any significant rain could cause flash flooding or landslides.