The Pacific of Mexico is still suffering the effects of the heavy rains caused by Norma, but should prepare for the arrival of another meteorological phenomenon: Tropical Storm Otis.
The National Meteorological Service (SMN) reported on October 23 that Otis is located 295 kilometers south of Puerto Ángel and 465 kilometers south-southeast of Acapulco, and is moving at 11 kilometers per hour to the north-northwest.
As a tropical storm, Otis is heading toward southern Mexico with sustained winds of 85 kilometers per hour (km/h) and gusts of up to 110 km/h.
It is expected that on the morning of October 24, the center of Otis will be located 270 kilometers from the coast of Guerrero.
Could Tropical Storm Otis become a hurricane?
SMN’s forecast is yes. Otis will remain in the tropical storm category for some time, and will intensify into a hurricane due to the combination of the meteor’s slow speed and sea temperature (29 degrees Celsius).
Alejandra Margarita Méndez, coordinator of the SMN, commented that Otis will strengthen to a category 1 storm, with maximum winds of 120 kilometers per hour.
Otis is expected to make contact with Mexico between the morning and noon of Wednesday, October 25 in Acapulco, Guerrero, and then weaken into a post-tropical cyclone and advance toward Michoacán.
Which states got rain from Otis?
Heavy downpours are expected in Guerrero and Oaxaca, and very heavy occasional rains in the States of Mexico, Michoacán and Morelos.
The agency warned that the coast of Oaxaca will receive waves of up to 3 meters high and winds of up to 60 kilometers per hour will be recorded.
The SMN added that Mexico City and Puebla could also suffer from the reach of Otis with heavy rains.
According to the SMN special report, Guerrero will be the entity with the highest accumulated rainfall on Monday and Wednesday, October 25, reaching 400 millimeters. Michoacán and Oaxaca will follow with between 150 and 200 millimeters of water, and the State of Mexico and Morelos, with a total of between 100 and 150 millimeters.
