Today, Hurricane Jova upgraded to Category 4 in the Mexican Pacific. The National Weather Service (NWS) reported this major shift.
Heavy rain, wind gusts, and big waves affect much of Mexico. The hurricane is 870 kilometers southwest of Playa Pérula in Jalisco.
It’s also 910 kilometers from Cabo San Lucas in Baja California Sur. Jova moves west-northwest at 24 kilometers per hour.
Its winds reach a top speed of 215 kilometers per hour, with gusts up to 260.
Authorities are advising people and sailors to be extra cautious. Thunderstorms are a big concern.
Jova is this season’s tenth named storm. Earlier storms included Hilary, Greg, Irwin, and Adrian.
Last month, Hilary claimed four lives in Baja California, Baja California Sur, and Sinaloa.
The NWS predicts 16 to 22 cyclones in the Pacific this year. They also expect 10 to 16 in the Atlantic.
Context
Hurricane season usually runs from June to November in Mexico. The country is no stranger to these storms, especially on the Pacific coast.
Every year, both the Atlantic and Pacific regions see numerous tropical cyclones. Authorities invest a lot in public awareness and preparation for such events.
Evacuation plans and shelters are often put in place.
The Saffir-Simpson scale helps categorize hurricanes. Category 4 storms like Jova can cause immense damage.
In recent years, storms such as Patricia have left a mark. Patricia in 2015 was the strongest hurricane ever recorded in the Western Hemisphere.
As climate change intensifies, experts predict more severe storms in the future.