Hurricane Patricia, with 200-mph winds that make it the strongest hurricane ever recorded, is expected to make a “potentially catastrophic landfall” in Mexico today, the National Hurricane Center said.
The hurricane is forecast to make landfall in the Mexican state of Jalisco this evening as a catastrophic Category 5 hurricane capable of causing widespread destruction. Residents and authorities in Mexico are rushing to prepare for what likely will be the strongest hurricane ever to make landfall on that country’s Pacific coastline, according to The Weather Channel.
By midday, winds were expected to strengthen to 205 mph before the storm weakens to a Category 4 and makes landfall about 5:30 p.m.,according to CNN.
The closest contender at this point might be Hurricane Camille, which battered the U.S. Gulf Coast in 1969. Regardless, Patricia looks to be more powerful than Hurricane Andrew in 1992, Katrina in 2005 and many others.
News outlets predicted widespread destruction in Mexico.
A significant flood threat is developing in the south-central United States, particularly Texas, The Weather Channel reported in a separate story. Although the event is still in its early stages, there have already been reports of water rescues and homes flooded.
The lion’s share of the heavy rain will be in Texas and in adjacent portions of Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana.
This post originally appeared in Trade Only Today, and can be found here.
