Mexico: Deadly Hurricane Roslyn Already Kills 2 With Heavy Rains, Massive Flooding
After forming off the Pacific coast, Hurricane Roslyn made landfall in Mexico on Sunday. The storm has brought heavy rains, severe flooding, and landslides. At least two people have been reported dead.
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) warned that landslides could happen in the storm's path. The agency noted that "this rainfall could lead to flash flooding and landslides in areas of rugged terrain."
The NHC also warned that the swells generated by Hurricane Roslyn will be affecting several portions of the coast of southwestern Mexico, west-central Mexico, and the southern portion of the Baja California peninsula through tonight, CNN reported.
The hurricane center said the swells could cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions. The NHC further noted that the heavy rainfall caused by Roslyn is "expected to produce an additional 1 to 3 inches of rain across southern Durango, Sinaloa into portions of Nayarit, Zacatecas, and Jalisco."
It added that the maximum storm total rainfall could reach up to 10 inches.
Hurricane Roslyn Categorized as a Major Hurricane
According to CNN, Roslyn made landfall around 7:20 a.m ET near Santa Cruz in Nayarit state as a Category 3 hurricane. It had maximum sustained winds of up to 120 miles per hour (mph).
This makes Roslyn a "major hurricane," which usually has maximum sustained winds of at least 111 mph. However, the storm is now weakening, with maximum sustained winds decreasing to almost 70 mph as of Sunday afternoon.
This rapid weakening is forecasted to continue, with Roslyn expected to be downgraded to a tropical depression and would soon dissipate as late as early Monday.
As of Sunday 2 p.m. ET, the center of Roslyn was spotted some 90 kilometers south-southeast of Durango, Mexico. The NHC said It was moving north-northeast at 20 mph.
Roslyn formed off the western coast of Mexico. Its sustained wind speed increased by 60 mph from Friday to Saturday morning.
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Hurricane Roslyn Doing Extensive Damage and Loss of Life in Nayarit State
While not as strong as previous hurricanes like Hurricane Fiona and Hurricane Ian that hit the Americas this year, Hurricane Roslyn still managed to do some significant damage, mostly in Nayarit state.
When the storm made landfall, Roslyn caused "major damage" to rooftops and outdoor coverings. Images and videos from local residents also showed cars submerged in water and buildings collapsing due to the strong winds and heavy rainfall.
Nayarit state's Ministry of Security and Citizen Protection has already dispatched emergency personnel to the most affected areas.
The ministry reported two confirmed deaths as Hurricane Roslyn passed by the state. The first victim was a 74-year-old man who was killed when a beam fell on his head in the Nayarit town of Mexcaltitan de Santiago Ixcuintla.
As for the second victim, the 39-year-old woman tragically passed away after a fence collapsed on her in the state's Rosamorada district.
The storm also passed by the neighboring state of Jalisco. However, Reuters reported that the state only suffered minor damage, and the Puerto Vallarta International Airport has already resumed operations after the storm passed the area.
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This article is owned by Latin Post.
Written by: Rick Martin
WATCH: Hurricane Roslyn Makes Landfall In Mexico As Powerful Category 3 Hurricane - Fox Weather