Hurricane Willa makes landfall in Mexico

International Desk Published: 24 October 2018, 09:43 AM
Hurricane Willa makes landfall in Mexico
A satellite image shows Hurricane Willa off Mexico's Pacific coast.

Hurricane Willa, a storm described by forecasters as "life-threatening" and "potentially catastrophic", has made landfall in western Mexico, reports BBC.

Currently a category three storm, it has maximum winds of 195km/h (120mph) and is causing "an extremely dangerous storm surge". 

The National Hurricane Center has warned residents to stay indoors.

Earlier this month areas of the US were devastated by Hurricane Michael, which left at least 27 people dead.

A hurricane warning is in effect in coastal areas from San Blas to the tourist city Mazatlan, as well as Las Islas Marias.

The US's National Hurricane Centre says the hurricane is expected to weaken rapidly after landfall, but has warned that the storm could still cause "life-threatening flash flooding and landslides".

In Mazatlan, a popular beach resort, some residents were seen stocking up on food and water ahead of the hurricane's arrival. 

In the nearby town of Escuinapa, people have been gathering in shelters.

Hurricane Michael, which made landfall on 10 October, was the most powerful storm ever to hit north-west Florida.

Residents of Mexico Beach, one of the areas worst affected, described the aftermath as a "war zone".