Hurricane Jova steadily closed in on the west coast of Mexico Tuesday, prompting authorities to issue hurricane warnings, open shelters and close ports. The National Hurricane Center said Jova is currently a Category 3 storm with maximum sustained winds of 115 mph. As of 8 a.m. Tuesday, Jova was about 130 miles southwest of the port city of Manzanillo. The center expects the storm of make landfall Tuesday afternoon or evening “near major hurricane strength.”
A hurricane warning was put into effect for areas between Punta San Telmo and Cabo Corrientes while a tropical storm warning was issued for areas between Lazaro Cardenas and El Roblito. The National Hurricane Center also issued warnings for “life-threatening surf and rip current conditions” in coastal areas. "Jova is expected to produce total rain accumulations of 6 to 12 inches over the states of Michoacan, Colima and Jalisco, with isolated maximum amounts of 20 inches possible,” the center added.
In preparation for the storm, about 100 shelters were opened and supplies were distributed throughout the state of Jalisco. Authorities closed the port of Manzanillo on Sunday, leaving about 13 container ships stuck until Jova passes.
Hurricane Jova is currently moving north-northeast at 6 mph.
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