By Anietie anii-bassey
Tropical Storm Boris strengthened off Mexico’s southern Pacific coastline on Monday, prompting weather authorities to issue warnings for coastal communities as the storm threatened to unleash torrential rainfall, flash flooding, and potentially deadly mudslides across parts of Guerrero and Oaxaca.
Forecasters warned that the storm’s slow movement and abundant moisture could create hazardous conditions in mountainous and low-lying areas, where heavy rainfall has the potential to trigger landslides, swollen rivers, and widespread flooding.
As of Monday morning, Boris was located approximately 85 miles southeast of Acapulco and about 50 miles southwest of Punta Maldonado. The storm was carrying maximum sustained winds of 40 mph and was moving northeastward at a sluggish pace of around 2 mph, allowing rain bands to linger over affected areas for extended periods.
Meteorologists expected Boris to gradually turn northward during the day while continuing to intensify rainfall along the Pacific coast. The storm was forecast to move toward the coast of Guerrero and make landfall by Monday evening, bringing the most severe weather conditions to communities directly in its path.
Rainfall totals of between 4 and 10 inches were expected across portions of Guerrero and Oaxaca through Monday night, with isolated areas potentially receiving even greater amounts.
Emergency officials cautioned that the combination of saturated ground, steep terrain, and prolonged heavy rain significantly increases the likelihood of landslides and mudslides, particularly in rural mountain regions where roads and infrastructure are more vulnerable.
Authorities emphasized that flooding could develop rapidly in urban centers as drainage systems become overwhelmed, while rivers and streams may rise quickly and overflow their banks. Residents living near hillsides, waterways, and flood-prone zones were urged to closely monitor weather updates and follow instructions from local emergency management agencies.
A tropical storm warning remained in effect along a stretch of coastline extending from Laguna de Chacahua in Oaxaca westward to Tecpan de Galeana in Guerrero. Under the warning, tropical storm conditions were expected within 24 hours, including strong winds, rough surf, dangerous rip currents, and periods of intense rainfall.
Coastal communities were also advised to prepare for hazardous marine conditions. Strong winds and elevated seas generated by Boris were expected to create dangerous conditions for small vessels and fishing operations along the southern Pacific coast. Beachgoers and tourists were urged to exercise caution as rough waves and powerful currents could pose additional risks.
The storm’s proximity to Acapulco has raised concerns among local authorities and residents. The popular resort city has faced severe weather-related challenges in recent years, and emergency services have been placed on heightened alert in anticipation of possible flooding and storm impacts.
Boris is the second named storm of the eastern Pacific hurricane season, which officially began on May 15. The first named storm, Amanda, developed earlier this month over open waters of the Pacific Ocean and remained far from land, causing no significant impacts.
The formation of Boris comes as meteorologists continue to monitor tropical activity across both the Pacific and Atlantic basins. While the Atlantic hurricane season officially started on June 1, no tropical cyclones have developed there so far this year.
Forecasters, however, continue to predict an active season and are closely watching ocean temperatures and atmospheric conditions that could support future storm development.
For southern Mexico, immediate attention remains focused on Boris as authorities prepare for potentially dangerous weather conditions that could affect thousands of residents across coastal and mountainous regions. Emergency officials have urged the public to remain vigilant, avoid unnecessary travel during periods of heavy rain, and be prepared to move to safer locations if conditions deteriorate.
With landfall expected within hours, communities across Guerrero and Oaxaca are bracing for a storm that could bring not only strong winds but also the threat of significant flooding and landslides capable of causing widespread disruption and damage.
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