On October 25th, Hurricane Otis made a catastrophic landfall near Acapulco, on Mexico’s southern Pacific coast. Striking at 1:25 a.m. CDT, the storm reached Category 5 hurricane status with fierce sustained winds of 165 mph. The rapid intensification of Hurricane Otis off the Mexican coast stunned forecasters, making it the strongest hurricane in the Eastern Pacific to make landfall during the satellite era.
The speed at which Otis strengthened was alarming. Wind speeds increased by an incredible 115 mph in just 24 hours, leaving the over one million residents in and around Acapulco with minimal time to prepare for the impending disaster. Only Hurricane Patricia in 2015, which saw a 120-mph wind speed increase in 24 hours, exhibited a more rapid intensification in the Eastern Pacific basin.
The aftermath of Hurricane Otis in Acapulco revealed widespread devastation. Reports and images depicted catastrophic damage to infrastructure, including numerous hotels and towering high-rise buildings. Downed trees, severe flooding, and dangerous mudslides were rampant across the city and surrounding areas. The healthcare system was also severely impacted, with damage reported at 120 hospitals and clinics. The storm’s fury extended to essential utilities, destroying over 10,000 utility poles and causing widespread power and communication outages. Critical infrastructure, including transmission lines, electrical substations, and a power plant, suffered heavy damage. Official reports from the Mexican government on October 31st sadly confirmed 46 deaths, with 58 individuals still missing in the wake of the hurricane.
In the immediate aftermath, rescue and aid efforts were hampered by mudslides in the mountainous regions outside Acapulco, blocking access routes. Reports indicated that the 10,000 troops deployed for assistance initially lacked the necessary equipment to clear debris and mud from roadways. Acapulco’s commercial and military airports sustained significant damage. However, by October 28th, the U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Mexico announced that limited flight operations had resumed from Acapulco International Airport (ACA) to Mexico City, facilitating some movement in and out of the disaster zone.
Recovery operations are ongoing, with crews working tirelessly to restore essential services and rebuild infrastructure. The Mexican Red Cross is actively distributing 75 tons of critical humanitarian aid to those impacted by the hurricane’s destruction. Over 1,600 individuals continue to seek refuge in shelters across Acapulco and Coyuca de Benítez, highlighting the immense scale of displacement caused by Hurricane Otis.
Throughout hurricane season and beyond, NOAA satellites play a crucial role in weather monitoring. These advanced satellites provide continuous 24/7 observation, offering vital data for hurricane forecasting, tracking storm movements, and assessing intensity. Geostationary satellites like GOES-16 (GOES East) and GOES-18 (GOES West) provide constant views of the Atlantic and Eastern/Central Pacific hurricane basins. This allows for real-time tracking of tropical cyclones and monitoring the environmental conditions that contribute to their formation.
These satellites capture images as frequently as every 30 seconds, enabling forecasters to precisely track cloud movements and accurately estimate the storm’s center. Furthermore, GOES-16 and GOES-18 deliver detailed insights into hurricane characteristics, including cloud top temperatures, central pressure, convective structures, eye features, wind speed estimations, and lightning activity. This comprehensive data is essential for accurately determining a storm’s intensity and predicting its path.
The Joint Polar Satellite System’s (JPSS) polar-orbiting satellites, including Suomi-NPP and NOAA-20, complement these geostationary observations by gathering data over every part of the Earth twice daily. They contribute to atmospheric understanding by precisely measuring sea surface temperatures, atmospheric temperature, and moisture levels.
For the latest updates on tropical storm and hurricane activity, rely on the National Hurricane Center. Track storm paths in real-time using NOAA’s Live Hurricane Tracker to stay informed and prepared during hurricane season and beyond.
