Hurricane Trudy strengthens off Mexico’s coast with major storm expected

Hurricane Trudy brought heavy rain and strong winds to parts of Mexico's Pacific coast, impacting sections of Colima, Jalisco, and Michoacán states. The storm weakened from a major Category 3 hurricane to a Category 2 as it tracked parallel to the Mexican coastline. As of October 18, Trudy had maximum sustained winds of 105 mph (165 kph) and was located about 150 miles west of Manzanillo, moving northwest at 10 mph (17 kph). The National Hurricane Center forecasted rapid weakening by the night of October 18. Expected rainfall ranges from four to eight inches across parts of Michoacán, Colima, and Jalisco, with isolated areas potentially receiving up to twelve inches, increasing the risk of life-threatening flooding and mudslides. Warnings were issued for mariners and coastal residents due to high waves and storm surge risks along exposed coastlines. The Mexican navy urged extreme caution regarding heavy rain, rising rivers, flooding, and landslides in vulnerable regions. Colima authorities noted that while current risks remained low, the potential for damage from saturated ground was significant. Trudy is forecasted to remain near the coast through Sunday evening before weakening further and moving south of Baja California Sur on Monday and Tuesday. Typhoon Champi also intensified into a Category 4 super typhoon as it passed Guam. Hurricane warnings were in effect from Manzanillo to Cabo Corrientes, with tropical storm warnings for Las Islas Marias and the coast east of Punta San Telmo to Lazaro Cardenas. Authorities advised continued caution due to potential impacts from successive storms along the Pacific coast.