John struck Mexico’s southern coast on Monday night after rapidly strengthening into a major Category 3 hurricane, triggering warnings of ‘life-threatening’ floods and mudslides.

Tropical Storm John — now a Category 1 hurricane — is forecast to strengthen before making landfall near Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca.

By Jose Cortes MARQUELIA, Mexico (Reuters) -Hurricane John threatened southwestern Mexico with severe flooding on Tuesday evening even as it weakened on its trek inland after leaving three people dead and causing severe damage.