John struck Mexico’s southern coast on Monday night as a Category 3 hurricane after rapidly strengthening in the Pacific, 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.