Hundreds evacuate as Hurricane Raymond looms off Mexico's southern Pacific coast

Tuesday, October 22, 2013, 8:08 AM -

Hurricane Raymond strengthened to a Category 3 storm early Monday, becoming a major hurricane as it charged towards Mexico's southern Pacific coast.

The storm remained stalled just off the Mexico coast early Tuesday, threatening the same area that was battered by rains and mudslides from Tropical Storm Manuel last month.

Guerrero state Governor Angel Aguirre urged people to stay off the streets, roads and highways Tuesday because of potentially dangerous rains from Raymond. 

According to the U.S. National Hurricane Center, a slow and erratic motion is expected during the next day or so. 

"And Raymond could move closer to the coast of Mexico within the hurricane warning area today," the centre adds. 

A slow motion toward the west-southwest is expected to begin on Wednesday.

A hurricane warning was issued from Tecpan de Galeana, up the coast from Acapulco, north to the port of Lazaro Cardenas, while a tropical storm warning was posted from Acapulco to Tecpan. 

Authorities in Guerrero, where Manuel caused over 100 deaths and left thousands displaced, set up 700 emergency shelters on Sunday. Schools in most coastal communities have also been closed.

Raymond is expected to produce rainfall amounts of 100 to 200 mm with isolated amounts of up to 300 mm over the Mexican states of Guerrero and Michoacan, the NHC warns.

"These rains could produce life-threatening flash floods and mudslides."

Large swells generated by Raymond are already affecting portions of the south-central coast of Mexico and a strong storm surge is expected to produce significant coastal flooding as well. 

Tropical Storm Lorenzo

Meanwhile in the Atlantic, Tropical Storm Lorenzo continues to spin far from land.

No coastal watches or warnings are in effect.