Hurricane Otis, rapidly intensifying from a tropical storm to a Category 5 hurricane, is expected to make landfall near Acapulco, Mexico, early Wednesday morning. With wind speeds reaching 165 mph, Otis poses a significant threat of catastrophic damage to Mexico's southern coast. The hurricane center warns that this could be a "nightmare scenario" for the area, with destructive winds, heavy rainfall, and storm surge.

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has urged residents of Guerrero, including the popular tourist destination of Acapulco, to seek shelter and stay away from rivers, streams, and ravines in preparation for the storm's impact. A hurricane warning is in effect for Punta Maldonado westward to Zihuatanejo, with a hurricane watch and tropical storm warning for other areas.

Otis is expected to weaken rapidly as it moves inland and over the higher terrain of southern Mexico, eventually dissipating Wednesday night. However, the hurricane's primary threats include damaging winds, heavy rainfall, dangerous storm surge, and potentially life-threatening coastal flooding. Additionally, the storm could create life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.

The Acapulco metropolitan area, home to around 800,000 people, is at risk of being severely impacted by Otis. The hurricane center has highlighted the unprecedented intensity of this storm, noting that there are no records of hurricanes of this magnitude in this region. Mexicans are bracing for the impact of this powerful hurricane and hoping that the damage can be minimized.