PUERTO ESCONDIDO, Mexico — Hurricane John struck Mexico’s southern Pacific coast with life-threatening flood potential after growing into a major hurricane in a matter of hours.

John’s rapid intensification caught authorities off guard as they scrambled to update their guidance to residents and keep pace with the stronger storm.

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

Hurricane John is expected to bring dangerous winds, storm surge and life-threatening flash flooding to parts of southern Mexico.

By Fredy Garcia PUERTO ESCONDIDO, Mexico (Reuters) -Hurricane John hit Mexico's southern Pacific coast late on Monday as a major category 3 storm, with authorities warning residents to protect themselves against potentially deadly storm surges and torrential rain.

Hurricane John is forecast to bring severe weather to the southern Mexico coast, including life-threatening flash flooding. Track its path.

PUERTO ESCONDIDO, Mexico — (AP) — Tropical Storm John struck Mexico’s southern Pacific coast with life-threatening flood potential after growing into a major hurricane in a matter of hours.

Major Hurricane John made landfall on Monday night as a Category 3 storm along Mexico's Pacific coast where forecasters are warning of flash flooding and life-threatening conditions.

Hurricane John, a compact but powerful storm, came ashore on Mexico’s Pacific coast — pushing a dangerous surge in front of it and unleashing deadly flooding rains across the states of Guerrero and Oaxaca.

Mexico's top disaster agency issued a red alert for parts of the country's southern Pacific coast on Monday after Hurricane John rapidly strengthened to a Category 2 storm and threatened to get stronger before making landfall in the coming hours.