Thousands Evacuate Mexico’s Coast Before Strongest Hurricane Makes Landfall

According to Accuweather.com, Hurricane Patricia continues to have winds of 200 mph. It is recorded as the strongest hurricane on record in either the Atlantic or Eastern North Pacific Basin.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center predicted the Category 5 storm would make a "potentially catastrophic landfall" in southwestern Mexico later on Friday.

Thousands of people are being evacuated from Mexico's Pacific coast as Patricia is expected to bring devastating and extremely damaging wind gusts near or possibly in excess of 200 mph. Rainfall amounts will range from 6 to 12 inches with up to 20 inches possible locally.

The greatest impacts will be felt at the immediate coastline and in the higher elevations just inland. This will result in life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides, as well as widespread power outages and severe damage to most structures.

More hurricane watch info at: http://www.accuweather.com