Hurricane Otis, which was initially a tropical storm, rapidly intensified and strengthened into a Category 5 storm as it approached Mexico's southern Pacific coast. The U.S. National Hurricane Center warned that the hurricane would cause "catastrophic damage" as it made landfall in Mexico. With wind speeds reaching up to 165 mph, the storm posed a significant threat to Acapulco, a popular Mexican resort town. The hurricane's eye began moving ashore at around 12 a.m. local time, just 30 miles south/southeast of Acapulco.

The National Hurricane Center issued a bulletin stating that flash flooding was a possibility, with an expected 20 inches of rain in areas including Guerrero and the western coastal sections of Oaxaca. Officials expressed concern about the potential for flash floods, urban flooding, and mudslides in areas with higher terrain. Additionally, the hurricane center warned of "extremely destructive winds near the core" of Hurricane Otis, with high-rise buildings at risk of damage.

Mexico's army and navy were quick to respond to the impending disaster, deploying over 8,000 troops equipped with specialized rescue equipment to Guerrero. The Associated Press reported that Acapulco's port, home to 300 fishing boats, had been closed. The city, which has a population of approximately one million, was also a major tourist destination.

Danielle Banks, meteorologist for The Weather Channel, stated that Otis was expected to weaken after making landfall. The hurricane center confirmed that Otis would likely dissipate over southern Mexico by Wednesday night.

The storm raised concerns among residents and authorities due to its potential impact on coastal areas, including fishing villages and beach resorts that were preparing for the peak winter season. The hurricane center classified Otis as a major hurricane, indicating the potential for "significant loss of life and damage." A Hurricane Warning was issued for Punta Maldonado west to Zihuatanejo.

With the storm's eye approaching Acapulco, the National Hurricane Center emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that the city was likely to experience the core of the destructive hurricane. The Mexican government estimated that the city was home to more than 850,000 people.

Despite the imminent danger posed by Hurricane Otis, there was some relief in the forecast as the storm was expected to weaken after making landfall. However, the devastating impact of the storm on Mexico's southern Pacific coast remained a significant concern for both residents and authorities.