Mexico braces itself for John

Hurricane John is gathering power off the coast of Mexico and there are fears that it will affect coastal areas.

So far the majority of John's effects have been over the ocean, but Acapulco has been hit with heavy rain and high winds.

Warnings of flash flooding and mudslides are currently causing the most concern and hoteliers in the area are keeping a close eye on the situation.

John is currently a category three storm after being downgraded from yesterday's (August 30th) category four measurement.

The US National Hurricane Centre (NHC) noted in a statement: "While the centre of John is forecast to remain just offshore, hurricane-force winds are still expected to reach the coast within the warning area.

High winds and heavy rain "could cause life-threatening flash floods and mudslides over areas of mountainous terrain", the NHC added.

The Foreign Office issued the following advice for travellers to the region: "The government of Mexico has issued a hurricane warning from Lazaro Cardenas westward to Cobo Corrientes.

"Hurricane watches are also in effect in surrounding areas. Visitors to the affected areas should keep in close touch with their travel operators."

Hurricane Ernesto is still categorised as a tropical storm and a warning is in place for the Florida and North Carolina area.