A look into the timescale of the remnants of Otis
In a matter of 24 hours, a tropical storm grew to become a Category 5 hurricane. This would add extreme damage to Acapulco Mexico as damaging winds, storm surge, and flooding would devastate the area.
![](https://abc17news.b-cdn.net/abc17news.com/2023/10/slot1-2-1.jpg)
Tuesday morning the 24th saw an approaching tropical storm rapidly approaching form the Eastern Pacific. Just before 1 PM Tuesday afternoon, the National Hurricane Center would upgrade Otis to a category one hurricane as wind speeds would break 74 mph.
![](https://abc17news.b-cdn.net/abc17news.com/2023/10/slot2-1-1.jpg)
Due to a steep increase in sea surface temperatures near the coast of Acapulco, Otis would continue to increase its winds up to 165 mph within a 12 hour time period becoming a major Category 5 hurricane just before 10 PM (CDT).
![](https://abc17news.b-cdn.net/abc17news.com/2023/10/slot3-1-1.jpg)
In comparison, these winds speeds would mimic a EF-3 tornado, meaning the chance for widespread damage and even the potential for loss of life would increase.