Olivia Becomes a Hurricane

Day #4: Mexican Flooding

Storm Turns East 

OLIVIA TURNS EAST, DUMPS HEAVY RAIN
Flooding kills seven and forces thousands from their homes in Mexico

Tue. Morning , October 3, 1995
The Associated Press

MIAMI, FL - Olivia has now become a hurricane and has turned east on a path toward the Florida Straits. Forecasters say they will likely issue a hurricane watch this morning for parts of the U.S. gulf coast.

The storm has now grown into the ninth hurricane of the Atlantic tropical storm season. Olivia now carries sustained winds of 80 mph and gusts of 87 mph.

At 8 a.m., Olivia's center was in the Gulf of Mexico, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami.

Olivia's coordinates are 26.2 North Latitude, 79.4 West Longitude. The storm is packing winds of 75 mph and is moving north at 20 mph.

Meteorologist Mike Hopkins said in Miami that Olivia was expected to strengthen over warm gulf waters. Forecasters say a hurricane watch will likely be issued this morning for coastal areas from southern Florida and the southern islands.

A hurricane watch means that hurricane conditions could hit within 36 hours.

The governor, of Florida said residents should be "ready to evacuate at a moment's notice."

Mayors in Gulf Coast cities are also watching the storm closely.

Olivia has already caused extensive flooding in Mexico, forcing tens of thousands of coastal dwellers from their homes.

At least seven people are dead and 20 missing in Olivia's flood waters in Mexico's Tabasco state. Twelve-foot waves were reported in Mexican waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Most commercial and fishing ports were closed, as were some airports.

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