Hurricane Trudy weakened on October 16 as it moved closer to Mexico’s western coastline but is expected to regain strength in the coming days, according to meteorologists. The storm currently carries maximum sustained winds of approximately 85 mph.

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) and Mexican authorities have forecasted that Trudy will intensify before nearing the states of Jalisco and Colima in central-western Mexico late on October 17. The center of the hurricane is projected to approach the southwestern and west-central coastal regions of the country late on October 17 and continue along the coast into October 18.

Trudy previously reached Category 3 status on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, indicating major hurricane strength. Forecasters warn that the storm will remain dangerous as it travels near Mexico’s central-western coast throughout the weekend.

Forecast models indicate that the hurricane will bring strong winds, heavy rainfall, and rough seas to the affected areas. Private weather service AccuWeather highlighted the potential for torrential rains as Trudy moves through the region. Up to 15 inches of rain could fall in the states of Michoacan, Colima, and Jalisco, raising concerns about flooding and landslides.

Authorities continue to monitor Trudy’s trajectory and intensity closely as preparations are underway along the impacted coastal areas. The combination of high winds and heavy precipitation poses significant risks to communities along the central-western coast of Mexico.