Hurricane Rina expected to strengthen, hit Cancun
In this satellite handout from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Hurricane Rina gathers strength in the Caribbean Sea. A Hurricane Watch is in effect for the east coast of the Yucatan Peninsula from north of Punta Gruesa to Cancun.
Hurricane Rina is expected to strengthen into a Category 3 hurricane on Wednesday as it moves closer to the Yucatan peninsula.
According to the National Hurricane Center, as of Wednesday morning, Rina's maximum sustained winds were at 110 mph hour, which is only 1 mph short of a Category 3 status, reports Fox News.
The center of the storm was located 230 miles south-southeast of Cozumel, and was heading slowly westward towards the Mexican resort town of Cancun. According to forecasters, Rina is likely to strengthen into a Category 3 hurricane before it makes landfall on the Yucatan peninsula.
CNN reports that tourists and residents in Cancun were stocking up on supplies to prepare for the storm. Many tourists are unable to find flights out of Cancun, and local residents are concerned about the hurricane's impact on the local economy.
Hurricane Wilma left devastating results in 2005.
A hurricane warning is in effect for the Yucatan peninsula from north of Punta Gruesa to Cancun. According to CNN, the region will see hurricane conditions, including winds of at least 74 mph.