Footage shows surfers testing their skills at the ‘Mexican Pipeline’ in the immediate aftermath of the powerful storm.

By Fredy Garcia PUERTO ESCONDIDO, Mexico (Reuters) -Hurricane John hit Mexico's southern Pacific coast late on Monday as a major category 3 storm, with authorities warning residents to protect themselves against potentially deadly storm surges and torrential rain.

John’s rapid intensification caught authorities off guard as they scrambled to update their guidance to residents and keep pace with the stronger storm.

Two people are dead after former hurricane John barreled into Mexico’s southern Pacific coast, blowing tin roofs off houses, triggering mudslides and toppling scores of trees

Hurricane John struck Mexico’s southern Pacific coast with life-threatening flood potential after growing into a major hurricane in a matter of hours. It came ashore near the town of Punta Maldonado late Monday night as a Category 3 storm with maximum sustained winds of 120 mph (190 kph).

Hurricane John dissipated over Mexico on Tuesday after barreling into the country’s southern Pacific coast overnight, leaving two dead and a trail of destruction in its path. Weakening into a tropical depression,

John struck Mexico’s southern coast on Monday night as a Category 3 hurricane after rapidly strengthening in the Pacific, triggering warnings of “life-threatening” floods and mudslides.

Hurricane John fell apart as quickly as it formed but left destruction along Mexico's southern Pacific coast, including deadly mudslides and flooding that may linger.