Hurricane Otis: Devastation, Disease, and Desperation

Hurricane Otis, a Category 5 hurricane, made landfall in Acapulco, Mexico, with sustained winds of 165 mph. A wind gust of 205 mph was recorded at the port authority, potentially making it one of the top 15 strongest wind gusts ever recorded globally. The measurement was taken by a sonic anemometer on a tower, although the tower was lower than the standard height for wind measurement. Extreme wind gust measurements are challenging due to equipment destruction and the presence of intense precipitation and debris.