The storm has sustained winds of 80 mph with higher gusts. It’s expected to reach the Yucatan Peninsula on Thursday morning, the National Hurricane Center said.
On Wednesday evening, Grace was 170 miles east of Tulum, Mexico.
A hurricane warning is in effect for the Yucatan Peninsula from Cancun to Punta Herrero, including Cozumel. Such a warning means hurricane conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area, whereas a watch indicates hurricane conditions are possible in that area.
Jamaica, the Cayman Islands and portions of the Yucatan Peninsula may get 4 to 8 inches and isolated amount up to 12 inches of rain from the storm, which could lead to flash and urban flooding.
Swells across the area are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions, the NHC said.
In addition, a storm surge of 3 to 5 ft above normal tide levels is forecast.
Once Grace makes landfall on the Yucatan Peninsula, it is expected to continue westward and cross into the Bay of Campeche…
