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.

Hurricane John is ripping toward Mexico’s southern coast after rapidly intensifying over the eastern Pacific Ocean, surprising authorities who called for residents of some coastal areas to head for cover.

Hurricane John's rapid intensification forced Mexico's Pacific tourist hubs of Acapulco and Puerto Escondido to brace quickly for a Category 3 storm.