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.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center said John had “rapidly strengthened” into a hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 105 mph (165 kph). The storm was close to the coast — about 30 miles (45 kilometers) south of Punta Maldonado and it was moving north at 8 mph (15 kph).

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