Fact Check: "Last year's Hurricane John dropped nearly 57 inches of rain in Mexico."
What We Know
Hurricane John was a significant tropical cyclone that impacted southern Mexico in September 2024. According to the Wikipedia entry on Hurricane John, the storm caused extensive flooding and record rainfall across the region. Specifically, it is reported that John dropped approximately 1,442 mm (56.8 inches) of rain in Guerrero, which is close to the claim of "nearly 57 inches." This amount of rainfall was noted to be five times greater than the rainfall from Hurricane Otis, which affected the same region the previous year.
The National Hurricane Center also provides data on the storm's impact, although it does not specify exact rainfall totals in the same detail as the Wikipedia source. However, it confirms that John caused significant rainfall and flooding.
Analysis
The claim that Hurricane John dropped "nearly 57 inches of rain" is supported by the data available from credible sources. The Wikipedia article provides a specific measurement of 56.8 inches, which aligns closely with the claim. This source is generally reliable as it compiles information from various meteorological reports and official statements.
However, the National Hurricane Center's information is more general and does not provide the same level of detail regarding rainfall totals. While it is a reputable source for hurricane data, the lack of specific figures means it does not directly confirm the claim.
Additionally, a report from AccuWeather mentions that John inundated southern Mexico with "up to 50 inches of rain," which suggests that while the rainfall was substantial, there may be some variability in reported totals depending on the specific location and timing of measurements.
In summary, while the claim is accurate in terms of the approximate rainfall amount reported, it is essential to note that different sources may provide slightly varying figures.
Conclusion
Verdict: Partially True
The claim that "Last year's Hurricane John dropped nearly 57 inches of rain in Mexico" is partially true. The specific measurement of 56.8 inches cited in the Wikipedia entry supports the claim, but it is important to recognize that other sources may report different totals, such as "up to 50 inches." Therefore, while the claim is accurate, it lacks comprehensive verification across all sources.
