The storm is forecast to rapidly intensify and become a Category 3 hurricane with 115-mph winds before making landfall along the coast of western Oaxaca or eastern Guerrero June 19. Hurricane watches and warnings, along with a tropical storm warning, have been issued.

The system is expected to generate severely destructive winds as the core makes landfall in Mexico on Thursday.

The storm is expected to bring “life-threatening” rainfall, flooding and storm surges, according to the National Hurricane Center.