Mexico braces itself for big storm

People on gap years in South America are being urged to stay away from the Mexican Baja California peninsula as Hurricane Jimena approaches.

Winds of 155mph are expected to hit the Los Cabos area by Tuesday (September 1st) in a storm which is being classified by the US National Hurricane Centre as just below the maximum category-five strength.

Tourists have chosen to escape the area rather than retreating to a storm shelter as residents continue to board up homes and businesses.

Members of the emergency services have been driving through towns trying to get orders out to people via a loudspeaker but reports say that they have not been heeded as homeowners fear that looters will strike if they do leave.

The US State Department issued advice to tourists and gap year students saying that "anyone located in areas likely to be impacted by Hurricane Jimena and who does not have access to adequate and safe shelter should consider departing while commercial flights are still available".