Thousands Evacuate as Mexico Braces for Massive Hurricane

Thousands of residents and tourists evacuated areas of Mexico's coast this week after it was predicted that a Category 5 hurricane would be striking the region in the coming days.

Meteorologists are predicting that this is one of the strongest tropical cyclones ever, predicted to dump 10 to 20 inches of rain in the Mexican states of Jalisco, Colima, Michoacan and Guerrero.

The tourist hubs of Puerto Vallarta and Manzanillo are also expected to be hit hard, with meteorologists predicting 40 foot waves on some coastlines and up to 200 mile per hour winds.

"Patricia is one of the strongest tropical cyclones globally ever observed," WeatherBell meteorologist Ryan Maue told NBC News, adding that "based on lowest central pressure and maximum surface (and flight level) wind speed since the dawn of aviation-based reconnaissance in the 1940s."

According to CNN, a meteorological center based in Miami, Florida warned Friday morning that the hurricane could result in a "potentially catastrophic landfall [...] in southwestern Mexico" by Friday evening.

"Patricia is expected to remain an extremely dangerous Category 5 hurricane through landfall," the statement added.

Officials in Mexico have begun taking emergency precautions in preparation for the oncoming hurricane.

Interior Minister Miguel Angel Osorio said Friday morning on Mexico's Radio Formula that "We need people to understand the magnitude of the hurricane, it is a devastating hurricane, the biggest one ever registered."

Meteorologists have also predicted that the storm, while primarily affecting Mexico, may reach as far as Texas through the gulf, causing massive rainfall.