Hurricane Agatha, the first hurricane of the season, is heading towards tourist beaches on Mexico’s southern Pacific coast.

After forming on Sunday, Agatha quickly gained power, and is expected to make landfall as a Category 3 hurricane on Monday afternoon or evening, the US National Hurricane Centre said.

It is moving toward the area near Puerto Escondido and Puerto Angel in the southern state of Oaxana, where a hurricane warning has been issued.

The UK Foreign Office said: “Hurricane Agatha is expected to make landfall on the southern Pacific coast of Mexico on Monday 30 May in the afternoon.

“A hurricane warning is in effect for the coast of Oaxaca, between Lagunas de Chacahua and Salina Cruz. The hurricane is also expected to affect the coasts of Chiapas and the southern part of Guerrero.

“The hurricane season normally runs from June to November and affects both the Pacific and Atlantic coasts. Be aware that effects of tropical storms and hurricanes can span hundreds of miles from the centre of the storm, causing flooding, landslides and disruption to local services, including transport.

“You should follow the advice of the local authorities.”