A TENNIS stadium was engulfed in flood water after being hit by the deadly Hurricane Otis.
The shocking category five storm hit Mexico yesterday with winds of 165mph and torrential rain, claiming the lives of 27 confirmed victims.
TwitterThe venue of the Acapulco Open is underwater[/caption]
2022 Getty ImagesThe site usually has a stunning setting beside the sea and a golf course[/caption]
And among the first towns to suffer damage was the popular seaside resort of Acapulco.
The city, on Mexico’s south-western coast, is home to more than one million people.
And it also hosts the hugely popular Mexican Open at the beginning of each tennis season.
The ATP 500 event is staged at the Arena GNP Seguros and was won by Alex De Minaur this March after Rafael Nadal wrapped up his fourth title in 2022.
There has been plenty of drama at the event in recent years with Alexander Zverev smashing his racket into the umpire’s chair, Taylor Fritz vomiting on court and players carrying on through an earthquake.
But devastating aerial footage shows the huge damage done by the hurricane.
The video, circulated on social media, has the empty main stadium deep in brown water with the other smaller arenas completely covered.
The golf course behind the tennis centre is also underwater.
Fans were saddened to see the shocking scenes and took to Twitter with messages of support for the people of Acapulco and those connected with the tennis tournament.
One said: “I’m so sorry to hear – stay safe and take care too!”
Another wrote: “So sad for the people of Acapulco and other areas affected by Hurricane Otis. Just no time to prepare it became a five so fast. Praying for them.”
A third added: “This is so awful. I feel bad for people in Acapulco.”
And a final user commented: “Prayers for Acapulco.”
Tourists fled Acapulco when Hurricane Otis rapidly intensified and made landfall at around 12.25am on Wednesday morning, with the city in the eye of the storm.
Further clips revealed the hurricane ripping through the resort with buildings battered and key infrastructure wrecked, leaving the area without power.
Schools have been shut, flights cancelled and soldiers are patrolling beaches and opening storm shelters.
There are still concerns about this weekend’s Formula One Grand Prix, which is scheduled to be staged at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.
However, the eye of the storm is set to pass approximately 125 miles north of the racetrack.
TwitterThe main stadium is flooded with other arenas underwater[/caption]
TwitterAcapulco was heavily hit by the category five hurricane[/caption]
EPAThe devastation of Hurricane Otis is clear to see[/caption]
APResidents desperately tried to get hold of key resources[/caption]
ReutersThe storm made landfall in the early hours of Wednesday morning[/caption] Creator – [#item_custom_dc:creator]
