Mexico evacuates thousands ahead of hurricane

LOS CABOS, Mexico (AP) - Heavy winds, battering waves and intense rain pummeled residents and tourists in this vacation resort as Hurricane Jimena, one of the largest hurricanes this year, raked the coast late Tuesday.

Baja California prepared shelters to hold up to 29,000 people as Jimena, which weakened to a still threatening Category 3, churned northward offshore. But the state's biggest resort, Los Cabos, appeared to escape major damage from the storm beyond power outages and mud-choked roads.

Jimena was on course to pass west of Los Cabos and up the coast early today, close enough to punish the picturesque beaches and fishing villages that fringe the harsh desert of the long Baja peninsula.

The Mexican government declared a state of emergency for Los Cabos and the Baja California Sur state capital of La Paz and schools, many ports and most businesses were closed. Rescue workers from the Red Cross and the Mexican military prepared for post-hurricane disaster relief, and two Mexican army Hercules aircraft flew in medical supplies.

Authorities reported no injuries or major damages in Los Cabos, but expressed concern about what might happen when the hurricane made landfall further up the coast.