Residents on the western coast of Mexico have narrowly escaped the worst of Hurricane Odile, which was downgraded as it made landfall on Sunday.<br /><br />Gusty winds still whipped palm trees and strong waves lashed the resort area of Los Cabos at the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula.<br /><br />The 1,200 kilometre-long strip of land separates the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of California from mainland Mexico.<br /><br />As local residents protected windows from the force of the winds, many headed for temporary shelters while tourists stayed in their hotels.<br /><br />Forecasters still described Odile as “dangerous” and warned it could strengthen again.<br /><br />Some US 800 marines were on standby and officials readied heavy equipment to help out in areas where mudslides could occur.
