Parts of Mexico remain on flood watch , despite one of the world's most powerful storms being downgraded.

Hurricane Patricia has weakened from its record-breaking strength as it hit western Mexico but it still dumped torrential rains that authorities warned could cause deadly floods and mudslides.

Forecasters say the monster Category 5 storm Hurricane Patricia, heading for Mexico’s Central Pacific Coast, is the strongest ever recorded in the Western Hemisphere.

Hurricane Patricia is bearing down on Mexico’s central Pacific Coast for what forecasters said could be a devastating blow, as officials began handing out sandbags in preparation for possible flooding.