SoCal residents concerned about families in Hurricane Patricia's path

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Residents in Southern California called loved ones in Mexico as soon as they heard how catastrophic Hurricane Patricia could be.

Local musician Miguel Estrada asked his nephew in the state of Nayarit how people are doing.

"We are saying goodbye now because we don't know if we will survive or not. This thing is powerful," responded Jesus who is in the city of Tuxpan, one of dozens of municipalities where officials declared a state of emergency.

Estrada says he is sad because he can't be there and is worried about his parents. So for now, he'll pray for them.

"They are kind of afraid. I can feel they're really afraid," said Hector Chavez.

Chavez's parents and daughter are in the city of Manzanillo in the state of Nayarit.

When asked if they were able to buy food and water, Chavez responded, "Not right now. Everything is closed, transportation is closed and everything is closed."

According to Roberto Ramirez, the director of Mexico's National Water Commission, that area could be the most at-risk city for the storm's path.

Eyewitness News spoke to Chavez's daughter who lives there.

"Everybody is in their house. I think that people is like trying to control themselves," said Ilse Chavez.

Some Mexican locals found relief after speaking to family members in other states.

"Immediately when I knew about the hurricane I called them but they said, 'No, we are OK," said Guadalupe Murillo, a store owner.

Meanwhile, Chavez remains emotional and concerned but hopes for the best.

"I just prayed for them, and everything is going to be OK," said Chavez.