25 Oct 2018 | 01:22 PM UTC
Mexico: Cleanup efforts in west October 25 following Hurricane Willa /update 4
Cleanup efforts ongoing in western Mexico as of October 25 following passage of Hurricane Willa; power outages reported but no major damage or deaths
Event
Cleanup efforts are underway in western Mexico as of Thursday, October 25, following the passage of Hurricane Willa. Willa made landfall on Mexico’s western coast near the town of Isla del Bosque (Sinaloa state) as a Category 3 storm (Saffir-Simpson scale) around 19:30 (local time) on Tuesday, October 23. Willa then weakened into a tropical depression as it moved inland, bringing heavy rain to Durango, Zacatecas, and Coahuila on Wednesday before dissipating. Thousands evacuated ahead of Willa’s arrival and no casualties have been reported. The storm has left wind damage, river-adjacent flooding, and water and power outages in its path; it may take up to two weeks before electricity is fully restored in affected areas. No major infrastructural damage has been reported, although there are fears of significant agricultural damage in the region, which could have a long-lasting impact on the local economy.
Context
Mexico's Pacific Hurricane Season extends from May 15 to November 30 (and the Atlantic Hurricane Season from June 1 to November 30), with the largest concentration of storms typically occurring between August and October.
Advice
Individuals in Mexico are advised to adhere to be prepared for transportation and basic service disruptions in the coming days, adhere to any advice issued by regional authorities, and avoid flood-hit areas. Keep in mind that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult.
