Mexico/US: Tropical Storm Sergio to make landfall in Baja Oct. 12 /update 2

Event

Tropical Storm Sergio is located approximately 210 km (130 mi) northwest of Cabo San Lázaro (Baja California peninsula) as of 02:00 (local time) on Friday, October 12. According to the US-based National Hurricane Center, Sergio is currently packing maximum sustained winds of 85 km/h (50 mph).

The latest forecasts indicate that Sergio will make landfall in Baja California Sur state early on Friday. The storm will then pass over the northwestern states of Sonora and Chihuahua during the day, and then into the US states of Texas and New Mexico early Saturday as a tropical depression.

Tropical storm warnings are currently in effect for the Baja coastline between Punta Eugenia and Cabo San Lázaro in the west and between Mulegé and Bahia San Juan Bautista in the east. Up to 20 cm (8 in) of rain is forecast for parts of Baja and Sonora, which has the potential to result in flooding and landslides. Up to 8 cm (3 in) is forecast for affected US regions (including Arizona). Strong winds are also to be anticipated, along with associated transportation disruptions and power outages.

Context

The 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 the affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports and adhere to any instructions issued by local authorities. Remember that walking or driving through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult.