Mexico: Hurricane Warning issued for southwestern Mexico ahead of Tropical Storm Lorena September 18 /update 1

Event

The government of Mexico has issued a Hurricane Warning as Tropical Storm Lorena tracks toward its southwestern coast on Wednesday, September 18. The warning is in effect from Punta San Telmo to Cabo Corrientes, while a Tropical Storm Warning is in effect from Zihuatanejo to Punta San Telmo and from Cabo Corrientes to Punta Mita. Lorena is expected to move near or over the Hurricane Warning area during the evening (local time) of Wednesday and into Thursday, September 19. 

As of 10:00 (local time) on Wednesday, Lorena is located at approximately 17.4°N, 103.5°W (map here), according to the US National Hurricane Center (NHC). The storm is tracking northwest at 20 kph (13 mph) with maximum sustained winds of 100 kph (65 mph). Lorena is forecast to strengthen into a hurricane over the next 24 hours as it nears the southwestern coast of Mexico. The storm is expected to produce rainfall totals of 12-25 cm (5-10 in), with isolated totals of 38 cm (15 in) along the coastal areas of the states of Guerrero, Michoacán, Colima, and Jalisco.

Life-threatening flash flooding, damaging winds, and high storm surge are likely throughout the abovementioned areas. Associated power outages and disruptions to transportation and business services are possible in areas forecast to be affected by the system over the coming days.

Advice

Individuals in areas forecast to be affected by Tropical Storm Lorena are advised to monitor local weather reports, confirm flight reservations, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities, anticipate adverse weather and power and transportation disruptions, and remember that running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) is enough to knock over an adult - and never drive through flooded streets; floodwater may also contain wastewater and chemical products.