Mexico: Tropical cyclone to bring heavy rainfall to southern Mexico October 16

Event

Disruptions are likely across portions of southwestern Mexico on Wednesday, October 16, and Thursday, October 17, during the passage of Potential Tropical Cyclone Seventeen-E. As of 10:00 (local time) on Wednesday, the system is located at approximately 15.2°N, 96.2°W (map here) with maximum sustained winds of 55 kph (35 mph). The disturbance is moving northwest at 20 kph (13 mph) and is expected to track in a similar direction as it moves inland over southeastern Mexico on Wednesday afternoon. According to the US National Hurricane Center (NHC), a Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Barra de Tonala to Puerto Escondido. The disturbance is forecast to produce rainfall totals of 13-25 cm (5-10 in) of rainfall along the southwest coast of Mexico, with up to 38 cm (15 in) possible in isolated 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 are advised to monitor local weather reports, 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.