Mexico: Hurricane Delta to pass through Yucatan peninsula on October 7

Event

The US National Hurricane Center (NHC) in its 14:00 (EDT) advisory on Tuesday, October 6, reports that Category 4 Hurricane Delta is due to pass through the north-eastern coast of the Yucatan peninsula on the morning of Wednesday, October 7. The Category 4 hurricane has maximum sustained winds of 140 mph (220 kph) and is moving west-northwest at 16 mph (26 kph). A storm surge of 7 to 11 feet (2.1-3.3m) above normal tide levels is possible along the coast of the peninsula within the warning areas. A hurricane warning is currently in effect for Tulum to Dzilam, as well as Cozumel. In the Yucatan Peninsula, hurricane conditions are expected in the warning area early Wednesday, with tropical storm conditions beginning late Tuesday, October 6. Delta is expected to produce 4 to 6 inches (10-15cm) of rain, with isolated maximum totals of 10 inches (15cm), across portions of the northern Yucatan Peninsula through midweek. This rainfall may result in areas of significant flash flooding.

Wind damage, widespread flooding, and dangerous sea conditions are expected during the passing of the hurricane, and significant disruptions to transportation, business, and utilities are likely in the coming days.

Context

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from late May through to the end of November, with activity typically peaking in late August and early September. Numerous tropical storms form in the Atlantic Ocean during this period, with most affecting the Caribbean, the Gulf of Mexico, and the east coast of the United States. Although communities in the region are generally well prepared for adverse weather conditions during the hurricane season, severe storms bring a significant risk of flooding and infrastructural damage.

Organized tropical activity tends to peak in August and September. Storms tend to flood sections of highways and cause dirt-based roads to become temporarily impassable. More organized systems, depending on intensity, can prove catastrophic in terms of tidal surge, wind damage, flooding, and mudslides.

Advice

Those in the above areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, avoid areas directly affected by flooding, confirm road conditions before setting out, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities.