Mexico: Tropical Depression 28 forms in Caribbean Sea on October 24

Event

Tropical Depression 28 formed in the Caribbean Sea on Saturday, October 24. As of 17:00 (Eastern Daylight Time), the depression is located approximately 100mi (161km) west of the Cayman Islands moving north-northwest at 2mph (3kph). Forecasters predict that the depression will become a tropical storm on Sunday, October 25, and impact the northern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula in the next 48-72 hours. The depression is expected to strengthen to a Category 1 hurricane by Tuesday, October 27, and make landfall in the central US Gulf Coast area late Wednesday. There are currently no warnings or advisories in place regarding the depression.

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 Mexico 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.