16 Dec 2022 | 11:36 AM UTC
Mexico: Adverse weather conditions forecast across much of the country through at least Dec. 19
Severe weather conditions forecast across much of Mexico through at least Dec. 19. Flooding and disruptions possible.
Event
Adverse weather conditions are forecast across many parts of Mexico through at least Dec. 19 due to a series of weather systems affecting the country. A frontal system off the east coast in the Gulf of Mexico will interact with a low pressure channel to bring showers to northeastern, eastern, and southeastern regions over the coming days, with heavy downpours likely over parts of Chiapas, Puebla, Oaxaca, Tabasco, and Veracruz states Dec. 17-18. The front will also draw in a cold air mass, leading to a drop in temperatures over northern, central, and eastern parts of the country, as well as generate a surge of cold winds known as a Norte event over eastern coastal areas and the Gulf and Isthmus of Tehuantepec. A polar trough will also bring strong winds and isolated rainfall to northwestern regions, with the possibility of sleet and snowfall over mountainous areas of Baja California early Dec. 18.
Daily rainfall totals of 7.5-15 cm (3-6 inches) are expected in parts of Chiapas, Tabasco, and Veracruz states Dec. 17-18 and parts of Puebla and Oaxaca Dec. 17. Rainfall totals of 5-7.5 cm (2-3 inches) are forecast over parts of Tamaulipas Dec. 17-18, San Luis Potosi Dec. 17, and Puebla and Oaxaca Dec. 18. The heavy downpours could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and landslides on unstable slopes in parts of the affected areas. Winds gusting up to 80 kph (62 mph) will generate rough seas in coastal areas of Tamaulipas and Veracruz, as well as across the Gulf and Isthmus of Tehuantepec Dec. 17-18. Temperatures could drop to as low as -10 C (14 F) in mountainous areas of Chihuahua and Durango over the coming days.
Hazardous Conditions
Heavy rainfall could trigger flash and areal flooding in some areas. Such flooding is possible in low-lying communities near watercourses and other large bodies of water and in urban areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream of large reservoirs may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas.
Precipitation could fall as snow in higher elevations over the coming days. Wind gusts could cause blowing and drifting snow; decreased visibility is likely in mountainous areas. Power outages could occur throughout the affected areas.
Transport
The severe weather will likely contribute to transport disruptions throughout affected regions. Traffic and commercial trucking delays might occur along regional highways. Flooding downpours could inundate some low-lying roads in areas with poor drainage. Strong winds might also pose a hazard to high-profile vehicles.
Hazardous weather conditions might cause flight delays and cancellations at airports across affected regions. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations or close beach fronts if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.
Advice
Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business appointments before travel. Make allowances for localized travel delays and potential supply chain disruptions where flooding has been forecast. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
