10 May 2023 | 08:23 AM UTC
Mexico: Adverse weather conditions forecast across much of the country through at least May 13
Severe weather forecast across much of Mexico through at least May 13. Possible disruptions due to flooding, strong winds, and tornadoes.
Event
Adverse weather conditions are forecast across much of Mexico through at least May 13. A cold front is expected to move over northern Mexico over the coming days and will interact with other atmospheric conditions to bring showers, thunderstorms, strong winds, hail, and possible tornadoes to Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, and Tamaulipas states. The front will also bring strong winds and possible dust storms to Baja California and Sonora with showers possible in Baja California May 10. A low pressure channel is forecast to bring heavy downpours accompanied by possible thunderstorm activity in central, eastern, southern, and southeastern Mexico over the coming days. High temperatures are forecast across much of the country through May 12, and will persist in western regions along the Pacific coast, southeastern regions, and the Yucatan Peninsula through at least May 13.
The heaviest rainfall over the coming days is likely in northeastern states. Daily rainfall totals of 7.5-15 cm (3-6 inches) are expected in parts of Coahuila and Nuevo Leon May 12-13 and Tamaulipas May 13. Rainfall totals of 5-7.5 cm (2-3 inches) are forecast in parts of Chiapas May 11-12, Oaxaca and Veracruz May 11, San Luis Potosi May 12-13, Tamaulipas May 12, and Chihuahua May 13. The heavy downpours could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and landslides on unstable slopes. Winds gusting up to 90 kph (56 kph) accompanied by possible dust storms and tornadoes are likely in parts of Coahuila, Nuevo León, and Tamaulipas May 10-13. Temperatures of more than 40 C (104 F) are expected over the coming days in parts of eastern, western, and southeastern Mexico, including the Yucatan Peninsula.
Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rainfall has saturated the soil.
Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days and tornado warnings advising the public to shelter in place. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where severe weather impacts utility networks.
The severe weather will likely contribute to transport disruptions throughout affected regions. Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters.
Severe weather will also likely trigger flight delays and cancellations at airports across the affected region. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas with heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.
Localized business disruptions may occur in flood- or tornado-hit areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.
Advice
Monitor local media for updated emergency and weather information. Seek updated information on weather and road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where severe weather is forecast. Plan accordingly for potential delivery delays if routing shipments by truck through the affected area. Do not attempt to drive through flooded areas. Confirm flights. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
