30 Jun 2023 | 05:16 PM UTC
Pacific Ocean: Hurricane Beatriz tracking northwestward in the eastern North Pacific Ocean off southwestern Mexico as of early June 30
Hurricane Beatriz tracking northwestward in the eastern North Pacific Ocean off southwestern Mexico as of early June 30.
Event
Hurricane Beatriz is tracking northwestward in the eastern North Pacific Ocean off the southwest coast of Mexico early June 30. As of 10:00 CDT, the system's center of circulation was approximately 80 km (50 miles) south of Lazaro Cardenas, Michoacan State.
Forecast models indicate that the storm will continue to track northwestwards off the coast of western Mexico through early July 1 before turning west-northwest later July 1. Beatriz is forecast to pass near or over parts of southwestern Mexico late June 30 and on July 1, before moving away from the coast of west-central Mexico. The storm is forecast to strengthen slightly as it tracks off the coast June 30 and is expected to start weakening July 2. Some uncertainty remains in the track and intensity forecast, and significant changes could occur over the coming hours.
As of early June 30, authorities have issued the following coastal watches and warnings:
Hurricane Warning: Zihuatanejo to Cabo Corrientes
Hurricane Watch: North of Cabo Corrientes to Punta Mita
Tropical Storm Warning: South of Zihuatanejo to Tecpan de Galeana; North of Cabo Corrientes to Punta Mita
Tropical Storm Watch: North of Punta Mita to San Blas; Islas Maria
Authorities will likely issue new warnings or update existing advisories throughout the system's progression in the coming hours and days.
Rainfall totals of 7.5-12.5 cm (3-5 inches), with localized maximums of up to 20 cm (8 inches), are forecast across parts of southern Mexico from Guerrero west-northwest to Nayarit through July 2. Dangerous storm surge is likely to result in significant coastal flooding in areas of onshore winds. The storm surge is likely to be accompanied by large and destructive waves near the coast. Swells generated by Beatriz, which are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions, are forecast to build and spread northward along the southwestern coast of Mexico over the coming days.
Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and those with easily overwhelmed drainage systems. If weather conditions prove hazardous, localized evacuations, flash flooding, and landslides are possible.
The inclement weather could trigger localized business, transport, and utility disruptions and render some bridges or roadways impassable. Flight disruptions at regional airports and temporary closures of ports are also possible. Stagnant pools of water during and after flooding increase insect- and waterborne diseases, such as dengue fever, cholera, and malaria. Exposure to raw sewage and other hazardous materials mixed with floodwaters poses a serious health threat.
Advice
Activate contingency plans in areas where officials forecast tropical storm conditions. Heed any evacuation orders that may be issued. Use extreme caution in low-lying coastal areas and near streams, creeks, and other waterways due to the potential for severe flooding and storm surge. Stockpile water, batteries, and other essentials in advance. Charge battery-powered devices when electricity is available; restrict the use of cellular phones to emergencies only. Power down mobile devices when not in use. Keep important documents and necessary medications in waterproof containers. Observe strict food and water precautions, as municipalities could issue boil-water advisories following flooding events. Take precautions against insect- and waterborne diseases in the coming weeks.
Plan accordingly for protracted commercial, transport, and logistics disruptions in areas in the path of the storm, especially if vital infrastructure is damaged. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where flooding has occurred. Confirm flights before checking out of hotels or driving to the airport; clearing passenger backlogs may take several days in some locations.
