09 Oct 2023 | 11:34 PM UTC
Mexico: Tropical Storm Max tracking north-northeastward over western Guerrero State as of evening Oct. 9 following landfall earlier in the day /update 1
TS Max tracking north-northeastwards over western Guerrero State, Mexico, during the evening Oct. 9 following landfall earlier in the day.
Event
Tropical Storm Max is tracking north-northeastwards over western Guerrero State, Mexico, during the evening of Oct. 9 following landfall in Petatlan Municipality earlier in the day. As of 16:00 CDT, the system's center of circulation was approximately 65 km (40 miles) east of Zihuatanejo,. Forecast models indicate that the storm will weaken rapidly as it continues north-northeast before dissipating over northwestern Guerrero State early Oct. 10. Some uncertainty remains in the track and intensity forecast, and significant changes could occur over the coming hours.
As of the evening of Oct. 9, authorities are maintaining a tropical storm warning from Acapulco to Lazaro Cardenas. Tropical storm conditions are occurring in the warning area and are forecast to continue through the evening of Oct. 9. Forecast models indicate Guerrero and Michoacan states will receive rainfall totals of 10-20 cm (4-8 inches) through Oct. 10. The rainfall will likely produce flash and urban flooding and possible landslides in areas of higher terrain near the coast. Swells generated by Max will affect the southern coast of Mexico over the coming days; life-threatening surf and rip current conditions are likely.
Authorities in Guerrero State have established two temporary shelters in the municipality of Tecpan de Galeana. Acapulco and Puerto Marques ports are closed to small vessels due to hazardous conditions. All schools across Guerrero State suspended classes Oct. 9.
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 storm's path, 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.
