02 Oct 2024 | 09:26 AM UTC
Mexico: Tropical Depression 11 tracking west-northwestward off the coast of Oaxaca State early Oct. 2 /update 1
TD 11 tracking west-northwestward in the Pacific Ocean early Oct. 2. Forecast to skirt along the coast of Oaxaca State, Mexico, Oct. 2-3.
Tropical Depression 11 is tracking west-northwestward in the eastern Pacific Ocean off the coast of Oaxaca State, Mexico, early Oct. 2. As of 03:00 CST, the system's center of circulation was approximately 80 km (50 miles) east-southeast of Puerto Angel, Oaxaca State.
Forecast models indicate that the storm will strengthen into a tropical storm as it continues to track west-northwestward and moves very close to the Oaxaca coast Oct. 2. The storm is expected to continue to skirt west-northwestward along the coast through the afternoon Oct. 3, before turning northwestward and moving inland west of Puerto Escondido during the late afternoon or early evening Oct. 3. The system is forecast to weaken into a tropical depression as it track northwestward inland over southern Oaxaca late Oct. 3-early Oct. 4. Some uncertainty remains in the track and intensity forecast and significant changes could occur in the coming hours and days.
As of early Oct. 2, authorities have issued the following watches and warnings:
Tropical Storm Warning
Lagunas de Chacahua, Oaxaca, to Boca de Pijijiapan, Chiapas
Tropical storm conditions are forecast to begin in the warning area Oct. 2. The storm is forecast to produce rainfall of 10-20 cm (4-8 inches), with localized amounts up to 30 cm (12 inches), across portions of western Guatemala and Chiapas, Oaxaca, Veracruz, and Tabasco states in Mexico. This rainfall may lead to areas of flooding and landslides. Swells generated by the storm are affecting portions of the coast of southern and southeastern Mexico. These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.
Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and those with easily overwhelmed drainage systems. If weather conditions prove hazardous, localized evacuations are possible.
Inclement weather could trigger localized business, transport, and utility disruptions and render some bridges or roadways impassable. Flight disruptions at regional airports and temporary port closures are also possible. Stagnant pools of water during and after flooding may increase the incidence of 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.
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.
