Mexico: First hurricane of the season forms June 26

Event

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) announced the first hurricane of the 2017 season on Monday, June 26. Hurricane Dora formed off the southwest coast of Mexico in the early hours of Monday with maximum sustained winds of around 130 km/h (80 mph). As of 15:00 (EST), current forecasts show that the storm is moving away from the coast of Mexico. There are no hurricane warnings or watches currently in effect. The states of Guerrero and Michoacan are expected to get up to 25-50 mm (1-2 in) of rain from Hurricane Dora by Tuesday, June 27. According to the NHC, swells from the storm may create life-threatening surf and rip current conditions along the coast, particularly along the Baja California peninsula.

Context

Mexico's Pacific hurricane season extends from May 15 to November 30 (and in the Atlantic from June 1 to November 30), with the largest concentration of storms typically occurring between August and October.

Advice

Individuals present in affected areas are advised to keep abreast of weather forecasts and to adhere to any orders issued by the local authorities. In the event of flooding, keep in mind that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater or chemical products.