Mexico/Cuba: Tropical Storm Michael approaches Yucatán Oct. 7 /update 1

Event

According to the US-based National Hurricane Center, Tropical Storm Michael was located 144 km (90 mi) south of Cozumel (Quintana Roo state) as of 11:55 (local time) on Sunday, October 7. The storm is moving at 10 km/h (6 mph) north with maximum sustained winds of 65 km/h (40 mph). A tropical storm warning is in effect along the eastern coast of the Yucatán peninsula from Tulum to Cabo Catoche. In addition, tropical storm warnings have been issued for the Cuban provinces of Pinar del Rio and Isla de la Juventud. The storm is expected to move north into the Gulf of Mexico by Monday, October 8, before affecting the US Gulf Coast beginning Tuesday, October 9. Strong winds and heavy rain is forecast, with an estimated 5-10 cm (2-4 in) of rain in the Yucatán peninsula, Belize, and northern Honduras and 7.6-17.8 cm (3-7 in) in western Cuba, with up to 30 cm (12 in) in certain areas. Flash flooding and associated transportation disruptions are possible. 

Context

Tropical depressions and storms are common in the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea from May through November.

Advice

Individuals in the affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, adhere to instructions (e.g. evacuation notices) issued by local authorities, and anticipate flooding, transportation disruptions, and telecommunication and electricity disruptions. Remember that walking or driving through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult - and floodwaters can contain wastewater and chemical products; all items having come into contact with floodwater should be disinfected and all foodstuffs discarded.