Mexico: Tropical Storm Genevieve forms off southern Pacific coast August 16

Event

A tropical depression off Mexico's southern Pacific coast has strengthened into Tropical Storm Genevieve on Sunday, August 16. The storm system is forecast to strengthen further and is anticipated to become a hurricane on Monday, August 17. While the centre of the storm is forecast by the National Hurricane Center (NHC) to remain offshore as it tracks west-north westwards, heavy rainfall and dangerous seas are forecast for southern Pacific coastal areas from the Guatemala border to well north of Acapulco, possibly as far as Colima or Jalisco states over the next two days. Genevieve is currently forecast to have weakened by the time its winds then impact the Baja California peninsula late Tuesday, August 18, or early Wednesday, August 19.

Despite tracking well offshore parallel to the Pacific coastline, large swells and dangerous currents are expected along the coast in the coming days. Heavy rainfall and resultant flooding and landslides are also possible.

Advice

Individuals in areas forecast to be affected by the storm system are advised to monitor local weather reports, confirm flight reservations, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities, anticipate adverse weather and power and transportation disruptions, and remember that running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) is enough to knock over an adult - and never drive through flooded streets; floodwater may also contain wastewater and chemical products.