22 Aug 2020 | 07:38 AM UTC
Mexico: Tropical Depression 14 develops into Tropical Storm Marco August 21
Tropical Depression 14 develops into Tropical Storm Marco August 21 as it approaches the northeast coast of the Yucatan Peninsula; maintain heightened vigilance and follow official directives
Event
Tropical Depression 14 has developed into Tropical Storm Marco and, according to the latest National Hurricane Center update as of 23:00 (local time) on Friday, August 21, is forecast to strengthen over the northwestern Caribbean Sea through Saturday, August 22, as it approaches the northeast coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. The storm's center of circulation was approximately 297 km (184 miles) southeast of Isla de Cozumel, Mexico and forecasts indicate the system will strengthen before making landfall in northern Quintana Roo state, Mexico late on August 22. A Hurricane Watch is in place for Punta Herrero to Cancun, and a Tropical Storm Warning is in place for Punta Herrero to Dzilam.
From Sunday, August 23, the system is expected to move into the south-central Gulf of Mexico as a Tropical Storm. Some strengthening is expected on Sunday, although the system will likely weaken as it approaches the northwestern Gulf coast on Tuesday, August 25. The NHC have stated that it is difficult to predict the exact location and magnitude of impacts the system will produce along the central or northwestern Gulf coast, but are advising that the storm should be monitored in the coming days and its progress tracked.
Context
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from late May through to the end of November, with activity typically peaking in late August and early September. Numerous tropical storms form in the Atlantic Ocean during this period, with most affecting the Caribbean, the Gulf of Mexico, and the east coast of the United States. Although communities in the region are generally well prepared for adverse weather conditions during the hurricane season, severe storms bring a significant risk of flooding and infrastructural damage.
Advice
Those in the affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, avoid areas directly affected by flooding, confirm road conditions before setting out, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities.
