As Tropical Storm Flossie is moving off the southwestern coast of Mexico, forecasters warn that life-threatening conditions can be expected, and that people should prepare for the worst.
Mexico issues severe weather alert has become the breaking news in the region. Meteorologists are addressing this due to the possibility of a decisive shift in the storm, with poor predicted future impacts.
Storm Status and Forecast
Tropical Storm Flossie is located about 160–175 miles south-southwest of Zihuatanejo, and about 260 miles south-southeast of Manzanillo. It is moving northwest at a rate of 10–12 mph. As of Monday, Flossie’s sustained wind speed was about 60–65 mph, with higher gusts. Flossie is currently forecast to become a Category 1 hurricane—defined as having winds of at least 74 mph—by late Monday or early Tuesday. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) is reporting that it is also possible Flossie could strengthen some more before it weakens over cooler waters by the later part of this week.
Possible Consequences and Dangers
Although the center of Flossie is expected to stay offshore, there will be significant rainfall (potentially up to 150 mm (6 inches)) across part of Guerrero, Michoacán, Colima, and Jalisco through Wednesday. Heavy precipitation can lead to life-threatening flash floods and mudslides, particularly in the mountainous areas because of steep terrain. Along the Mexican coast some dangerous surf, rip currents, and storm surge will also be possible along with impacts to coastal communities and beachgoers.
Community Preparedness and Response
Local governments are activating civil protection procedures and emergency mechanisms in order to provide a response if necessary. Residents are advised to secure property, prepare emergency kits, and remain vigilant with official weather resources. The coastal cities Zihuatanejo, Lázaro cárdenas, and Manzanillo are experiencing an influx of travelers and tourists, who are advised to pay close attention to weather updates and make any planning alterations as necessary.
Consequences to Human Activity and Bigger Picture
The picture painted is a sobering reminder of the vulnerability that coastal areas have to tropical weather systems — fishermen, farmers, and local businesses not only have to worry about safety for their personal selves, but also threats to livelihoods. Considering the fact that Flossie is making landfall just in time for the remnants of Tropical Storm Barry to be dropping heavy rainfall on Mexico’s Gulf Coast, things are starting to get complicated for emergency responders and local authorities.
Next Steps: Stay Vigilant and Resilient.
As Tropical Storm Flossie sets to become hurricane — Mexico weather service issues alert of severe weather, the emphasis will stay on vigilance and community resilience. The NHC and MX authorities will keep providing updates and will ask the community to think seriously about every advisory and call to evacuate. International search and rescue and NGOs will provide and monitor the situation and be ready to lend aid if storm impact requires it.
Tropical Storm Flossie is forecasted to strengthen into a hurricane—Mexico has issued a heavy weather caution is a specific call to action to everyone in the storm’s path. Although the forecast may change to indicate a different track for the storm and/or a different intensity for the storm, it is still a very serious situation which could produce rainfall, flooding, and coastal hazards.
Putting yourself in position to mitigate harm to you and your family and to help with recovery goes a long way to help recovery while improving your family’s chance of making the best of a potential impact. Therefore, it is important to be prepared, informed, and be a good neighbor at the same time. Stay alert. Follow official recommendations and the weather service. And remember to care and be aware of your neighbors as this situation unfolds.
