01 Jul 2023 | 04:09 AM UTC
Pacific Ocean: Hurricane Beatriz tracking northwestward in the eastern North Pacific Ocean off west central Mexico as of late June 30 /update 1
Hurricane Beatriz tracks northwest in eastern North Pacific Ocean off west central Mexico as of late June 30. Close approach through July 1.
Event
Hurricane Beatriz is tracking northwestward in the eastern North Pacific Ocean off the coast of west-central Mexico late June 30. As of 22:00 CDT, the system's center of circulation was approximately 80 km (50 miles) south-southeast of Manzanillo, Colima State.
Forecast models indicate that the storm will weaken into a tropical storm while tracking northwestwards off the coast of western Mexico through early July 1, before weakening further while moving away from the coast of west-central Mexico, towards the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula through July 3. Some uncertainty remains in the track and intensity forecast, and significant changes could occur over the coming hours.
As of late June 30, authorities have issued the following coastal watches and warnings:
Hurricane Warning: Lazaro Cardenas to Cabo Corrientes
Hurricane Watch: North of Cabo Corrientes to Punta Mita
Tropical Storm Warning: North of Cabo Corrientes to Punta Mita
Tropical Storm Watch: North of Punta Mita to San Blas; Las Islas Maria
Authorities will likely issue new warnings or update existing advisories throughout the system's progression in the coming hours and days.
Rainfall totals of 7.5-12.5 cm (3-5 inches), with localized maximums of up to 20 cm (8 inches), are forecast across parts of southern and western Mexico from Michoacan northwest to Sinaloa and Durango through July 3. Dangerous storm surge is likely to result in significant coastal flooding in areas of onshore winds. The storm surge is likely to be accompanied by large and destructive waves near the coast. Beatriz-generated swells, which are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions, are forecast to build and spread northward along the southwestern coast of Mexico over the coming days.
Authorities have closed Lazaro Cardenas Port in Michoacan State to all vessels and Topolobampo Port in Sinaloa State, Barra de Navidad Port in Jalisco State, and Acapulco, Puerto Marques, and Zihuatanejo ports in Guerrero State to smaller vessels. Authorities in Michoacan State have established emergency shelters in Aquila, Coahuayana, and Lazaro Cardenas municipalities. Colima State has suspended all schools June 30-July 1.
Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and those with easily overwhelmed drainage systems. If weather conditions prove hazardous, localized evacuations, flash flooding, and landslides are possible.
The inclement weather could trigger localized business, transport, and utility disruptions and render some bridges or roadways impassable. Flight disruptions at regional airports and temporary closures of ports are also possible. Stagnant pools of water during and after flooding increase insect- and waterborne diseases, such as dengue fever, cholera, and malaria. Exposure to raw sewage and other hazardous materials mixed with floodwaters poses a serious health threat.
Advice
Activate contingency plans in areas where officials forecast tropical storm conditions. Heed any evacuation orders that may be issued. Use extreme caution in low-lying coastal areas and near streams, creeks, and other waterways due to the potential for severe flooding and storm surge. Stockpile water, batteries, and other essentials in advance. Charge battery-powered devices when electricity is available; restrict the use of cellular phones to emergencies only. Power down mobile devices when not in use. Keep important documents and necessary medications in waterproof containers. Observe strict food and water precautions, as municipalities could issue boil-water advisories following flooding events. Take precautions against insect- and waterborne diseases in the coming weeks.
Plan accordingly for protracted commercial, transport, and logistics disruptions in areas in the path of the storm, especially if vital infrastructure is damaged. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where flooding has occurred. Confirm flights before checking out of hotels or driving to the airport; clearing passenger backlogs may take several days in some locations.
