01 Jul 2023 | 03:32 PM UTC
Pacific Ocean: Tropical Storm Beatriz tracking northwestward in the eastern North Pacific Ocean off the west coast of Mexico as of July 1 /update 2
TS Beatriz tracking northwestward off the west coast of Mexico as of July 1. Close approach to Jalisco State and Las Islas Maria July 1.
Event
Tropical Storm Beatriz is tracking northwestward in the eastern North Pacific Ocean off the west coast of Mexico July 1. As of 10:00 CDT, the system's center of circulation was approximately 20 km (15 miles) west of Cabo Corrientes, Jalisco State.
Forecast models indicate that the storm will weaken as it continues to track northwestwards away from the coast of western Mexico and west of Las Islas Maria July 1, before weakening further into a tropical depression and likely dissipating as it moves 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 July 1, authorities have issued the following coastal watches and warnings:
Tropical Storm Warning: Manzanillo 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 Colima northwest to Sinaloa and Durango through July 3. Dangerous storm surges will likely 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. Schools have been suspended in Acapulco, Costa Chica, and Costa Grande regions of Michoacan State. Colima State has suspended all schools June 30-July 1. Authorities in Mazatlan, Sinaloa State, have closed beaches as a preventative measure as of July 1.
As of July 1, some minor storm-related damage has been reported in coastal areas of Guerrero and Colima states. Comprehensive damage assessments are unlikely to be able to be conducted until the adverse conditions caused by the storm have died down; it may take some time before the full extent of the storm's impact is confirmed.
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.
