22 Oct 2023 | 03:33 AM UTC
Mexico: Tropical Storm Norma tracking north-northeastwards across southern Baja California Sur State as of late Oct. 21 /update 4
TS Norma tracks north-northeast across southern Baja California Sur State, Mexico, late Oct. 21, following landfall near Los Cabos.
Event
Tropical Storm Norma is tracking north-northeastwards across southern Baja California Sur State, Mexico, late Oct. 21, following landfall near Los Cabos the afternoon of Oct. 21. As of 21:00 MDT, the system's center of circulation was approximately 70 km (45 miles) north-northeast of Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur.
Forecast models indicate that the storm will exit into the southern Gulf of California over the coming hours before weakening further as it continues northeastward and makes another landfall as a tropical storm near Altata in Sinaloa State early Oct. 23. After landfall, the storm is likely to weaken rapidly and dissipate over far northwestern Durango State late Oct. 23. Some uncertainty remains in the track and intensity forecast, and significant changes could occur over the coming hours.
As of late Oct. 21, authorities have issued the following watches and warnings:
Tropical Storm Warning: Santa Fe to San Evaristo and Topolobampo to Mazatlan.
Tropical storm conditions are ongoing within the tropical storm warning areas in Baja California Sur. Forecast models indicate rainfall totals of 15-30 cm (6-12 inches) with localized maximums of up to 45 cm (18 inches) across southern Baja California Sur through Oct. 22 and across Sinaloa through Oct. 23. A dangerous storm surge could produce coastal flooding in areas within the tropical storm warning area in Baja California Sur. Large and destructive waves near the coast will likely accompany the surge. Coastal flooding is possible along the west coast of mainland Mexico within the tropical storm warning area. Swells generated by Norma will continue to affect Mexico's southwestern and west-central coast and Baja California Sur over the coming days. The swells will likely cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions. Landslides are also possible in affected areas.
Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) in San Jose del Cabo, Baja California Sur, is scheduled to reopen early Oct. 22. Maritime authorities have closed the ports of La Cruz de Huanacaxtle and San Blas in Nayarit State, Barra de Navidad in Jalisco State, and Manzanillo in Colima State to smaller vessels. Authorities closed schools in Los Cabos and La Paz municipalities in Baja California Sur Oct. 20.
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 storm's path, 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.
