Mexico: Tropical Storm Franklin moves inland /update 2

Event

Franklin has weakened back into a tropical storm since making landfall in Mexico’s eastern state of Veracruz as a hurricane overnight August 9-10. As of 04:00 (local time) on Thursday, August 10, the storm was located near the town of Zacapoaxtla (Puebla state) - packing maximum sustained winds of 110 km/h (70 mph) - and moving in a westerly direction towards Mexico City, located approximately 170 km (105 mi) away. According to current predictions by the US-based National Hurricane Center, Franklin is expected to weaken further into a tropical depression by the time it reaches the Mexico City area. A tropical storm warning remains in effect for the coastline between Cabo Rojo to Punta Roca Partida; all other alerts have been canceled.

Heavy rain is expected on Thursday in eastern Mexico, in the states of Veracruz, Puebla, Tlaxacala, eastern Guanajuato, Hidalgo, Querétaro, and eastern San Luis Potosí. Between 10 and 20 cm (4 and 8 in) are forecast for most affected areas, with as much as 38 cm (15 in) in localized zones. As such, flash flooding and landslides are possible in the coming hours, particularly in hilly, coastal, or river-adjacent areas. Power outages caused by violent winds are also likely, along with associated travel disruptions (air, sea, road), including in Mexico City.

Security forces are on high alert to deal with damage and injuries that could be caused by the storm. For the moment, there have been no reports of major damage or casualties, neither in the mainland nor in the Yucatán Peninsula, where the storm made landfall earlier in the week.

The storm is expected to dissipate late Thursday or early Friday.

Context

Tropical storms are common in eastern Mexico during the Atlantic Hurricane Season, which officially runs from June 1 to November 30, with a peak of storm activity typically observed in August and September. Mexico's western coast is also affected by the Pacific Hurricane Season, which runs from May 15 to November 30.

Advice

Individuals in the above areas are advised to follow local weather forecasts, adhere to any advice issued by regional authorities (e.g. potential evacuation orders), and confirm travel reservations. In the event of flooding, keep in mind that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult.