AN URGENT warning has been issued to Irish tourists in a popular travel destination ahead of a “life-threatening” Category 4 hurricane.
Holidaymakers heading to Mexico are being urged to take caution and closely monitor local and international weather updates.
Mexico is experiencing ‘potentially destructive’ tropical storm conditions[/caption]
Tropical Storm Erick has rapidly intensified into a Category 4 hurricane in only 24 hours[/caption]
Coastal flooding can also happen due to storm surge and destructive waves[/caption]
Known for being a popular sunbreak destination, Mexico is experiencing tropical storm conditions that could disrupt the travel plans of many holidaymakers.
The US National Hurricane Center has confirmed that Tropical Storm Erick has rapidly intensified into a Category 4 hurricane as it bears down on Mexico’s southern Pacific coast.
Weather forecasters have said that the hurricane is now posing as a “potentially destructive” threat.
It has become the first major hurricane of the season.
A hurricane warning is currently in place from Acapulco to Puerto Angel in Mexico.
But hurricane watches and tropical storm warnings have also been issued for surrounding areas including Salina Cruz and Bahias de Huatulco.
The NHC has warned the hurricane could unleash up to 41cm of rain with winds up to 120km/h expected, raising fears of potential flooding and landslides.
It is understood that more than 500 shelters have been activated by Mexican authorities.
And over 18,000 responders have been deployed.
Erick’s projected path headed south yesterday night, closer to the tourist town of Puerto Escondido in Oaxaca.
Strong winds will buffet the coast, generating large swells, big waves, overwash on the beaches and shoreline and dangerous rip currents in the surf zone.
Coastal flooding can also happen due to storm surge and destructive waves.
Waves were crashing onto the Puerto Escondido esplanade on Wednesday night, swamping the wooden fishing boats that had been pulled up for safety.
STRONGEST TROPICAL CYCLONE
AccuWeather meteorologist Alex Sosnowski said that Hurricane Erick has already become the strongest tropical cyclone in the Northern and Western Hemispheres so far this year.
He added: “Erick is expected track very close to Acapulco with the full impacts you would expect from a hurricane, ranging from powerful wind gusts and power outages to torrential rain and flash flooding, as well as storm surge flooding.”
The Department of Foreign Affairs has shared an update on their website to Irish holidaymakers heading to Mexico in the coming days.
In a statement, the Department said: The hurricane season in Mexico extends from June to the end of November and can severely disrupt transportation and utilities. Landslides, mudslides and flooding may occur.
“In the case of a hurricane, monitor local media reports and follow the instructions of local emergency officials.
“Visitors should also monitor local and international weather updates for the region and check the Weather Channel or the National Hurricane Centre in Miami.”
HURRICANE SEASON
They added: “If in Mexico during the hurricane season, you should leave a detailed copy of your travel plans with a family member or friend.
“Register with the Irish Embassy in Mexico City. In the event of an approaching hurricane, identify your local shelter.
“Flights in and out of affected areas could be delayed or suspended and available flights may fill quickly so contact your airline for the latest flight information.”
Holidaymakers heading to Mexico are being urged to take caution and closely monitor local and international weather updates[/caption]
