On Tuesday, Hurricane Lidia pounded Mexico’s Pacific coast with wind gusts reaching up to 220 kph (140 mph). The hurricane, categorized as “extremely dangerous” at level 4, threatens to bring torrential rains, raising concerns about potential flooding and mudslides.
The hurricane made landfall near the beach town of Las Penitas in Jalisco state, bypassing the popular tourist destination of Puerto Vallarta. Predictions indicate that Lidia could unleash up to 12 inches (30 centimeters) of rain in the states of Nayarit, Sinaloa, and Jalisco.
While the storm is projected to weaken as it traverses mountainous terrain, it still poses a significant risk of heavy rainfall.
The US National Hurricane Center (NHC) warns of an impending “dangerous storm surge” that could lead to substantial coastal flooding, especially south of the landfall point. This surge will coincide with large, hazardous waves.
Authorities have issued a hurricane warning for several areas, including the Islas Marias Pacific archipelago, El Roblito in Nayarit state, and the port city of Manzanillo.
In preparation, President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador stated that emergency teams are on high alert, with approximately 6,000 army personnel deployed to assist residents. Schools have been closed in certain regions, and officials have advised people to seek shelter.
Due to anticipated flooding, authorities near Puerto Vallarta have announced the airport’s closure until 8 a.m. (1400 GMT) on Wednesday. In response, shop owners in the city have fortified their businesses with sandbags.
