PUERTO VALLARTA (PVDN) - The National Meteorological Service (SMN), the official climate source of the Government of Mexico, has announced that tropical storm "Lidia" is set to intensify into a Category 1 hurricane by 06:00 a.m. tomorrow, Tuesday, October 10. The storm is predicted to strengthen into a Category 2 hurricane by 6:00 p.m. the same day. With its forecasted trajectory poised to affect parts of Nayarit and Jalisco, experts are concerned about potential risks for Puerto Vallarta.
Puerto Vallarta has been upgraded to a Hurricane Warning until further notice.
According to the latest update, "Lidia" is expected to be 290 km west of Cabo Corrientes and 345 km west of Playa Pérula, Jalisco, when it reaches Category 1. Upon attaining Category 2, it will likely be positioned 65 km west-southwest of San Blas, Nayarit, and 110 km north-northwest of Cabo Corrientes, Jalisco.
The extensive circulation of tropical storm "Lidia" is likely to exacerbate the chance of very heavy to intense rainfall in Baja California Sur, Sinaloa, Nayarit, and Jalisco. Coastal areas of Baja California Sur are also expected to experience powerful wind gusts and elevated wave conditions.
Risks for Puerto Vallarta
Meteorologist Víctor Manuel Cornejo López has indicated that the preliminary trajectory for "Lidia" has been plotted near Punta de Mita, Nayarit. Should this forecast hold, the implications could be dire for Puerto Vallarta. Cornejo López stated, "if a cyclone enters Punta de Mita, the front right sector would enter the bay, and that would be the worst scenario" for the city.
Even seasoned meteorologists find it challenging to predict the precise path of a cyclone, Cornejo López noted. Currently, the forecasted entry trajectory of the cyclone's central zone lies between Santiago Ixcuintla and Acaponeta, Nayarit. Residents in these areas are urged to exercise heightened caution and commence preparations.
The meteorologist further emphasized that the Nayarit Sea's shallow and warm waters could facilitate "Lidia" intensifying into a hurricane in the coming hours. The storm's impact is expected to be most palpable tomorrow, Tuesday, and Wednesday's early hours.
Cornejo López added that the ultimate concern is not the number of hurricanes that form but rather those that make landfall in populated regions. The damage could be significant if "Lidia" enters through a port, such as Vallarta.
As tropical storm "Lidia" approaches, residents in Nayarit and Jalisco, particularly in Puerto Vallarta, are advised to remain vigilant and prepared for intense weather conditions. While forecasts are subject to change, the potential risks associated with this storm warrant immediate attention and action.
