PUERTO VALLARTA (PVDN) – The Municipal Council of Civil Protection has issued a warning for residents in Puerto Vallarta and Bahía de Banderas as the region prepares for the impending arrival of Hurricane Lidia, expected to make landfall as a category two cyclone starting this Tuesday afternoon.
According to meteorologist Víctor Cornejo, the nature of this storm requires particular attention. Contrary to typical storm patterns, Hurricane Lidia is approaching directly into the bay, bypassing the natural mountain barriers that usually offer some level of protection to the region. Cornejo, however, urged the population not to panic and to adhere strictly to directives from local authorities.
Cornejo also recommended that business owners consider shuttering their establishments on Tuesday afternoon to limit movement around the city. This precaution is in response to the substantial rainfall expected, ranging from 150 to 200 millimeters. For context, it takes only 50 millimeters of rain to trigger flooding in Puerto Vallarta.
The Port Captain’s Office has already enforced restrictions on navigation, banning smaller vessels from venturing outside Banderas Bay as of Monday morning and implementing restrictions for larger vessels starting at 8 p.m. Monday.
In a parallel development, Víctor Manuel Bernal Vargas, the regional delegate of Educational Services, announced the suspension of afternoon classes on Tuesday, October 10, and both shifts on Wednesday, October 11, in Puerto Vallarta. Bahía de Banderas initiated a similar suspension on Monday, with no scheduled resumption as of now.
Both the Puerto Vallarta International Airport and the Puerto Vallarta Hotel and Motel Association are prepared for emergency actions, including potential airlifts and evacuations. The municipal tourism offices have also confirmed their readiness to act upon official guidelines should evacuation become necessary.
José Asunción Gil Calleja and Daniel Pelayo, directors of Municipal Public Services of Puerto Vallarta and Bahía de Banderas respectively, assured that garbage collection would proceed as usual on Monday night but advised residents to retain their refuse indoors on Tuesday to prevent drainage blockages due to heavy rainfall.
Gerardo Castillón Andrade, director of Municipal Civil Protection, stated that as of now, public transportation services are expected to operate normally, although this could change depending on the progression of the cyclone.
Roberto Ramos Vázquez, director of the DIF of Puerto Vallarta, reported that the municipality is prepared to open 18 temporary shelters as the situation warrants.
Key Points:
- Suspension of classes begins Tuesday afternoon in Puerto Vallarta and is already in effect in Bahía de Banderas.
- Navigation restricted for smaller vessels outside Banderas Bay from 8 a.m. Monday and for larger vessels from 8 p.m. Monday.
- Garbage collection will proceed normally Monday night; residents advised to keep garbage indoors on Tuesday.
- Public transport services are currently expected to operate normally.
- Businesses are advised to close Tuesday afternoon due to expected heavy rainfall.
Residents are strongly urged to remain vigilant and follow the instructions of local authorities to ensure their safety during this climatic event.
PUERTO VALLARTA (PVDN) - The Municipal Council of Civil Protection has issued a warning for residents in Puerto Vallarta and Bahía de Banderas as . . .
