PUERTO VALLARTA (PVDN) — Hurricane Lidia escalated swiftly into a menacing Category 4 storm on Tuesday, alarming authorities and placing tourist hotspots, including Puerto Vallarta, on high alert, according to reports from the National Hurricane Center (NHC).
At 3:30 p.m., the hurricane was centered approximately 175 kilometers southwest of Puerto Vallarta, one of Mexico's leading tourist destinations, and loomed off the shores of the states of Jalisco and Colima.
Jalisco Government Takes Precautionary Measures
In anticipation of the formidable natural phenomenon, the government of Jalisco has extended the list of municipalities deemed at immediate risk to 20. Additionally, 12 emergency shelters have been established to accommodate residents needing to evacuate.
Mauricio López, a meteorologist at the University of Guadalajara, warned that Hurricane Lidia poses "a lot of danger" due to its rapid intensification from a tropical storm to a Category 4 hurricane within a short period.
Affects on Ports and Other Locations
Manzanillo Port, one of Latin America's largest and most significant, is also expected to experience the impact of the hurricane's strong winds and abnormal waves.
"This latest trajectory forecast tilts the cone of uncertainty a little further south, putting the central coast of Jalisco: Puerto Vallarta, Tomatlán, and Punta Perula under hurricane watch. Extreme caution is advised, as precipitation will increase between 140 and 150 millimeters throughout the area," López elaborated.
Preemptive Evacuations Underway
State authorities have proactively evacuated the communities of Quimixto, Yelapa, and Corrales. In a recent development, public transport services have been halted in the 15 municipalities at greatest risk.
Storm Data and Forecast
According to the Miami-based NHC, the cyclone has recorded maximum sustained winds of 220 km/h and is traveling at a speed of 26 km/h in an east-northeast direction.
"Some additional strengthening is possible before 'Lidia' makes landfall this afternoon," the NHC warned in a statement. A Category 4 hurricane typically unleashes winds between 210 and 250 km/h and can result in extensive damage to infrastructure, including collapsed roofs and widespread flooding.
Suspension of Airport Operations
Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico (GAP), which manages Puerto Vallarta airport, suspended its operations from 4:00 p.m. today until Wednesday morning.
Other Tourist Destinations Also at Risk
Besides Puerto Vallarta, the violent winds and torrential rains of Hurricane Lidia are expected to affect other renowned tourist locales in the Pacific, such as Punta Mita and Sayulita in the state of Nayarit; Mazatlán in Sinaloa; and Los Cabos on the Baja California peninsula.
Outlook for the Season
The National Meteorological Service (SMN) forecasts between 16 and 22 major hurricanes—Category 3 and above—in the Pacific Ocean for the current hurricane season. This represents a 30% increase over the seasonal average.
Residents and tourists in the affected regions are strongly advised to heed local advisories and take preventive measures as Hurricane Lidia approaches.
