PUERTO VALLARTA (PVDN) - Mexico is steeling itself for a simultaneous meteorological assault as Tropical Storms Lidia and Max are forecast to make landfall on Monday and Tuesday, respectively, impacting different regions of the country. Both storms come with significant risks, including the potential for flash floods, as warned by the U.S. National Hurricane Center and Mexican authorities.
Max Targets Zihuatanejo with Strengthening Winds
Max, having intensified into a tropical storm, is projected to make landfall later today east of the resort town of Zihuatanejo. As of early Monday morning, Max was located approximately 50 miles (80 kilometers) south-southeast of Zihuatanejo. The storm is currently moving north at 5 mph (8 kph), carrying winds of about 60 mph (95 kph). Residents and authorities in the affected regions are on high alert as preparations for the storm's impact are underway.
Lidia Gathers Momentum off Mexico's Western Pacific Coast
The second storm, Lidia, is gaining strength off Mexico's western Pacific coast and is set to land on Tuesday. According to forecasts, the storm will intensify into a hurricane when it reaches a sparsely populated stretch of coast north of the popular resort of Puerto Vallarta. As of early Tuesday, Lidia was located about 425 miles (690 kilometers) west-southwest of the Islas Marias and was advancing northeast at 5 mph (8 kph). Lidia's winds are currently around 65 mph (100 kph), but they could escalate to as high as 100 mph (160 kph) upon landfall in Nayarit state on Tuesday.
Islas Marias in Lidia's Path
The storm is expected to pass directly over the Navy-run nature-education center on the Islas Marias. However, the islands are mostly unpopulated and are frequently affected by adverse weather conditions, reducing the potential for human impact.
Flash Floods a Major Concern
The U.S. National Hurricane Center and Mexican authorities have jointly warned of the risk of flash floods triggered by both weather systems. The potential for heavy rainfall and subsequent flooding adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing emergency response efforts.
As the country braces for the arrival of these two tropical storms, emergency services are being mobilized, and citizens are urged to remain vigilant and adhere to official safety guidelines. With the one-two punch of Lidia and Max looming, the coming days will be critical for both residents and authorities alike as they navigate the challenges posed by these back-to-back natural disasters.
