National Weather Service; Keep Your Plans, but be Smart

The National Civil Protection, Interior Ministry, in coordination with the National Weather Service of Mexico, has stated that Hurricane Odile is located 200 miles off-shore and moving slowly northwest away from the southern Mexico coastline. The storm has sustained winds of 120 km/h and Tropical Storm watches are in effect from Nayarit, Jalisco, Colima, Michoacan and Guerrero. Both agencies remind coastal residents that while the storms center will remain 200 miles off the coast of Jalisco and Nayarit, the storm extends well beyond 200 miles into the coastal areas and in the range of tropical storm winds, rains, and swells. The National Weather Service has upgraded the storm to a Category 1 and warns the states of Jalisco and Nayarit that potential rains up to 6 inches is possible, along with the possibility of tropical winds at 40 MPH able to damage trees and cause power outages, and surf 3-4 meters. Both agencies remind people that a storm can cause injury and damage without making landfall and your area's best information and warnings will come from local municipalities. However the Interior Ministry has told local municipalities and residents that there is no reason to cancel scheduled holiday events for Mexico’s Independence Day celebrations this week or the beginning of next week. The Ministry reminds people in the area to take preventative measures to avoid incidents at home or while traveling the holiday weekend. They added it’s important for people to keep informed about storm developments, but to enjoy the weekend festivities and listen to local authorities about advisories each municipality may issue.