Tropical Storm Erick is forecast to become a hurricane and the government has advised against travel to parts of Mexico
Tourists have been issued with a Foreign Office travel warning for parts of Mexico as Tropical Storm Erick is now forecast to become a hurricane. It’s expected the storm, which is gaining strength around the Pacific Coast of the country, will develop into a hurricane today (June 18).
Mexico attracts upwards of 500,000 tourists every year making the country one of the largest tourism markets. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is advising against travel to parts of the country. And they said travel insurance may be invalidated if the advice is ignored.
Tropical Storm Erick is currently 430 miles south-east of Punta Maldonado in Mexico. A hurricane watch is in effect for the Pacific coast from Bahia De Huatulco to Punta Maldonado.
Heavy rain is forecast to affect Guerrero, Oaxaca, Chiapas, and southern Veracruz, reports the Mirror.
Forecasters said Erick was moving west-north-east at 12 miles per hour and will move closer to Mexico’s coastline by late Wednesday with maximum sustained winds of 40 miles per hour being reported on Tuesday.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) warned Britons that their travel insurance could be rendered invalid if they fail to adhere to the advice issued.
The FCDO’s website issued the following warning:
“Tropical Storm Erick is expected to make landfall on the pacific coast on 17 June with heavy rains affecting Guerrero, Oaxaca, Chiapas and the south of Veracruz.
“It is expected to gain strength and become a Category 2 hurricane by the afternoon of 18 June affecting an area along the southern pacific coast from Puerto Angel in Oaxaca to Punta Maldonado in Guerrero.”
The FCDO has warned: “You should closely monitor local and international weather updates from the US National Hurricane Center and follow the advice of local authorities and your tour operator, including any evacuation orders.”, reports the Express.
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“See the tropical cyclones page for advice about how to prepare for travel during hurricane season and what to do ahead of a storm.
“In the aftermath of a hurricane, there can be flooding, high winds and continued rainfall.”
The government had previously issued a warning about possible hurricanes in the country which happen at this time of the year. It said: “The hurricane season in Mexico normally runs from June to November and can affect the Pacific and Atlantic coasts. Tropical storms and hurricanes cause floods, landslides and disruption to local services, including transport networks.
“After a hurricane there can still be continued flooding, high winds and rainfall. Monitor local and international weather updates from the US National Hurricane Center and follow the advice of local authorities and your tour operator, including evacuation orders.”
Hurricane season starts on June 1 and in 2023, Hurricane Otis was a category five which devastated Acapulco, Mexico.
