Tropical Storm Erick has taken shape off the southern coast of Mexico and is predicted to intensify into a hurricane on the afternoon of June 18th, says the UK government in its new travel warning against all travel to parts of the country.
Forecasters at the US National Hurricane Centre in Miami said on Tuesday that Erick is expected to become a hurricane by Wednesday. At that time, the storm was located roughly 450 miles south-east of Punta Maldonado, Mexico, packing maximum sustained winds of 40mph.
The system is currently moving west-northeast at around 12 miles per hour and is forecast to draw closer to the Mexican coastline by late Wednesday.
In anticipation of the storm’s strengthening, a hurricane watch has been issued for parts of the Pacific coast — stretching from Bahia De Huatulco in Oaxaca to Punta Maldonado. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely as the weather system progresses.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) warned Brits that their travel insurance could be invalidated if they do not follow advice.
The FCDO website said:
“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.
“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.
“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.”
A FCDO previous warning states: “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.”