Location: Mexico
Event: Mexico’s hurricane season is underway. The season formally runs until November 30, though historically most cyclones develop between July and October. Hurricanes and tropical storms can cause life-threatening flash flooding, dangerous winds, treacherous surf and rip currents, and other hazardous conditions. Torrential rains from these storms can cause flooding hundreds of miles inland, sometimes persisting for several days after the storm has dissipated.
In the aftermath of a storm, there can be widespread damage to infrastructure (such as roads, electricity, and phone and internet service) and serious shortages of habitable accommodations, food, water, and medical facilities. Storms can result in airport closures or limited flight availability due to runway or terminal damage and a shortage of electricity. U.S. citizens in affected regions may face delays returning home and may even need to stay in emergency shelters with limited food, water, medicine, and other supplies.
Actions to Take:
- If you are a U.S. citizen traveling to or residing in Mexico, enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive safety messages and other travel information.
- Ensure your U.S. travel documents are up-to-date, and store copies of them along with insurance and other personal papers in a safe place. Keep them in a watertight plastic bag or container for extra protection.
- Obtain travel insurance to cover unexpected expenses. If a situation requires an evacuation from a location abroad, the U.S. Department of State might work with commercial airlines to ensure that U.S. citizens can depart as safely and efficiently as possible. U.S. law requires that any evacuation costs are your responsibility.
- For those living in Mexico, prepare your family’s emergency hurricane kit to include essential items you might need for at least 72 hours following a storm if you were unable to access outside resources. Kits might include batteries, flashlights, nonperishable food, and water. Don’t forget to consider prescription medications and any other supplies for children, elderly family members, or pets.
- Review the CDC’s guidelines for Going to a Public Disaster Shelter During the COVID-19 Pandemic.
- Monitor the S. National Hurricane Center, the Mexican National Meteorological Service (Servicio Meteorológico Nacional), and the Mexican National Center for the Prevention of Disasters (“Centro Nacional de Prevención de Desastres”) for updates on storm activity and emergency response.
- If a storm watch or warning is issued, monitor the local news for updates, follow directions from local officials, and in case of emergency call 911.
- Keep your friends and loved ones up to date about your whereabouts—via phone, text, or social media—and let them know you are safe when possible.
- Visit the Department of State’s Hurricanes, Typhoons, and Cyclones page for more information.
Assistance:
- For Emergency Assistance for U.S. citizens in Mexico, call (55) 8526 2561 from Mexico or 1-844-528-6611 from the United States.
- State Department – Consular Affairs: 888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444
- Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
- Follow the U.S. Embassy in Mexico on Facebook and Twitter.
- Review the Crime and Safety Reports for Mexico.
- Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.