Location: Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico
Event: Tropical Depression Fourteen is expected to strengthen to a hurricane as it approaches the Yucatan Peninsula Saturday, August 22, producing winds of up to 70 miles per hour. A hurricane watch and tropical storm warning are in effect for the Yucatan Peninsula.
Local authorities have issued storm watch alerts, advised the local population to continue to monitor the storm through official sources, and prepare for a possible evacuation. Ferry services have been cancelled or are being limited. Local authorities have activated emergency shelters, which have a limited capacity because of sanitary protocols in place due to COVID-19.
Actions to Take:
- Visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19 for information on conditions in Mexico.
- 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. If you need to make an appointment for an emergency passport application, please contact your local consulate or the Embassy. Keep in mind however that services are limited due to the COVID-19 contingency.
- 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.
- Monitor the U.S. National Hurricane Center, the Mexican National Meteorological Service (Servicio Meteorológico Nacional), and the Mexican Civil Protection Agency (Protección Civil) 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, social media, etc. – 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 999 316 7168 from Mexico or +1-844-528-6611 from the United States.
- The U.S. Consulate in Merida is located at:
Calle 60 No. 338-K por 29 y 31 Col. Alcala Martin
Merida, Yuc.
Phone: 999 942 5700 from Mexico or 844 528 6611 from the U.S.
Email: askmeridaacs@state.gov
- The U.S. Consular Agency in Cancun is located at:
Blvd. Kukulcan, Km. 13 ZH, Torre La Europea, Despacho 301
Cancun, QRoo
Phone: 999 316 7168 from Mexico or 844 528 6611 from the U.S.
Email: ConAgencyCancun@state.gov
- The U.S. Consular Agency in Playa Del Carmen is located at:
Plaza Progreso, Local 3
Carretera Federal Puerto Juarez-Chetumal, Mz. 293 Lt. 1
Playa Del Carmen, QRoo
Phone: 999 316 7168 from Mexico or 844 528 6611 from the U.S.
Email:ConAgencyPlaya@state.gov
- State Department – Consular Affairs: +1-888-407-4747 or +1-202-501-4444
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
- Follow the U.S. Consulate in Merida on Facebook.
- Review Mexico Country Information.
- Review the Crime and Safety Reports for Mexico.
- Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.