Location: Mexico
Event: Mexico’s hurricane season for the Atlantic basin and Eastern Pacific is underway. The season formally runs until November 30, 2019, though historically most cyclones develop between July and October. Hurricanes and tropical storms may 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 may 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.
- 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 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:
U.S. Embassy in Mexico City
01-55-8526-2561 (From Mexico)
1-844-528-6611 (From the United States)
Acsmexicocity@state.gov
State Department – Consular Affairs
888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444
- Mexico Country Information
- Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates.
- Follow U.S. Department of State Travel.gov on Facebook and Twitter.
- Follow U.S. Embassy Mexico City on Facebook and Twitter.