The US embassy and consulates in Mexico issued this a weather warning for citizens living in the Yucatan Peninsula due to the immediate threat posed by the powerful Category 5 Hurricane Milton.
The agency issued a hurricane watch from Rio Lagartos to Cabo Catoche and from Campeche to south of Celestun, while a tropical storm warning is in effect for Rio Lagartos to Cancun. US citizens are urged to closely monitor the situation in the affected areas.
“Hurricane Milton is a Category 5 hurricane that is expected to bring hurricane-force winds and storm surge to portions of the northern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula,” says the embassy’s official website.
Please note that the U.S. Consulate General in Merida will remain closed to the public until Wednesday, October 9. This means that you will not have access to consular services during the most dangerous hours of the hurricane’s passage. it is crucial that you have your own safety plans in place, without having to rely on government support.
To ensure safety during this time, the embassy advises monitoring local media and following instructions from local authorities. In an emergency, you can call 911, but prioritize finding shelter immediately.
Travel may be disruptedso it is advisable to check with airlines or ferry companies for updates. Monitor storm developments through the National Hurricane Center and the Mexican National Meteorological Service.
Last but not least, keep your family and friends at home informed about your safety through phone calls, text messages, or social media. Don’t forget to check the State Department’s Crisis and Disasters website for additional guidance.
Latest Hurricane Milton update: Where is it and when will it hit Florida?
Hurricane Milton quickly strengthened from Category 2 to 5 on Monday, drawing energy from the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
The storm is expected to make landfall tomorrow (Wednesday) in the Tampa Bay area on Florida’s west coast, with winds of up to 125 mph.
The most worrying aspect of this trajectory is that it targets a region of more than three million inhabitants that has not experienced such a major hurricane in more than 100 years.
Hurricane Milton “poses an extremely serious threat to Florida,” the National Hurricane Center warned in its 11 p.m. ET advisory. “Milton has the potential to be one of the most destructive hurricanes ever to hit west-central Florida.”
The storm will arrive just days after Hurricane Helene caused destruction and claimed the lives of more than 200 people in multiple US states. To minimize risks, residents must complete all preparations by the end of Tuesday and evacuate immediately if ordered to do so by authorities.
For those who need assistance with the evacuation, the UBER promo code “MILTONRELIEF” is available for free rides to the nearest one state-approved shelter.
