Hurricane Lidia made landfall Tuesday evening as a "extremely dangerous" Category 4 storm with winds of 140 mph (220 kph) near the resort of Puerto Vallarta on Mexico's Pacific coast, and then moved inland as a potent hurricane.
The National Hurricane Center of the United States reported that Lidia's eye appeared to have made landfall near Las Penitas in the western Mexican state of Jalisco, a sparsely populated peninsula, as per to AP News.
Hurricane Lidia Threatens Mexico's Pacific Coast
Hurricane Lidia made landfall on Mexico's Pacific Coast, affecting the states of Jalisco and Nayarit. The storm brought downed trees, power lines, and landslides, leading to disruptions in the region.
While there were no reports of injuries or deaths at that point, the authorities remained cautious. With Lidia gaining strength and becoming a Category 3 hurricane, concerns grew regarding potential flooding, mudslides, and storm surges.
Lidia intensified as the day progressed, escalating from a Category 2 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 100 mph to a Category 3 hurricane. As per the Saffir-Simpson hurricane wind scale, Category 3 hurricanes have wind speeds ranging from 111 to 129 mph, qualifying them as major hurricanes.
The National Hurricane Center stated that Lidia posed a threat of life-threatening winds and flooding rainfall across the region. In parts of Nayarit, Sinaloa, and Jalisco's coast, the hurricane was predicted to bring torrential rainfall of up to 12 inches.
This excessive precipitation would likely result in flash floods, urban flooding, and even potential mudslides in elevated areas along the coast. Meteorologists emphasized the risk associated with rapid water accumulation and advised caution near creeks and rivers, which could swell rapidly, according to CBS News.
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Puerto Vallarta Braces for Hurricane Lidia's Impact Amid Warnings
Albert Martinez, a meteorologist at The Weather Channel en Español, warned of heavy rain, flooding, and strong hurricane winds in Puerto Vallarta.
As one of Mexico's popular tourist destinations, the city faced the possibility of significant damage and disruption to its coastal areas. The combination of strong winds and storm surge could lead to coastal flooding and dangerous waves along the western coast of Mexico and the Baja California peninsula.
To ensure the safety of its citizens and visitors, the Mexican government expanded the hurricane warning area to include a larger section of the Pacific Coast, spanning 350 miles. The warning now extended from Manzanillo in the state of Colima to El Roblito in Nayarit, encompassing Puerto Vallarta.
Additionally, tropical storm warnings were issued for parts of Baja California Sur. These measures aimed to inform and prepare residents and tourists for the potential impact of Lidia. While Lidia's landfall area was not densely populated, the storm's path raised concerns about the vulnerability of Puerto Vallarta.
The city, known for its beautiful beaches and international tourism, had already faced travel advisories due to violent crime and gang activity. The combination of the hurricane's potential destruction and ongoing security issues posed a significant challenge for local authorities and emergency responders, CNN reported.
