The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico have issued a weather alert for citizens living in the Yucatan Peninsula due to the imminent threat posed by the powerful Category 5 Hurricane Milton.
The agency has 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 monitor the situation closely in the affected areas.
“Hurricane Milton is a Category 5 hurricane that is projected to bring hurricane-force winds and a storm surge across portions of the northern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula,” says the Embassy’s official website.
Keep in mind that the U.S. Consulate General in Merida will remain closed to the public until Wednesday, Oct. 9. This means that you won’t have access to consular services during the most dangerous hours of the hurricane’s passage, so it’s crucial to have your own safety plans in place without relying on government assistance.
To ensure safety during this time, the Embassy advises monitoring local media and following instructions from local authorities. In case of an emergency, call 911, but prioritize finding shelter immediately.
Travel could be disrupted, so it’s advised to check with airlines or ferry operators for updates. Track storm developments through the National Hurricane Center and Mexico’s National Meteorological Service.
Last but not least, keep your family and friends back home informed of your safety through calls, texts or social media. Don’t forget to check the Department of State’s Crisis and Disasters website for additional guidance.
Latest Hurricane Milton Update: Where Is It and When Will It Hit Florida?
Hurricane Milton rapidly 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, bringing winds of up to 129mph.
The most concerning aspect of this path is that it targets a region of more than three million residents, which has not experienced a hurricane this severe in over 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 on record for west-central Florida.”
The storm will arrive just days after Hurricane Helene caused devastation, claiming the lives of over 200 people across multiple U.S. states. To minimize risks, residents must complete all preparations by the end of Tuesday and evacuate immediately if instructed by authorities.
For those needing assistance with evacuation, the UBER promo code “MILTONRELIEF” is available for free rides to the nearest state-approved shelter.