Hurricane Ida: Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel

US Consulate of Merida has issued a Warden Message about Hurricane/Tropical Storm Ida is likely to head towards Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Cozumel. Please register with state department.

This Warden Message is being issued to inform U.S. citizens that the National Hurricane Center (NHC) has issued alerts for Hurricane/Tropical Storm Ida that is currently located inland of east-central Nicaragua. The U.S. National Weather Service predicts that Ida will follow a northern track towards Quintana Roo. Under the current prediction, Ida will cross over Nicaragua and the Caribbean Sea and make landfall again early Sunday morning as a tropical storm and continue up the coast slowly towards Cozumel and Cancun. Please visit the National Hurricane Center’s website http://www.nhc.noaa.gov to follow the storm’s path.

In addition to danger from wind, life threatening flash floods and mudslides are possible. Coastal areas are especially vulnerable to these hazards. U.S. citizens in coastal areas may be impacted by the storm and are strongly encouraged to monitor media reports, and the Mexican Government’s Proteccion Civil website, http://www.proteccioncivil.gob.mx for updated information about the storm and to follow official instructions. U.S. citizens are urged to stay clear of beaches as rough seas associated with storm conditions create severe hazards. U.S. citizens should stay in contact with relatives and friends in the U.S. to apprise them of their whereabouts, both before and after the storm. Visitors should be familiar with their hotel or cruise ship evacuation plans. If you must travel during this time please follow normal heavy rain precautions.

U.S. citizens should carry their travel documents (i.e. U.S. Passport, Birth Certificate, picture ID’s, etc.) with them at all times or secure them by placing them in a safe waterproof location.

JeffMasters of Wunderground.com says “for Cozumel give the Mexican resort island a 26% chance of receiving tropical storm-force winds of 39 mph of higher, Sunday or Monday.” Resources: National Hurricane Center’s  Tropical Depression IDA Mexican Government’s Proteccion Civil – website U.S. Department of State – Travel

Cities: Playa del Carmen