Hurricane Alex Hits Gulf of Mexico - Advice and Information

Summary: Hurricane Alex reached north-eastern Mexico late on Wednesday night, causing thousands to flee the coastal fishing villages. The storm's winds are expected to hit southern Texas, as it continues to move in a westerly direction. However, it is expected to weaken into a tropical storm before it reaches Texas.

Which places have been affected?

Mexico

Hurricane Alex made landfall at Soto La Marina in Mexico's Tamaulipas state, along a relatively unpopulated coastline, at about 2200 hrs local time on Wednesday night.

Before the category 2 storm hit, thousands of people were evacuated from the low-lying areas along the coast. Most of these were Mexican residents living in fishing villages along the Gulf Coast, who fled inland to the town of San Fernando on buses and in pick-up trucks to find refuge in storm shelters.

San Fernando's Civil Protection and Fire Department reported that seven fishing villages, consisting of 5,000 residents, were evacuated after trees blew over and tin roofs were ripped off several homes. No immediate injuries were reported.

Across the border from Brownsville, Texas, heavy rains have flooded roads in the Mexican town of Matamoros. Small boats are being used to rescue residents from its 30 neighbourhoods. One death has been reported in Mexico to date.

Texas

Texas, which was preparing for a direct hit, has been largely spared. Although, the hurricane caused two tornadoes that led to over 100 families taking shelter in a Brownsville high school.

Residents in the low-lying Hidalgo and Cameron counties fled to storm shelters and around 1,000 homes in the area were left without power.

Officials have closed the causeway to South Padre Island on the coast of Texas after 9-foot waves hit its beaches.

What must I do if I am in one of the affected areas or planning to visit the region?

• If you haven't already done so, make your way towards a storm shelter, and stay there until the storms have passed.
• Put off all visits to the area until you have heard official word that the hurricane has dissipated.
• Keep abreast of local news and obey any alerts to evacuate an area.

When can I expect the hurricane to dissipate?

The storm is currently about 110 miles south of Brownsville, Texas, and is moving west at approximately 10mph.

At this stage, the National Weather Service has downgraded its warning for the Texas coast from hurricane to tropical storm strength.

The Miami-based National Hurricane Center (NHC) predicts that Hurricane Alex will continue to weaken as it moves inland. It is expected to reach the tropical storm level by the end of today and dissipate over Mexico by Friday.

Background Information: How is the oil spill being affected?

The storm hasn't stopped oil recovery efforts at the scene of the leak, 50 miles off the Louisiana coast. Still, 6-foot waves have left beaches in Louisiana, Alabama, and Florida stained with oil and tar balls.

Following President Obama's pre-emptive federal disaster declaration, oil rigs and platforms in the storm's path have also been evacuated.

Last Updated: 30 June 2010

Summary: Tropical Storm Alex is forecast to hit the Texan coast later today. US President Barack Obama declared a state of emergency in Texas, yesterday, giving the green light for disaster relief efforts. The Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) recommends close monitoring of weather reports during this time.

Which places will be affected?

Hurricane Alex is expected to reach the Mexico/ Texas border later today. The storm has already hit Louisiana and parts of central America.

At this stage, a hurricane warning has been issued for the Texas coast, south of Baffin Bay, through to the mouth of the Rio Grande river. Warnings have also been released for south of La Cruz to Cabo Rojo in Mexico.

How are certain places affected?

Storm shelters in Belize were opened in the resort of San Pedro in Belize, as 1,400 people evacuated the area.

The storms caused a landslide in Guatemala that killed two men according to the national disaster-response agency.

However, the following coastal destinations in Mexico appear to be unaffected: Cancun, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen and Tulum.

Forecasters anticipate that the storm will drench northeastern Mexico and southern Texas with 6-12 inches (15-30 centimeters) of rain, and isolated maximum amounts of 20 inches (51 centimeters). Dangerous flash floods and mud slides are also expected.

What precautions should travellers and residents take?

You are advised to follow local advice on the hurricane, which may be to leave the immediate area if the storm is heading your way. The Hurricane Prep Centre also advises residents to store enough food and drinking water for a week as a precautionary measure.

The FCO advises anyone currently in the region to:

• Keep in touch with their travel/ tour operator
• Contact the local British Embassy in Mexico City on (52) (55) 1670 3200 (If you are calling from within Mexico City, there is no need to add the (55) area code.)
• Make sure that your respective airports and hotels have not yet been shut down
• Monitor local radio, TV and press for updated news reports
• Follow local advice and leave the area if you are urged to
• Refer to this FCO Mexico Travel Advice link for further information

Background Information on Hurricane Alex

On 29 June, at 0600 GMT, the center of Tropical Storm Alex was located 195 miles east-southeast of the Mexican coastal town of La Pesca, and 255 miles southeast of Brownsville, Texas. Today, it picked up strength in the western Gulf of Mexico, heading towards northeastern Mexico and Texas, and extending towards the Louisiana coast.