Heavy rainfall is expected to pummel Mexico’s southern coast as Tropical Depression Eleven-E intensifies, the US National Hurricane Center (NHC) warned on Thursday. The storm poses a risk of flooding and mudslides in regions already saturated by recent storms.
As of Thursday, the depression was located approximately 90 miles (150 km) southeast of Puerto Angel, Oaxaca, moving northeast at a slow pace of 2 mph (4 kph) and boasting maximum sustained winds of 35 mph (55 kph). Forecasters predict that it will make landfall late Thursday or early Friday, prompting a tropical storm warning for various coastal areas.
The NHC forecasts that the storm could unleash between 4 to 8 inches (10 – 20 cm) of rain, with isolated locations potentially receiving up to 12 inches (30 cm) across parts of Chiapas, Oaxaca, Veracruz, Tabasco, and coastal Guerrero. The anticipated rainfall raises concerns about life-threatening flash floods and mudslides in regions already impacted by heavy rains.
Last week, Hurricane John caused significant rainfall in some of the same areas, resulting in mudslides and at least 22 fatalities. Authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and prepare for the impending weather conditions.
