Hurricane Rachel closes Jalisco beaches
Hurricane “Rachel” had sustained winds of 205 km/h and gusts of 240 km/h. The center was located 380 kilometers south of Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur. It was also reported 435 kilometers west of Cabo Corrientes, Jalisco. Rachel was moving westward at 6 kilometers per hour, and its center was far from the Jalisco coast. Rachel was already a Category 3 hurricane when the notice was disseminated. The hurricane was producing effects in western Mexico, while its cloud bands were causing very heavy to intense rain in western and northwestern Mexico. A forecast called for localized very heavy rainfall of 50 to 75 millimeters in Nayarit and western Jalisco.
The waves left by Rachel led Civil Protection to order the preventive closure of all beaches in the municipality. The swell left Jalisco’s beaches under a red flag, according to the state Civil Protection agency. Access to the sea is prohibited until further notice, and the closure is expected to continue while elevated waves persist. Authorities ask residents and visitors not to enter the sea or approach breaking-wave zones, breakwaters, and docks. Authorities also ask residents and visitors to consult only official Civil Protection notices.
The Municipal Government of Puerto Vallarta and the Municipal Civil Protection and Fire Department are carrying out containment and protection work at storm drains along the coastal strip. The reinforcement of the stormwater drainage system is taking place while the sea remains agitated in front of the bay. The actions are being carried out in coordination with SEAPAL Vallarta, the Public Works department, and State Civil Protection. Surveillance patrols and preventive work in Puerto Vallarta’s coastal area are expected to continue during elevated waves. Civil Protection ordered the preventive closure of a section of Morelos Street in front of the Malecón. The Municipal Civil Protection and Fire Department is headed by engineer Misael López Muro.
Mexico’s Navy Secretariat ordered navigation to be closed in various ports in six states along the Pacific coast. The maritime authority restricted activities for larger and smaller vessels along the coasts of both entities. The notice was disseminated on the afternoon of Thursday, October 1, through Comisión Nacional del Agua (Conagua)’s social media accounts. Hurricane Rachel is forecast to intensify before weakening over the weekend.