As Tropical Storm Erick continues to intensify, with fears over ‘life-threatening’ consequences, the UK government has issued an urgent warning to any Brits travelling overseas
Brits travelling abroad have been issued an urgent warning, as Tropical Storm Erick develops into a full-blown hurricane.
The National Hurricane Centre (NHC) has warned that “life-threatening flooding and mud slides are possible, especially in steep terrain”, as forecasters warn the brewing storm could make landfall on Mexico’s Pacific coast.
Erick is currently south-east of Punta Maldonado, off the southern coast of the country, with 50 mph gusts recorded late on Tuesday. It’s expected that Erick will escalate today (June 18), with winds reaching hurricane strength of 74 mph at least, The Washington Post reports.
From then on, it’s anticipated that Erick will accelerate until it hits shore at midday tomorrow (June 19). Current forecasts at landfall put Erick as a strong Category 2 with winds of 110 mph. This places it just under a Category 3, which are classified as storms with 111 mph winds – ie a ‘major hurricane’.
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While these predictions have already raised concerns about widespread destruction, it’s feared that such estimates could be conservative, with the NHC asserting that there is a “significant chance” for rapid intensification before Erick makes landfall.
As a hurricane warning is put in place for the Pacificic Coast from Puerto Ángel to Punta Maldonado in southern Mexico, the UK government has urged against all travel to affected parts of Mexico, issuing a stern warning.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has advised Brits that their travel insurance could well be rendered invalid if they fail to adhere to the advice issued, meaning they won’t receive the protection they’d usually expect.
According to the FCDO: “You should closely monitor local and international weather updates from the US National Hurricane Centre and follow the advice of local authorities and your tour operator, including any evacuation orders.
“See the tropical cyclones page for advice about how to prepare for travel during hurricane season and what to do ahead of a storm. In the aftermath of a hurricane, there can be flooding, high winds and continued rainfall.”
A previous travel warning reads: “The hurricane season in Mexico normally runs from June to November and can affect the Pacific and Atlantic coasts. Tropical storms and hurricanes cause floods, landslides and disruption to local services, including transport networks.
“After a hurricane, there can still be continued flooding, high winds and rainfall. Monitor local and international weather updates from the US National Hurricane Centre and follow the advice of local authorities and your tour operator, including evacuation orders.”
According to the Weather Channel, the Eastern Pacific’s fifth storm has usually formed by July 23, as per the 1991-2020 average, making Erick’s arrival a month earlier than expected.
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