Life by the sea often feels like a gentle dance with nature. We cherish the warm sun, the cool breeze, and the rhythmic crash of waves. But sometimes, nature sends a different kind of visitor. This week, our Pacific coastal communities are bracing themselves for one such guest: Tropical Storm Flossie. It’s a moment for care and community spirit as we keep an eye on her path.
Since Monday morning, the National Water Commission (Conagua) has been sending out warnings. Many towns and cities could see heavy rain and strong winds. It’s a call to action, reminding us to be prepared.
Flossie started out over the wide Pacific waters. She has been slowly making her way northwest. The National Meteorological Service (SMN) is watching her every move. They give us updates on where she’s going and what impacts she might bring. States have already started their prevention plans. Things might get worse in the coming hours, so safety zones are set up. These spots are watching for torrential rains, high waves, and powerful wind gusts.
Flossie Grows Stronger, Becomes a Hurricane
Everyone is paying close attention to Flossie. She is expected to become a Category 1 hurricane very soon. The latest information shows her center was about 255 kilometers south-southwest of Zihuatanejo, Guerrero. She was also 420 kilometers from Manzanillo, Colima.
Right now, Flossie has steady winds of 95 kilometers per hour. Gusts are hitting up to 110 kilometers per hour. She is moving northwest at 17 kilometers per hour. The warm Pacific waters are helping her get stronger. This year, we’ve already seen six tropical storms: Alvin, Bárbara, Cosme, Laila, Erick, and now Flossie. The SMN believes Flossie will cross the line and become a Category 1 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale today. If this happens, we’ll see more intense rain and a higher chance of severe coastal impacts.
Coastal Neighbors, Get Ready
Federal officials are keeping many prevention and vigilance zones active. From Punta San Telmo, in Michoacán, to Playa Pérula, in Jalisco, a long stretch of coast is under a tropical storm alert. These areas are feeling the direct effects.
The vigilance zone has also been widened. It now goes from Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, to the east of Punta San Telmo. It also stretches from north of Playa Pérula to Cabo Corrientes, both in Jalisco. The Federal Government and Civil Protection are asking everyone to be very careful. This is especially true for places that might have landslides. People near rivers and streams should also be watchful. Their water levels can rise quickly.
What Flossie Might Bring: Rain, Wind, and Dangerous Waves
Flossie’s visit means very heavy rains for the coast of Guerrero. We’re talking about 150 to 250 millimeters. Jalisco, Colima, Michoacán, and Oaxaca should also expect heavy rain, between 75 and 150 millimeters. The SMN updates its reports daily. These updates will show any changes in Flossie’s path or how strong she gets.
This weather event could also bring strong winds. Sustained winds of 60 to 80 kilometers per hour are possible. Gusts could reach 90 to 100 kilometers per hour in the coastal areas of Guerrero, Michoacán, and Colima. Oaxaca and Jalisco might see lighter gusts but higher waves.
We also expect waves up to six meters in some coastal spots. This is a real danger for small boats and communities near the water. Waves of 2.5 to 3.5 meters will spread to parts of Oaxaca and Jalisco as the afternoon goes on. In times like these, the National Water Commission wants everyone to stay informed. Always get your news from official sources. Being prepared and looking out for each other is how we get through these moments.