Hurricane Lidia, classified as an “extremely dangerous” Category 4 storm, is heading towards Mexico’s Pacific coast, bringing with it devastating winds and potentially life-threatening flooding. The storm is expected to make landfall on Tuesday night, packing winds of up to 140mph (220km/h) and up to 12 inches (30cm) of rain. The US National Hurricane Center (NHC) has issued warnings and advised residents to take immediate precautions.
The city of Puerto Vallarta has already begun preparing for the hurricane’s arrival by closing its airport and residents are boarding up windows and piling sandbags to prevent flood damage. School classes in some areas have also been suspended as a safety measure. Mexico’s President, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, has announced that civil protection personnel and armed forces are on high alert, with thousands of troops deployed to assist residents.
According to the NHC, Lidia is predicted to hit west-central Mexico as a major hurricane, causing flash flooding, urban flooding, and mudslides in areas of higher terrain across the states of Nayarit, Sinaloa, and Jalisco. However, the strength of Lidia’s winds is expected to diminish once it moves inland.
This impending hurricane comes on the heels of Tropical Storm Max, which inflicted significant flooding on parts of Mexico’s Pacific coastline. Local media reports two fatalities in the state of Guerrero as a result of the storm. Mexico is prone to annual hurricane activity on both its Pacific and Atlantic coasts, with the official hurricane season running from May to November.
Scientists are studying the connection between climate change and the increasing intensity of hurricanes. While the impact of climate change on storm frequency remains uncertain, warming sea surface temperatures are believed to contribute to more intensive hurricanes, cyclones, and typhoons. The Earth has already warmed by 1.1C (33.98F) since the industrial era began, and unless governments worldwide take substantial measures to reduce emissions, temperatures are expected to continue rising.
As Lidia approaches Mexico’s coast, it serves as a reminder of the urgent need for climate action. The potential devastation and loss of life caused by extreme weather events underscore the importance of global efforts to mitigate climate change. Governments, industries, and individuals must prioritize sustainable practices and reduce greenhouse gas emissions to safeguard vulnerable regions from the growing threat of severe storms.
