Mexico – Hurricane Jimena Heading for Baja Peninsula

Holidaymakers tempted by cheap hotel deals and packages in Mexico after the Swine Flu scare are now having to deal with the impending wrath of Hurricane Jimena and postponement, curtailment, or cancellation of their travel plans. 

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has (at the time of writing) put into force an advisory ‘against all but essential travel to the State of Baja California Sur in Mexico’.  The Baja peninsula is on alert as the hurricane is expected to track northwest, potentially affecting many areas of the peninsula and western mainland Mexico during the next few days.

According to the U.S. National Hurricane Center, Hurricane Jimena is a category 4 storm but has the potential to be upgraded to category 5.  Jimena is expected to make landfall by late Tuesday or Wednesday with winds in excess of 150 mph and torrential rain.

Voluntary and forced evacuations have been put into effect by the Mexican authorities.  Many residents are refusing to leave their homes and instead are stockpiling supplies to ride out the storm.  Some tourists are also reportedly ignorning warnings and choosing to stay to ‘experience’ the storm. 

Coastal flooding is expected due to storm surges and high surf.  Many areas are already reported to be cut off due to the heavy rain arriving ahead of the storm.

The popular resort of Los Cabos, at the southern tip of the peninsula, has experienced mass evacuation of thousands of American and international tourists who have chosen to take a flight out while they are still available. Travellers still in the area are advised to monitor news and weather reports and follow instructions issued by the local authorities. 

Visit out Travel Guide for Mexico and follow the link for the Foreign Office (FCO) ‘Know Before You Go‘ campaign for updated travel advice and information.

Important:  Proceeding with travel plans to areas where a Foreign Office advisory against travel is in force may invalidate any related travel insurance claims!