Canada issues urgent travel advisory updates for the U.S. and Mexico
Canadians heading south of the border are being urged to be cautious after new travel advisory updates were issued for the U.S. and Mexico.
The latest advisories from the Government of Canada come as severe weather threatens areas in these popular vacation destinations. Tropical storms are expected to bring heavy rain, strong winds, and potentially dangerous conditions. If you’re travelling to these areas, make sure to check the latest updates in case you need to change your travel plans.
In addition, make sure to sign up for the Registration of Canadians Abroad (ROCA), a free and confidential service that notifies Canadian citizens outside the country of an emergency abroad or a personal emergency at home.
If you have upcoming trips to the U.S. or Mexico, here’s everything you need to know about Canada’s latest advisories.
Mexico
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Parts of Mexico are on high alert as a massive storm is expected to sweep across the coast of Southwestern Mexico. According to the advisory, Tropical Storm Simon is expected to reach Mexico on the evening of Saturday, Oct. 10.
“The storm is likely to bring excessive rainfall and violent winds,” reads the update.
U.S. National Hurricane Center states that the storm could bring maximum sustained winds of around 100 km/h with higher gusts and between 15 and 25 inches of rain across parts of Michoacan, Colima, and Jalisco through Sunday. There’s a risk of dangerous storm surges along the coast and swells that could cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.
The storm is expected to become a hurricane late Thursday, strengthening to a “very dangerous” category four hurricane even before it reaches the coast of Mexico.
These conditions could trigger flash floods or landslides that could disrupt essential services like transportation, power distribution, water and food supply, telecommunications networks, emergency services, and medical care.
For Canadians already in the affected areas, exercise caution, keep up with local news and weather reports, and follow instructions from local authorities.
U.S.
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Similar to Mexico, a storm is also making its way towards parts of the U.S. and could bring heavy rain and strong winds.
Canadians are advised to avoid non-essential travel to the northern Gulf coast, from Ocean Springs, Mississippi, to the Bay/Gulf county line, Florida, due to Hurricane Isaias. Inland areas in the Florida panhandle and parts of Alabama could also be impacted.
Currently, the storm has sustained winds of up to 140 km/h with higher gusts, and is expected to produce up to three to seven inches of rain.
“Additional strengthening is expected through early Friday, and Isaias should remain a dangerous hurricane as it approaches the northern Gulf Coast Friday night,” states the U.S. National Hurricane Center.
There’s a risk of flash and urban flooding across the region, particularly in southern Alabama and the Florida Panhandle into southwestern Georgia. The Government of Canada is warning travellers that the storm could impact transportation, power distribution, water and food supply, telecommunications networks, emergency services, and medical care.
If you’re already in the area, be alert and stay up to date on the latest local news and weather, and make sure to follow instructions from local authorities.