The Eastern Pacific hurricane season swung into full gear this week as category one Hurricane Blas roared up the Pacific coastline Thursday afternoon, with winds reaching around 75 mph.
As Blas continued its course some 350 kilometers south of Manzanillo, Civil Protection authorities in Jalisco, Colima and Michoacan issued warnings to local populations living in costal communities. In Jalisco, 28 municipalities were placed on the highest level “Blue Alert.” However, although downpours are expected Friday in all three states, Blas is not expected to touch land, and should remain far enough offshore so as not to cause any significant flooding or material damage.
In addition to the rain, strong currents are expected as the storm makes its way northwards. Authorities urge citizens not to go swimming or fishing, or cross rivers or drive through tunnels during heavy rainstorms. Schools in coastal communities in the three states are expected to remain closed on Friday.
On Wednesday, President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador sent Laura Velázquez Alzúa, the national coordinator for Protección Civil, to Puerto Vallarta to supervise mitigation works, and ensure that the resort won’t experience the same kind of devastating flooding that occurred last August when the Rio Cuale burst its banks during the passage of Hurricane Nora.