World | Other World Stories
Tropical storm Andre set to reach hurricane status
A strengthening Tropical Storm Andres roared toward Mexico's Pacific coast on Tuesday, prompting emergency preparations for a storm that forecasters predicted would become the season's first hurricane.
- AP
- Published: 19:56 June 23, 2009
Acapulco, Mexico: A strengthening Tropical Storm Andres roared toward Mexico's Pacific coast on Tuesday, prompting emergency preparations for a storm that forecasters predicted would become the season's first hurricane.
Andres was set to brush the coast at hurricane strength around the port city of Manzanillo.
The forecast track showed its centre later pushing up the coast near picturesque towns such as Barra de Navidad that are home to some American and Canadian expatriates.
At Barra de Navidad, northwest of Manzanillo, Agapito Garcia Martinez, security manager at the Grand Bay Hotel-Isla Navidad Resort said hotel staff were preparing to carry out storm preparations like taking in beach furniture and protecting hotel windows.
Weather was still sunny despite stronger-than-usual winds, Garcia Martinez said, noting that guests were still checking in normally to the hotel.
On Wednesday, when Andres draws closer, might be a different story, he noted.
"[Today], we expect to have a lot of water," Garcia Martinez said.
Mexico issued a hurricane warning for the Pacific coast from Cabo Corrientes to Punto San Telmo. A hurricane watch was in effect further south, from San Telmo to the port of Lazaro Cardenas.
Still further south on the coast, the Acapulco city government prepared 120 shelters and warned residents to stay indoors, especially some 15,000 people in 20 zones most at risk for flooding. Heavy rains late Sunday downed a few trees in the resort city.
Andres became the first named storm of the Eastern Pacific hurricane season, which began May 15 and ends November 30 and is typically busiest between July and September.
Share this article
News Editor's choice
-
Into an oasis of values
A place to snuggle in the warmth of old manners away from the bustle of city life
-
The walking MP
Rory Stewart's long walk in life has taken a new turn
-
What drives Africa's new kind of refugees?
Warming-driven factors have led many in the continent to flee their homes
