Tropical Storm “Ileana” brings heavy rains and floods to Jalisco, Mexico

Tropical Storm “Ileana” brought heavy rains to Jalisco on September 12, leading to flooding across the municipality of Cihuatlán. The downpour particularly affected routes to the hilly areas of the region.

In Cihuatlán, heavy rains caused strong water currents, particularly affecting Melchor Ocampo Street. Floodwaters from the river swept away cars and motorcycles. Coastal municipalities in Jalisco were also affected by widespread flooding, impacting residents.

“We have preliminary reports of six homes where water entered, as well as the rescue and evacuation of one family, but they did not need to be relocated to a temporary shelter,” said Rafael Araiza, commander of the Jalisco state firefighters.

A temporary shelter has been set up at the municipal DIF facilities in case of emergency, though no residents have used it so far.

The storm also destroyed the Autlan to la Huerta highway, visuals show the completely devastated roads with floodwaters flowing across:

Local authorities have increased security and civil protection efforts in vulnerable areas, conducting alert operations and closely monitoring water levels, especially in the Marabasco River, until the situation stabilizes.

The coastal municipality of Cabo Corrientes, Jalisco, experienced similar flooding when a river overflowed, affecting at least 10 homes. Residents in the area were evacuated to a temporary shelter to ensure their safety.

According to a report by the National Meteorological Service (SMN), the storm’s effects were also felt in the nearby municipality of Manzanillo. Streams in communities such as La Central rose due to the sustained rainfall, and the Marabasco River has seen increased water levels, according to reports.

The SMN warned that Ileana’s wide circulation and cloud bands would bring very heavy to intense rainfall, thunderstorms, and the possibility of hail to parts of western Mexico and Baja California Sur. Strong winds, high waves, and potential waterspouts are anticipated along the coasts of Colima, Jalisco, Nayarit, Sinaloa, and Baja California Sur.

At 15:00 UTC on September 13, the center of Tropical Storm “Ileana” was located 90 km (55 miles) SE of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. The system had maximum sustained winds of 75 km/h (45 mph) and a minimum central pressure of 999 hPa, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Ileana is moving NNW near 15 km/h (9 mph). A slower NNW to N motion is expected during the next few days.

On the forecast track, Ileana is expected to move across the southern portion of the Baja California peninsula today, September 13, and over the southern and central Gulf of California this weekend.

Little change in strength is forecast before Ileana reaches the Baja California peninsula. Weakening is expected over the weekend, and Ileana is forecast to dissipate by Monday, September 16.

A Tropical Storm Warning is currently in effect for the west coast of Baja California Sur, Mexico, extending from Santa Fe southward, as well as the east coast from San Evaristo southward. Additionally, a Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for the east coast of Baja California Sur, north of San Evaristo to Loreto, and for mainland Mexico from Topolobampo to Huatabampito.

Through this weekend, Tropical Storm “Ileana” may produce rainfall of 100 – 150 mm (4 – 6 inches), with localized higher amounts of up to 200 mm (8 inches), across southern Baja California. For northwest coastal Sinaloa, Ileana may result in 150 – 200 mm (6 – 8 inches) of rainfall, with localized higher amounts up to 300 mm (12 inches).

Tropical storm conditions are expected to first reach the coast of the southern Baja California Peninsula within the warning area during the next several hours. Tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area by early Saturday.

Swells generated by Ileana will affect portions of the coast of west-central Mexico and the coast of the southern Baja California Peninsula over the next couple of days. These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.

The SMN has urged residents in affected regions to exercise extreme caution due to the hazardous weather and follow instructions from the National Civil Protection System.

References:

¹ Reportan INUNDACIONES en Cihuatlán, Jalisco tras fuertes lluvias – Telediario – September 12, 2024

² Ocasiona “Ileana” inundaciones en Cihuatlán y aumento en arroyos y ríos de Manzanillo – El Comentario – September 12, 2024

³ Tropical Storm Ileana Advisory Number 5 – NWS/NHC – Issued at 15:00 UTC on September 13, 2024

Rishav Kothari

I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.

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