US Consular Warning: Tropical Storm Ernesto
Subject: Tropical Storm Ernesto
August 7, 2012, 9am
Dear U.S. Citizens:
This Emergency Message is to inform U.S. citizens that the National Hurricane Center (NHC) has issued a Hurricane Warning for Tropical Storm Ernesto for the Yucatan peninsula coast between Chetumal and Punta Allen (which includes the tourist areas of Majahual, Xcalak, and Bacalar). A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect from north of to Cancun and from Celestun south to Chilitepec along the west coast of the Yucatan peninsula.
Tropical Storm Ernesto is currently predicted to approach the coast of Quintana Roo tonight (Tuesday), move across the peninsula south of Merida, Yucatan late tonight, and exit over the Bay of Campeche Wednesday afternoon. Ernesto is forecast to become a hurricane before it reaches the Yucatan peninsula but then weaken as it moves over land. Rainfall amounts between 4 to 8 inches with isolated maximum amounts of 12 inches are expected. In addition to danger from wind, flash floods and mudslides are possible. Coastal areas are especially vulnerable to these hazards, where a storm surge will be accompanied by large and dangerous waves. Please visit the National Hurricane Center’s website to follow the storm’s path.
U.S. citizens are encouraged to monitor media reports (radio, television, etc.) and Mexican Civil Protection websites. For Yucatan state, http://www.yucatan.gob.mx/procivy/. Quintana Roo (which includes the popular tourist areas of Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, and Tulum), http://proteccioncivil.qroo.gob.mx/. Campeche, http://cenecam.gob.mx/pronosticopr.php. U.S. citizens in coastal areas especially may be impacted by the storm and are strongly encouraged to follow official instructions from local authorities (to include complying with any evacuation orders from Mexican government officials) and are urged to stay clear of beaches as rough seas associated with storm conditions create severe hazards.
U.S. citizens should stay in contact with relatives and friends in the U.S. to apprise them of their specific whereabouts, to include the name of the hotel or the address of the house where they are staying, both before and after the storm. Visitors should be familiar with their hotel or cruise ship evacuation plans. If you must travel during this time please follow normal heavy rain precautions. U.S. citizens should carry their travel documents (i.e. U.S. passport, birth certificate, photo ID’s, etc.) with them at all times or secure them by placing them in a safe waterproof location.
For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Travel Warnings, and Public Announcements can be found. Up to date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States, or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
Additional information on hurricanes and storm preparedness may be found in the “Hurricane Season-Know Before You Go” pamphlet at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis_pa_tw_2915.html and on the “Natural Disasters” page of the Bureau of Consular Affairs’ website at: http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/emergencies/emergencies_1207.html. In addition, please review Merida’s Message For U.S. Citizens on Hurricane Season at http://photos.state.gov/libraries/merida/231771/PDFs/musc04Jun2012.pdf.
Updated information on travel in Mexico may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 within the United States and Canada, or from overseas, 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 am to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
If you received this message it means you are registered with us! Encourage other American citizen family and friends traveling or residing in Mexico to register with us at https://step.state.gov/step/.
The U.S. Consulate in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico, has responsibility for the Mexican States of Quintana Roo, Yucatan, and Campeche. The Consulate remains open for business. The Consulate can be reached during its regular business hours (M-F, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) by telephone at 999-942-5700; by fax at 999-942-5777; and by email at meridacons@state.gov for all other questions. After hours, for emergencies involving U.S. citizens in the Mexican states of Yucatan, Quintana Roo, and Campeche, call the Consulate’s main number and follow instructions to be connected to the Merida duty officer.
Full contact information follows:
FOR ALL CALLS FROM THE UNITED STATES: 011-52-999-942-5700
CONSULATE MERIDA (Calle 60 No. 338-K x 29 y 31, Colonia Alcala Martin, Merida, Yucatan, Mexico)
Main switchboard dialing from the US: 011-52-999-942-5700
Main switchboard dialing from outside Merida but within Mexico: 01-999-942-5700
CONSULAR AGENCY CANCUN (Blvd. Kukulkan Km 13, Torre La Europea, Despacho 301 ZH, Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico 77500), phone 998-883-0272.
CONSULAR AGENCY COZUMEL (Plaza Villa Mar en el Centro, Plaza Principal, (Parque Juárez between Melgar and 5th Avenue) 2nd floor, locales #8 and 9, Cozumel, Quintana Roo, Mexico), phone 987-872-4574.
CONSULAR AGENCY PLAYA DEL CARMEN ("The Palapa," Calle 1 Sur, between Avenida 15 and Avenida 20, Playa Del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico), phone 984-873-0303.
