Lidia escalated to an “extremely perilous” Category 4 hurricane on Tuesday, brandishing winds of 225 kph (140 mph). Its trajectory was pointedly focused on Puerto Vallarta, a famous resort area along Mexico’s Pacific coast.
The U.S. National Hurricane Center alerted on Tuesday that Lidia might further fortify its strength just several hours prior to its expected landfall.
Forecasts predicted that the hurricane was set to reach land near Cabo Corrientes, before veering inland slightly south of Puerto Vallarta. This route could, in fact, slightly moderate the impact on the popular resort.
Precautions were swiftly taken as local authorities suspended educational activities in coastal communities. This expected landfall comes just a single day following the impact of Tropical Storm Max on the southern Pacific coast, which is situated hundreds of miles away. Although Max diminished swiftly, its rains eroded part of a coastal highway in Guerrero, a state in the southern region of Mexico.
On Tuesday, the central mass of Lidia was observed to be approximately 175 kilometers (110 miles) southwest of Puerto Vallarta, progressing east-north-east at about 26 kph (16 mph).
Warnings have been issued by the hurricane center about the potential dangers of flash flooding and storm surges resulting from Lidia’s wrath. As such, residents have been advised to take necessary precautions and stay informed about the progressing situation.
