Tropical depression Narda is expected to regain tropical storm strength Monday after passing over the Mexican resort of Puerto Vallarta with heavy rain at the end of a day in which it caused some flooding in Zihuatanejo and other spots farther south along the shore.
Tropical Storm Narda caused heavy rains and some flooding in the resort of Zihuatanejo and other spots along Mexico’s Pacific coast Sunday before weakening into a tropical depression as it moved overland and began drenching Puerto Vallarta late in the night.
The U.S. National Hurricane Center said the storm was on top of Puerto Vallarta late Sunday, with maximum sustained winds of 35 mph (55 kph). It was moving to the northwest at 21 mph (33 kph) and was predicted to regain tropical storm strength when it moved back over open water Monday and began hugging the coast while moving toward the Gulf of California over the next few days.
Authorities reported flooded roads and rivers in Oaxaca state to the south, where thousands of people were evacuated as a precaution, and in the port of Lazaro Cardenas to the north. The storm also toppled trees and billboards in Acapulco. Local media reported that a 26-year-old man died in Oaxaca while trying to cross a river in San Pedro Mixtepec.
The Hurricane Center said Narda was expected to produce 5 to 10 inches (12.5 to 25 centimeters) of rainfall along the coast from Oaxaca to Nayarit — a stretch that includes Acapulco and Puerto Vallarta — and warned that life-threatening flash floods and mudslides were possible, especially in mountainous terrain.
Jalisco state suspended schools Monday in Puerto Vallarta and nearby flood-prone areas. Guerrero state Gov. Héctor Astudillo urged residents to exercise caution and to move to shelters if they live near rivers.
The U.S. National Hurricane Center said the storm was on top of Puerto Vallarta late Sunday, with maximum sustained winds of 35 mph (55 kph) after weakening from a tropical storm while moving overland.
It was heading to the northwest at 21 mph (33 kph) and was predicted to begin picking up strength when it emerged over open water Monday and started hugging the coast while moving toward the Gulf of California over the next few days.
The Yucatan Times Newsroom with information from the Weather Channel
