| This Warden Message is being
issued to alert U.S. citizens to the continuing threat of
Hurricane Dean in the Yucatan Peninsula and other parts of
Mexico. A hurricane warning remains in effect for the east
coast of the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico from the Belize/Mexico
Border northward to Cancun. A hurricane warning is also in
effect along the west coast of the Yucatan Peninsula and the
gulf coast of Mexico from south of Progreso southward and
westward to Veracruz.
A hurricane watch is in effect for the Gulf Coast of Mexico
from Tampico to Veracruz. A hurricane watch means that hurricane
conditions are possible within the watch area generally within
36 hours. In the area of the Bay of Campeche storm surge flooding
and strong winds can be expected as the hurricane approaches
the southern bay of Campeche late afternoon August 21.
American citizens in the path of the storm are advised to
remain indoors away from all windows. Take shelter in an interior
room with no windows if possible. Be aware that there may
be a sudden lull in the storm as the eye of the hurricane
moves over. Stay in your shelter until local authorities say
it is safe. Local authorities may not immediately be able
to provide information on what is happening and what you should
do. Areas affected by the storm may experience widespread
damage to infrastructure power outages and shortages of food,
water and medical facilities. Power lines, trees and other
fallen debris may block roads. Stay away from downed power
lines to avoid the risk of electric shock or electrocution.
As the storm progresses inland, areas far from the coastline
may experience destructive winds and flooding. Stay out of
flood waters, if possible. The water may be contaminated or
electrically charged. However, should you find yourself trapped
in your vehicle in rising water get out immediately and seek
higher ground.
We have no reports of any injured Americans at this time.
The Cancun airport is open, but travelers should contact
the airlines directly to confirm if flights are operating
before coming to the airport. The Cozumel airport and ferry
remain closed. The Merida airport is not expected to reopen
for commercial flights until Wednesday, August 22.
The Embassy cannot make reservations on behalf of U.S. citizens.
Passengers should contact the airlines directly via the following
numbers:
- American Airlines: www.aa.com;
from U.S. 1-800-433-7300; from Mexico 01-800-904-6000
- Continental Airlines; www.continental.com;
from U.S. 1-800-523-3273; from Mexico 01-800-900-5000
- United Airlines: www.united.com;
from U.S. 1-800-864-8331; from Mexico 01-800-003-0777
- Delta Airlines: www.delta.com;
from U.S. 1-800-221-1212; from Mexico 01-800-123-4710
- U.S. Airways /America West: www.usairways.com;
from U.S. 1-800-428-4322
- Mexicana: www.mexicana.com;
from U.S. 1-800-531-79-21; from Mexico 01-800-801-20-10
- AeroMexico: www.aeromexico.com;
from U.S. 1-800-237-6639; from Mexico 01-800-021-4010
U.S. citizens also should carry their travel documents at
all times (i.e. U.S. Passport, Birth Certificate, picture
ID’s, etc.) or secure them in a safe, waterproof location.
We also suggest that American citizens contact friends and
family in the United States with updates about their whereabouts.
For the most-up-to-date information on Hurricane Dean, please
visit The National Hurricane Center’s website at http://www.nhc.noaa.gov.
To check the current alert level in Quintana Roo, U.S. citizens
should visit the local government’s website at http://www.qroo.gob.mx/qroo/Temporada/index.php.
Click on “Aviso de Sistema Tropical” for
information about the storm.
To check the current alert level in Yucatan State, visit
http://www.yucatan.gob.mx/procivy/index.jsp.
Further information on hurricanes and hurricane preparedness
is available on the State Department’s website. Check the
following links below:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/hurricane_season/hurricane_season_2915.html
http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/tips/emergencies/emergencies_1207.html
The U.S. Consulate in Merida and Consular Agencies in Cancun,
Cozumel, and Playa del Carmen are closed for regular business.
American citizens with questions should contact the U.S. Embassy
in Mexico City at
[52](55) 5080-2816
[52](55) 5080-2107
[52](55) 5207-0546
Please stay posted for future warden messages.
Thank you and stay safe,
U.S. Embassy Mexico City |
