Hurricane Milton, which intensified to category 4 in the early hours of today, could affect the city of Mérida starting at 10:00 p.m., with its impact extending through the early morning and part of the morning of October 8.
Enrique Basto Alcocer, Director of Civil Protection of the Mérida City Council, accompanied by Mayor Cecilia Patrón Laviada, provided a detailed update on the progress of the tropical cyclone and the preventive measures being taken.
For her part, the Mayor reaffirmed her full support for the municipality’s families, ensuring immediate and necessary attention in case of impacts in vulnerable areas, in coordination with state and federal authorities.
Trajectory and evolution of the hurricane
Milton, which formed as a low-pressure system on October 5, has rapidly evolved to reach category 4, with sustained winds of 240 km/h and gusts up to 280 km/h near its center. It is currently located 258 km northwest of Mérida, moving east-southeast at 13 km/h, gradually approaching the northern coast of Yucatán. Its closest point to the city is expected around 10:00 p.m. this Monday.
Basto Alcocer noted that the hurricane has followed an accelerated and erratic behavior, forcing adjustments to forecasts. “The cyclone has varied its trajectory in the last 48 hours, getting closer to Yucatán, and according to the main meteorological models — European and North American — there is a consensus that the storm will pass very close to the Yucatán coast, mainly impacting the northern part of the state,” he explained.
Affected areas and possible damages
According to Civil Protection, the greatest impact of Milton in Mérida will be intense rain and wind gusts that could reach up to 120 km/h in the northern part of the municipality, mainly in commissaries such as Dzidzilché, Sierra Papacal, Cosgaya, and 17 other vulnerable commissaries located in the northwest. The commissaries closest to the sea will be the first to feel the effects of the storm, while intermittent rains and less intense winds, between 55 and 60 km/h with stronger gusts, are expected in the city.
“Corresponding alerts have been issued for the population to be prepared. We started with blue and green alerts, and we are currently on yellow alert, which means medium danger. Alerts could be raised as the hurricane progresses,” added the Director of Civil Protection.
Preventive measures and preparation
The Mérida City Council has taken various measures to mitigate the effects of the hurricane. Sixty-four temporary shelters have been set up, 17 of which are located in the city and 47 in the commissaries. Authorities have strengthened their strategic reserves of essential supplies, such as mats and food, to assist the population in need.
Additionally, there is close coordination with the National Civil Protection System and the state government to disseminate updated information. “A few moments ago, we received a call from the National Director of Civil Protection, Óscar Zepeda, and we are working together to ensure the safety of the citizens,” said Basto Alcocer.
Possible impact in Mérida
Although Milton will not directly impact the city, its secondary effects, such as heavy rains and wind gusts, could cause minor damage to urban infrastructure, especially in areas with large trees, light poles, and vulnerable roofs. An increase in water levels is also expected in low-lying areas of Mérida due to the rains, with the possibility of significant accumulations in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
Hurricane Milton Could Impact Mérida Tonight
Hurricane Milton, which intensified to Category 4 in the early hours of today, could affect the city of Mérida starting at 10:00 p.m., with its impact extending through the early morning and part of the morning of October 8.
Enrique Basto Alcocer, Director of Civil Protection of the Mérida City Council, accompanied by Mayor Cecilia Patrón Laviada, provided a detailed update on the progress of the tropical cyclone and the preventive measures being taken.
The Mayor reaffirmed her full support for the municipality’s families, ensuring immediate and necessary attention in case of impacts in vulnerable areas, in coordination with state and federal authorities.
Trajectory and Evolution of the Hurricane
Milton, which formed as a low-pressure system on October 5, has rapidly evolved to reach Category 4, with sustained winds of 240 km/h and gusts up to 280 km/h near its center. It is currently located 258 km northwest of Mérida, moving east-southeast at 13 km/h, gradually approaching the northern coast of Yucatán. Its closest point to the city is expected around 10:00 p.m. this Monday.
Basto Alcocer noted that the hurricane has followed an accelerated and erratic behavior, forcing adjustments to forecasts. “The cyclone has varied its trajectory in the last 48 hours, getting closer to Yucatán, and according to the main meteorological models — European and North American — there is a consensus that the storm will pass very close to the Yucatán coast, mainly impacting the northern part of the state,” he explained.
Affected Areas and Possible Damages
According to Civil Protection, the greatest impact of Milton in Mérida will be intense rain and wind gusts that could reach up to 120 km/h in the northern part of the municipality, mainly in commissaries such as Dzidzilché, Sierra Papacal, Cosgaya, and 17 other vulnerable commissaries located in the northwest. The commissaries closest to the sea will be the first to feel the effects of the storm, while intermittent rains and less intense winds, between 55 and 60 km/h with stronger gusts, are expected in the city.
“Corresponding alerts have been issued for the population to be prepared. We started with blue and green alerts, and we are currently on yellow alert, which means medium danger. Alerts could be raised as the hurricane progresses,” added the Director of Civil Protection.
Preventive Measures and Preparation
The Mérida City Council has taken various measures to mitigate the effects of the hurricane. Sixty-four temporary shelters have been set up, 17 of which are located in the city and 47 in the commissaries. Authorities have strengthened their strategic reserves of essential supplies, such as mats and food, to assist the population in need.
Additionally, there is close coordination with the National Civil Protection System and the state government to disseminate updated information. “A few moments ago, we received a call from the National Director of Civil Protection, Óscar Zepeda, and we are working together to ensure the safety of the citizens,” said Basto Alcocer.
Comparison with Historical Hurricanes
To provide a reference for Milton’s potential impact, Basto Alcocer mentioned that Hurricane Inés, which passed through the region on October 7, 1966, had a similar trajectory, although in the opposite direction, from east to west. Inés reached Categories 2 and 3 as it passed along the coast and caused significant damage, especially in Progreso and Telchac. Although Milton is a more intense hurricane, its impact is expected to be less devastating in Mérida due to its distance from the coast.
Final Recommendations
Enrique Basto Alcocer urged the population to stay alert and follow the authorities’ recommendations. “We recommend that all citizens pay attention to Civil Protection updates. Although we do not expect Milton to cause a direct impact in Mérida, it is important to take precautions against the rains and winds that will occur during the night and early morning,” he concluded.
The City Council’s hurricane program is available online for citizens to consult and will be updated as the cyclone continues its advance towards the coast.
Source: Reporteros hoy
