Free Map of MexicoHurricane Jimena - Updates and Information
When you're driving to Mexico, it might seem like an attractive destination during hurricane season, because certain areas have fewer crowds and lower hotel rates between June and November. But Mexico's Caribbean, Gulf and Pacific coastlines can be dangerous places during a tropical storm. Look no further than the recent visit by Hurricane Jimena.
But before driving to Mexico, whatever the season, you should plan ahead and buy your Mexican auto insurance. Every vehicle going south of the border is required by Mexican law to carry a Mexican insurance policy. And the easiest way to purchase your Mexican insurance policy is by going online before you leave the States. Get a quote and purchase your policy.
Path of Destruction
On August 29 the news media reported a hurricane forming in the Pacific Ocean off Mexico's southwest coast. By August 31 it was a high-end Category 4 raging north toward Baja California on 155-mph winds. Mexico's strongest hurricane so far in 2009, Jimena was expected to make landfall around Los Cabos. State officials of Baja California Sur had already evacuated 5000 people to government shelters, with a plan to forcibly remove anyone else who refused to find a safe location. Tourists and visiting sports enthusiasts were flying home on overbooked flights or hiding in their hotels, and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development moved its international meeting from Los Cabos to Mexico City at the last minute. Residents boarded up the windows of schools and businesses, and boat owners secured their vessels. The lesson of 2006's destructive Hurricane John was still fresh in the public memory.
By the time Jimena actually hit the Mexican coast on September 2, its winds had slowed to 85 mph and the U.S. National Weather Service had downgraded it to Category 1. Its center passed Los Cabos 50 miles offshore and made landfall at a sparsely populated area to the north, wreaking havoc in a number of small fishing villages between Puerto San Andresito and San Jaunico. Trees and lampposts were flattened, and some roofs were blown off or caved in.
As it moved up the Baja Peninsula and out across the Sea of Cortez, Jimena dropped enough wind speed to lose its hurricane status, although as a tropical storm it remained destructive. Officials hoped that its 5-10 inches of rain would end a drought in that desert region, but flooded streets and a thick residue of mud and debris suggest too much of a good thing. Jimena reached the Sonoran coast on September 9,where it stalled for six hours over the towns of Guaymas and Empalme, dumping 50 inches of rain before moving on. Local officials predict that extensive repairs to the public water system could take two months before the tap water is potable.
Digging Out
While tourist-friendly resort areas are digging out, taking down plywood and opening for business again, an estimated 40,000 Mexicans were displaced by Jimena. Relief organizations such as the Mexican Red Cross, World Care and the Baja Bush Pilots Association are seeking donations. Here are the most needed supplies.
- bottled water
- canned goods, beans, rice, etc.
- sleeping bags
- tents
- baby diapers
- adult diapers
- comforters
- linens
- flashlights
- home cleaning supplies (brooms, shovels, rakes, picks, etc.)
- first aid supplies (ointments for infections/rashes and antiseptics)
- clothes
- shoes (new)
- Clorox
- Soap and hygiene products
- Kotex
- Razors
- Face masks
- dishes
So keep in mind, that hurricane season's can be a window of opportunity for vacationing Americans, since it's June to November. Of course, there's a sizeable risk factor, too: hurricanes! And besides taking all other precautions, make sure to get your Mexican auto insurance so your car will be covered for all kinds of weather.
