Mexico – Tropical Cyclone Willa Update (GDACS, NOAA, Copernicus, Media) (ECHO Daily Flash of 24 October 2018)

Tropical cyclone WILLA made landfall near Isla del Bosque village (Sinaloa State) early on 24 October (UTC) with maximum sustained winds of 195 km/h (Category 3 hurricane). Very heavy rainfall, strong winds and storm surge are affecting the coast of south-western Mexico (southern Sinaloa, western Nayarit and western Jalisco States). On 24 October at 3.00 UTC its centre was located inland approx. 125 km south-west of Durango (Durango State), with maximum sustained winds of 185 km/h (Category 3 hurricane).

Over the next 24 hours, it is forecast to continue north-east over western Mexico, significantly weakening and dissipating. Heavy rainfall, strong winds and storm surge could affect coastal areas. Heavy rainfall could also affect southern Durango State.

A hurricane warning remains in effect from San Blas to Mazatlan.

According to media reports, as of 24 October at 7.30 UTC, there have been power-cuts in affected coastal areas and flights from Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlán have been cancelled.

Copernicus, the EU's rapid mapping service, was activated on 23 October at 16.49 UTC, for Nayarit and Sinaloa States.