Canada updates travel advisories for the U.S. and Mexico

The Government of Canada has updated its travel advisories for the U.S. and Mexico as severe weather threatens areas in both popular vacation destinations. Tropical storms could bring heavy rain, strong winds and dangerous conditions. Travellers should check the latest updates in case they need to change their plans. Canada also recommends that citizens register with the Registration of Canadians Abroad (ROCA), a free, confidential service that notifies Canadians abroad about an emergency where they are or a personal emergency at home.

**Mexico**

The advisory says Tropical Storm Simon is expected to reach Mexico on the evening of Saturday, Oct. 10, and sweep across the southwestern coast. The update says the storm is likely to bring excessive rainfall and violent winds. The U.S. National Hurricane Center says it could bring maximum sustained winds of about 100 km/h, with higher gusts, and 15 to 25 inches of rain in parts of Michoacan, Colima and Jalisco through Sunday. Dangerous storm surges are possible along the coast, and swells could create life-threatening surf and rip-current conditions.

The storm is expected to become a hurricane late Thursday, strengthening to a “very dangerous” Category 4 hurricane before reaching Mexico’s coast. The conditions could trigger flash floods or landslides, disrupting transportation, power distribution, water and food supplies, telecommunications networks, emergency services and medical care. Canadians already in affected areas should exercise caution, monitor local news and weather reports, and follow instructions from local authorities.

**U.S.**

Another storm is moving toward parts of the U.S. and could bring heavy rain and strong winds. Because of Hurricane Isaias, Canadians are advised to avoid non-essential travel to the northern Gulf Coast, from Ocean Springs, Mississippi, to the Bay/Gulf county line in Florida. Inland areas of the Florida Panhandle and parts of Alabama could also be affected.

The storm currently has sustained winds of up to 140 km/h, with higher gusts, and is expected to produce three to seven inches of rain. The U.S. National Hurricane Center says, “Additional strengthening is expected through early Friday, and Isaias should remain a dangerous hurricane as it approaches the northern Gulf Coast Friday night.” Flash and urban flooding are possible across the region, particularly in southern Alabama, the Florida Panhandle and into southwestern Georgia. The Government of Canada warns that the storm could affect transportation, power distribution, water and food supplies, telecommunications networks, emergency services and medical care. Travellers already in the area should stay alert, follow local news and weather updates, and obey instructions from local authorities.