Mexico City, Mexico — Mexico City is on alert as Grace heads toward the country’s capital. City residents are told to expect heavy rains for Saturday. The system, which has twice turned hurricane, made its way across portions of eastern Mexico Friday after strengthening while crossing the Gulf of Mexico.
Rafael Bernardo Carmona, general coordinator of the Sistema de Aguas de la Ciudad de México says the strongest effects of Hurricane Grace in Mexico City will be felt during Saturday as she enters the region likely as a tropical depression.
The official explained that Grace is forecast to arrive in the north of the State of Mexico around 1:00 p.m. Saturday. Her arrival will bring intense rains of 50 to 75 millimeters, which could trigger landslides and major flooding.
Grace’s band of influence will encompass the entire CDMX, the State of Mexico, Hidalgo and the north of Puebla.
Bernardo Carmona said more than 1,500 elements from different agencies will work on a special operation in anticipation of Grace’s arrival. Grace re-strengthened Friday, again acquiring a category 1 hurricane status. The National Meteorological Service estimates that she will make landfall in Veracruz between Friday night and Saturday morning as the storm carries on westward through Mexico.