Riviera Maya, Q.R. — Tropical Storm Gamma is still making its way toward the Riviera Maya region, with heavy rains and harsh wind gusts. As of 10: 00 a.m. CDT, the NOAA has upgraded its warning for the Yucatan Peninsula. Tropical force winds are already being felt around the region, however, the NOAA says Gamma is very near hurricane strength as it continues its approach.
On Saturday morning, the State Coordination for Civil Protection issued a Red Alert for eight of the 11 municipalities in the state in light of the imminent impact the storm is having along the coast.
“A Red Alert has been issued for Tropical Storm Gamma for the municipalities of the north and center of the state, Solidaridad, Cozumel, Puerto Morelos, Isla Mujeres, Benito Juárez, Lázaro Cárdenas, Tulum and Felipe Carrillo Puerto,” indicated Civil Protection.
At the same time, it issued an Orange Alert for the southern and western municipalities of Quintana Roo in Othón P. Blanco, Bacalar and José María Morelos.
The National Meteorological Service warned of torrential to extraordinary points of rain (greater than 250 mm) in Quintana Roo, intense rains with torrential point rains (150 to 250 mm) in Yucatan and very heavy rain (75 to 150 mm) in Chiapas, Tabasco and Campeche.