Foreign Office issues 'tropical storm' warning to UK tourists visiting Mexico

Holidaymakers visiting Mexico on holiday have been warned about a 'potential tropical cyclone' as the country braces for torrential rain. A tropical storm warning is now in place in parts of Mexico and over the US border in Texas and the British Foreign Office has issued advice.

A potential cyclone is currently heading towards the coast of Tamaulipas and is forecast to become a tropical storm by Wednesday, June 19. The extreme weather is then due to hit land on Thursday morning.

Heavy rain and high winds are expected in the north-east of Mexico and people in the area have also been warned of the possibility of flooding and landslides in some areas. The region has been placed on alert ahead of what could be this year's first named tropical storm.

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The UK Foreign Office issued a warning to travellers on Tuesday, June 18, which reads: "Potential Tropical Cyclone One is currently heading towards the coast of Tamaulipas and is due to make landfall on the morning of Thursday, June 20. It is currently forecast to become a tropical storm by Wednesday, June 19.

"A tropical storm warning is now in place along the coast of Tamaulipas state. High winds, heavy rainfall and coastal flooding are expected in north-eastern Mexico, with the possibility of flooding and landslides in some areas."

The Foreign Office currently advises against all but essential travel to the state of Tamaulipas, apart from the border crossing at Nuevo Laredo accessed by federal toll road 85D from Monterrey and federal highways 80, 81 and 85 between Tampico, Ciudad de Victoria and Magueyes, and the entire area of Tamaulipas south of these highways.

Mexico's hurricane season normally runs from June to November and can affect the Pacific and Atlantic coasts. Tropical storms and hurricanes cause floods, landslides and disruption to local services, including transport networks.

Tourists are advised to monitor local and international weather updates from the US National Hurricane Center and follow the advice of local authorities and your tour operator. In extreme cases, you may be ordered to evacuate.

In 2023, Hurricane Otis hit the south coast near Acapulco. The category five hurricane seriously damaged infrastructure along the coast in Acapulco and between Zihuatenejo and Punta Maldonado.

Travel to many parts of Mexico is considered generally safe, however the Foreign Office does advice against all but essential travel to certain areas including the city of Tijuana and the states of Chihuahua, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas, Zacatecas, the areas of Guanajuato south-west of road 45D, Michoacán and the areas of Jalisco south and south-west of Lake Chapala to the border with the state of Colima. It also advises against all but essential travel to parts of Colima, Guerrero and Chiapas.