With the proximity of Tropical Storm Simon, The State Civil Protection Unit (UECP) has issued a yellow alert for much of the northern part of Sonora, including the municipalities of San Luis Río Colorado, Plutarco Elías Calles, Puerto Peñasco, Caborca, Pitiquito, Altar, Atil, Trincheras, Tubutama, Sáric y Oquitoa.
A yellow alert is a moderate warning, indicating people to prepare for winds of 63 km/hr (about 40 mph) within an impact period of between 12 to 60 hours.
UECP Director Carlos Jesús Arias remarked according to the National Meteorological Service, as well as the National Hurricane Center in the U.S., tropical storm Simon is about 8 hours and 160 kilometers west of Punta Eugenia, Baja California Sur, moving north-northeast at 15 km/h.
Currently, Simon presents maximum winds of 65 kilometers per hour. It is expected that within the next 24 hours the storm will continue along the same path, degrading to a tropical depression by the afternoon, reaching Sonora tomorrow (Wednesday, Oct. 8th) about 50 kilometers northwest of Puerto Peñasco.
Arías noted the yellow alert, which is the highest given at the moment in Sonora for Tropical Storm Simon, calls for review of plans and communication procedures, evaluation of State and Municipal Civil Protection centers, launch of operational coordination in preparation for possible temporary shelters, and designation of such shelters.
Boats and maritime activities are cautioned to remain alert to the system, heeding indications issued by Port Captains, the Secretary of the Marina-Mexican Navy, and Civil Protection authorities.