TRAVEL ALERT - HURRICANE JIMENA

UNCLAS STATE 090798 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: CASC PTER ASEC XL SUBJECT: TRAVEL ALERT - HURRICANE JIMENA ¶1. The Department of State urges American citizens to consider carefully the risks of travel to areas in Mexico that may be affected by Hurricane Jimena. U.S. citizens located in areas likely to be impacted by Hurricane Jimena and who do not have access to adequate and safe shelter should consider departing while commercial flights are still available. This Travel Alert expires September 6, 2009. ¶2. Hurricane Jimena is predicted to pass over the Baja Peninsula, striking land near Cabo San Lucas on September 1, 2009. The National Hurricane Center predicts that Hurricane Jimena will reach land at Category 4 strength, with sustained winds exceeding 130 MPH. Heavy rains, strong winds and large battering waves can be expected in the path of the storm. The National Hurricane Center predicts that storm affected areas may received 5-10 inches of rain, more in higher elevations, causing flash flooding and impassable roads in many areas. The hurricane is expected to travel in a northerly direction, weakening slightly as it moves north. While outside of the predicted direct path of the hurricane, Hermosillo and resort towns on Mexico's Western coast as far south as Mazatlan can expect to receive heavy rain and winds and a strong storm surge. ¶3. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) reports are posted at: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/graphics_ep3.shtml?5- daynl#contents. ¶4. Seating capacity on commercial flights may be extremely limited. Flights into and out of international airports may be suspended at any time. If staying in country, U.S. citizens are urged to locate shelter, monitor media reports, and follow all official instructions. Visitors to the Baja Peninsula should be familiar with their hotel evacuation plans, policies, and procedures. Please see the Hurricane Travel Alert dated May 29, 2009, on the Department's website at www.travel.state.gov and http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/p a_3245.html. ¶5. U.S. citizens should carry their travel documents (e.g., U.S. passport, birth certificate, photo ID's, etc.) with them at all times or secure them by placing them in a safe, waterproof location. Additionally, American citizens in the areas affected by the storm are reminded to stay in contact with friends and family in the United States to keep them apprised of their current whereabouts. ¶6. Americans residing or traveling in Mexico are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy through the State Department's travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov. ¶7. Updated information on travel may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll- free within the United States and Canada, or from overseas, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. For further information please consult the Country Specific Information available via the Internet at http://travel.state.gov. The U.S. Consulate in Tijuana is located at Tapachula 96, telephone (52)(664) 622-7400, http://tijuana.usconsulate.gov/service.html. The U.S. Consulate in Hermosillo is located at Avenida Monterrey 141, telephone (52)(662) 289-3500. http://hermosillo.usconsulate.gov/. Consular Agencies are located in Cabo St Lucas, at Blvd. Marina local c-4, Plaza Nautica, col. Centro, telephone (52)(624) 143-3566, and in Mazatlan at: Playa Gaviotas #202, Zona Dorada, telephone (52)(669) 916-5889. ¶8. Minimize considered. CLINTON