TRAVEL ALERT - HURRICANE JIMENA

UNCLAS STATE 092592 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 remain affected by Hurricane Jimena and its aftermath. U.S. citizens located in areas impacted by Hurricane Jimena who do not have access to adequate and safe shelter should consider departing as soon as possible. This Travel Alert expires September 11, 2009. ¶2. Reduced to a tropical storm, Jimena continues to hover over the Baja Peninsula, centering approximately 35 miles north of Santa Rosalia. The National Hurricane center predicts the storm will begin a slow westward path back over the peninsula, remaining near or over central Baja California through Saturday, September 5, 2009. The northern half of Baja California Sur (from Bahia Magdalena north to San Juanico on the west coast and Loreto north to Santa Rosalia on the east coast) is experiencing heavy rainfall, resulting in flooding with a potential for mudslides. Severe to heavy damage has occurred to buildings and infrastructure throughout the area. Most roads remain impassable and the area is without power and water. The airports in Mulege and Loreto and seaports throughout the affected region remain closed. ¶3. The resort areas near Cabo San Lucas and San Jose de los Cabos have resumed normal business activities and their airport has reopened. Travelers are cautioned however, that rough seas and rogue waves continue to be a danger on the beach. ¶4. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) reports are posted at: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/graphics_ep3.shtml?5- daynl#contents ¶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 In addition, the Consular Agency is 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. ¶7. Minimize considered. CLINTON