There is no “Black Storm” alert
Neither the National Meteorological Service nor the Secretariat of Integral Risk Management and Civil Protection of the capital have used this term to refer to the rains planned for the afternoon and night of this August 14.
This does not mean that the risk is non -existent, since from early on, the National Water Commission warned that very strong rains are expected in 18 entities in the country, including Mexico City and the State of Mexico.
In addition, the agency said that heavy rains could be accompanied by electrical activity, strong winds and hail fall, so it recommended to the population to take precautions, especially during the afternoon, night and early morning.
Acting yellow and orange alerts on CDMX
For its part, Civil Protection of Mexico City has activated yellow and orange alerts for several mayorships, although no red or purple alert has not yet been declared, which are the most intensity and represent rains as strong as those registered in recent days.
The yellow alert was activated for the mayors of Coyoacán, Cuauhtémoc, Cuajimalpa, Iztacalco, Magdalena Contreras, Milpa Alta, Tláhuac, Tlalpan, Venustiano Carranza and Xochimilco.
While the orange alert was broadcast for Álvaro Obregón, Azcapotzalco, Benito Juárez, Gustavo A. Madero, Iztapalapa and Miguel Hidalgo.
According to the authorities, heavy rains can generate flooding and flooding, as well as strong water currents on streets and avenues, so that the population is recommended to extreme precautions.
Among the recommendations are not to cross streets with strong currents or flooded areas, walk through bridges and banquets, protect children, older adults and people with disabilities, and avoid taking refuge under trees. Whenever possible, it is suggested to wait for the rains to decrease before leaving.
What does the colored alert mean on the CDMX?
Mexico City uses colored alerts to inform about the intensity of rains and associated risks:
Green: normal conditions; rains less than 15 mm in 24 hours and winds up to 49 km/h.
Yellow: rains of 15 to 29 mm, winds of 50 to 59 km/h; They can cause minor damage if combined with other factors.
Orange: rains of 30 to 49 mm and winds of 60 to 69 km/h; risk of damage to fragile structures and presence of medium hail.
Red: rains from 50 to 70 mm, winds of 70 to 79 km/Hy large hail; phenomena that cause important damage.
Purple: rains greater than 70 mm, winds greater than 80 km/Hy very large hail; Extreme intensity that can cause serious damage and abundant snow.
These alerts allow the authorities to activate operations such as Tlaloque, which mobilizes personnel and specialized equipment to reduce flooding and attend emergencies immediately.
(Henry Romero/Reuters)
There is no “black storm” in Mexico
Although the term “black storm” sounds shocking, in Mexico it is not valid or official utility, since alert systems are based on other parameters and risk scales.
The next time you listen or read this expression, keep calm and check the official alerts of your locality to know the type of rain that is expected and the recommendations to follow.
(Henry Romero/Reuters)
