Storm System in Mexico and Guatemala

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) – A new storm system, currently dubbed Eleven-E, is affecting Mexico’s southern Pacific coast and nearby Guatemala as of Tuesday night. It is expected to move inland on Wednesday, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC).

The tropical depression is likely to strengthen into a tropical storm overnight, raising concerns of fresh flooding and landslides in areas that recently experienced devastating rainfall. Last week, remnants of Hurricane John led to significant rainfall across Mexico’s southwestern coast, causing deadly mudslides and resulting in at least 22 fatalities.

Currently, the tropical depression is situated about 75 miles (121 km) southeast of Salina Cruz, a major port in Oaxaca state, which houses a significant oil refinery operated by Pemex, the national oil company. Pemex has not issued a comment after business hours.

According to the NHC, the storm system is projected to bring between 4 to 12 inches (10 to 30 cm) of rain to several southern Mexican states and parts of western Guatemala.