British holidaymakers warned of ‘potentially catastrophic’ hurricane heading for Mexico
British holidaymakers in Mexico are being warned their resort could be hit by a potentially catastrophic hurricane later today.
Flights to Puerto Vallarta on Mexico’s Pacific Coast have been postponed by 24 hours as Hurricane Patricia is expected to make landfall this afternoon.
It could bring winds of up to 160 mph and high seas, say forecasters, and heavy rainfall could cause landslides.
Thomson and First Choice customers due to travel out today to Puerto Vallarta, one of Mexico’s most popular resorts, have been told their flight has been delayed until tomorrow morning. Customers already in the resort have been told to stay in their hotels.
Although the hurricane is expected to weaken today, forecasters said it was still ‘an extremely dangerous storm’.
"Preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion today," the US National Hurricane Center said.
Late last night, the storm was about 200 miles south of Manzanillo, Mexico, moving northwest at 10 mph.
A hurricane warning is in effect on Mexico’s Pacific Coast from San Blas to Punta San Telmo, an area that includes the resort cities of Puerto Vallarta and Manzanillo.
A spokeswoman for Thomson and First Choice said flight TOM194 from Manchester to Puerto Vallarta, which was due to leave at 9.15 today had been postponed until 9.15 tomorrow and customers are being notified.
Customers in the resort have been told of a delay to their return to Manchester on TOM195 until tomorrow. The operator said it had made arrangements for them to remain in hotel accommodation.
"We recognise the inconvenience this may cause, but the health and safety of our customers and crew is our primary concern," said the spokeswoman.
"Our dedicated resort team are working with the relevant authorities and hoteliers to ensure everyone is looked after and kept updated with the latest information and advice. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and we encourage customers to check our website for updates."
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
TAP Air Portugal to operate 29 flights due to strike on December 11
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Airbnb eyes a loyalty program but details remain under wraps
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season