On the afternoon of Monday, September 2, an intense storm wreaked havoc in the Guadalajara Metropolitan Area (AMG), particularly in the cities of Guadalajara and Zapopan. The heavy rainfall, accompanied by wind gusts reaching 20 km/h, led to flash floods, fallen trees, and the overflow of a canal, significantly disrupting daily life and posing serious safety risks.
One of the most alarming incidents occurred on Avenida Patria, where a young girl had to be rescued from a van that was caught in floodwaters due to the canal’s overflow. Emergency services acted swiftly to prevent what could have been a major tragedy, underscoring the dangers that flash floods pose to residents.
The storm hit hardest around 6:20 p.m., with the peak intensity recorded within a 20-minute window, during which 32 mm of rainfall was measured. The western parts of the AMG were the most affected, with several roads becoming impassable due to flooding and downed trees. This caused significant traffic disruptions and delays in public transportation.
In Zapopan, the situation was further aggravated by fast-moving water currents that swept along debris and garbage, heightening the risk of accidents. Authorities have urged residents to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary and to remain vigilant as more storms are forecasted for the region, particularly in the northeast, west, center, and south of Jalisco.
Emergency teams are currently working to clear blocked roads and restore order in the affected areas. However, with continued rainfall expected, citizens are advised to stay alert to updates from civil protection agencies and to follow all safety recommendations.