Cancún rain operation: road closures and 72 more hours of rain expected

Benito Juárez municipal authorities are keeping their "Operativo Lluvia" (rain operation) running in Cancún after an average of 89 millimeters of rain fell on the city on Tuesday, September 29, causing street flooding and road closures. According to the city government, rain is expected to continue for 72 hours, so the operation will carry on over the coming days.

Mayor Ana Paty Peralta toured the response alongside Civil Protection director Antonio de Jesús Riveroll Ribbon. The city says 30 crews, 250 Public Services workers and 18 firefighters are involved, together with Civil Protection and Traffic personnel.

Closed intersections

The city reported closures at:

• Avenida Cobá at Avenida Palenque
• Avenida Xcaret at Avenida Yaxchilán
• Around the General Hospital (Supermanzana 65)
• Retorno San Johns on Bulevar Colosio
• Bulevar Colosio near Residencial Campestre

Affected areas

Crews handled flooding on Bonampak and Huayacán avenues, Tierra Maya, Donceles, Supermanzanas 259, 220, 68, 63 and 22, and Villas Otoch Paraíso (Supermanzanas 223 and 259).

What to do if you live or drive in these areas

The mayor asked residents to drive carefully, stay away from closed points and use alternate routes. She also asked people to sweep up leaves and yard debris that clog storm drains in front of homes and businesses, a common reason water pools on the streets.

Practical tips while the rain lasts:

• Do not cross flooded streets on foot or by car: you cannot tell how deep the water is or whether a drain cover is missing.
• If your commute uses Cobá, Xcaret or Colosio, leave earlier and plan an alternate route.
• Make sure the drain in front of your home is clear, and don't put garbage bags out outside collection hours.
• Keep these numbers handy: City Hall (998) 881 28 00 and, for emergencies, 911.

The operation will remain in place as long as the rain continues, according to the city government.