On Mexico’s west coast, a powerful wind called the Cordonazo, or el cordonazo de San Francisco (the Lash of St Francis), commands attention. This southerly hurricane wind brings challenges and uncertainty to the region. It typically occurs in late summer and early autumn when warm, moist air meets cooler ocean temperatures, forming tropical cyclones or hurricanes.
The Cordonazo hits Mexico’s states of Guerrero, Michoacán, Colima, and Jalisco, affecting cities like Acapulco, Manzanillo, and Puerto Vallarta. Its impact extends to neighboring countries like Guatemala and El Salvador.
This wind tests the resilience of coastal communities, causing damage and floods. But it also fosters unity as people come together to protect and rebuild. The Cordonazo serves as a reminder of the importance of preparedness, adaptation, and solidarity in the face of nature’s might.