Tropical Storm Bret was downgraded to a tropical depression Wednesday after moving inland from the Gulf coast of Mexico about 360 miles south of the Texas border, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center.
Mexican civil protection authorities suggested some residents in low-lying areas leave their homes in case of flooding, while forecasters warned the depression still could dump up to 10 inches of rain on mountainous areas.
Located 15 miles west of the coastal city of Tuxpan, Bret packed maximum winds of about 35 mph and was expected to weaken over the course of the day as it moved rapidly inland over rugged terrain.
The depression was moving west-northwest at 8 mph.
Shelters were opened in Gutierrez Zamora, Tuxpan, Tecolutla and Cazones, but there were no signs of serious flooding, said Ranulfo Marquez, deputy director of civil protection for Veracruz state.
Tuxpan authorities reported six families had left home as a precaution.