17/11/2024
ADVISORY NO. 13
TROPICAL STORM SARA
As at 6:00 PM, SATURDAY, 16TH NOVEMBER, 2024
TROPICAL STORM SARA MOVING SLOWLY TOWARD BELIZE.
A TROPICAL STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR THE ENTIRE COAST OF BELIZE, INCLUDING ALL OF THE CAYES
UPDATE:
At 6 pm local time, Tropical Storm Sara was located near latitude 16.5N, longitude 87.2W, or about 95 miles southeast of Belize City. Sara is moving to the west at 5 mph with maximum sustained winds of 45 mph. A general westward to west-northwestward motion is expected until landfall on Belize on Sunday.
On the forecast track, the center of Sara will approach the coast of Belize tonight and make landfall on Belize on Sunday. No significant strengthening is expected before landfall. A tropical storm warning remains in effect for the entire coast of Belize, including all of the Cayes.
The main threat to Belize from Sara continues to be heavy rainfall. Preliminary rainfall data show that rainfall amounts of 6 to 11 inches have already been recorded with localized maximum upwards of 15 inches. An additional 2 to 6 inches with locally higher values is possible through to Sunday evening. This rainfall is resulting in flooding in some areas of the country. Strong winds of 20 to 30 mph with gusts to 40 mph are producing rough sea conditions. A small craft warning is currently in effect, so mariners operating small vessels are advised to seek or remain in safe harbour and not to venture out to sea. Strong winds may result in some minor damage to weak structures.
The country remains in Phase 3 - Red Two of the National Hurricane Plan. Two red flags with a black centre will be flown from signal centres.
The third phase, Red 2, shall be deemed to be in operation following such a declaration by NEMO when a tropical storm or hurricane appears likely to make landfall within 36 hours in a specific area of warning.
Hazards Expected to Affect Belize:
-Excess Rainfall - 6 to 11 inches with locally higher amounts of over 15 inches have already been recorded, and an additional 2 to 6 inches with locally higher values are possible, which can result in significant and life-threatening flooding.
-High Wind – Winds of up to 45 miles per hour with higher gusts are possible within the impact area. This may result in damage to structures, crops, and trees.
-Storm Surge – A storm surge of 1 to 2 feet is possible in areas of onshore flow just to the north of where the centre of the system moves inland.
Flood Forecast:
-Urban flood alert is in effect for low lying areas. Flash flood alert is in effect for downstream communities in the Cayo District.
-Flood Warning in effect for the Central and Northern region rivers and their tributaries.
-Severe Flood warning is in effect for the Macal River and its tributaries.
-Landslide warning is in effect for areas in the Eastern Slopes of the Maya mountains.
Note:
-All persons are advised to remain at an abode, place of residence, or shelter until the ALL CLEAR notification is given by the National Emergency Management Organisation.
-Businesses in the Stann Creek District closed at 6 pm today and are to remain closed until the ALL CLEAR is issued.
-All roads remain open as of 6 pm on Nov 16, 2024. Road condition assessments will continue throughout the night. All motorists are asked to avoid travelling on any highway in the country tonight, given the high potential for flash floods, low visibility, and the possibility of deteriorated road infrastructure.
-All bars, casinos, and restaurants across the country are to close by 10 pm on Nov 16, 2024.
Persons living in areas under Flood Warning MUST remain vigilant and be prepared to implement emergency plans if necessary. Know what to do if your community starts to experience flooding. Remember, flood situations may appear at night. The time to prepare is now.
-Persons living along waterways are asked to keep monitoring and to exercise caution. You must consider voluntary evacuation if you believe your home is at risk of flooding.
-Shelters in affected areas across the country will be opened if required. This information is available from the NEMO District Coordinator in your area.
Interests in the agriculture sector must implement their emergency plans now. Interests in the Belize River Valley must be ready to secure assets such as cattle.
-Interests in the tourism sector are asked to keep visitors and guests informed of the status of TS Sara and to implement their emergency plans by this evening.
-Interests in the fisheries sector, water taxis, and mariners are to comply with the Port Authority’s recent Notice to Mariners.
-The Transport Department will advise on the resumption of bus operations on Nov 17, 2024.
-The Philip Goldson International Airport will resume operations on Monday, Nov 18, 2024.
-Avoid walking through or playing in flood water due to danger and potential health issues.
-Be prepared to implement your family emergency plans now. Have your emergency food, water, and medical supplies ready in case you have to shelter in place or move to a shelter. Assist the elderly and people with disabilities, and safeguard your pets.
Residents are advised to continue monitoring this system very closely tonight and to follow official information coming from national authorities and the Met Service. Countrywide, all NEMO district emergency operations centres remain on alert. NEMO’s hotline is 936.
NEMO reminds everyone that the arrival of Tropical Storm Sara will be in the next few hours, and staying safe should remain a top priority. Stay informed about weather updates from reliable sources. Let's work together to keep ourselves, our families and our communities safe and prepared.
:-End of Release
