Tropical Storm Sara Poses Major Flood Threat to Central America

The Atlantic hurricane season’s 18th named storm, Tropical Storm Sara, is projected to form in the western Caribbean and potentially move towards the Gulf of Mexico by next week. However, the storm’s exact path remains uncertain. A low-pressure system, located in the Caribbean between Jamaica, Honduras, and Nicaragua, is expected to develop into Sara. Designated as Potential Tropical Cyclone Nineteen, this classification allows the National Hurricane Center (NHC) to issue alerts in advance.

The NHC has scheduled a Hurricane Hunter flight to investigate the storm. Tropical storm and hurricane watches and warnings are in place for parts of Central America, indicating possible severe weather within 36-48 hours.

Sara could intensify over warm Caribbean waters and low wind shear. If it stays over open water, it may reach hurricane status; however, it could also move closer to land, affecting areas like Honduras, Belize, or Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula.

Sara’s slow movement could bring heavy rainfall, risking catastrophic flooding and mudslides in Central America.

Models suggest Sara could head north towards the Gulf by Tuesday, potentially reaching Florida or western Cuba by Wednesday as it meets a cold front. Forecasts vary, and Sara could range from a weaker storm to a powerful tropical system.

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