Advisory 8: Tropical Storm Nadine Weakens

As of 3:00 PM on Saturday, October 19, 2024, Tropical Storm Nadine is gradually weakening as it continues to move inland. Despite this, tropical storm conditions are still affecting parts of the Corozal, Belize, and Orange Walk Districts. A Tropical Storm warning remains in effect from Belize City northward to the Mexico border.

At 3:00 PM, Nadine was located approximately 80 miles west of Belize City at latitude 17.4N and longitude 89.4W, moving westward at 13 mph with maximum sustained winds of 45 mph. This westward motion is expected to continue for the remainder of the day.

The primary concern remains heavy rainfall. Rainfall totals of 3 to 6 inches have already been recorded, with an additional 2 to 4 inches possible, especially over northern and central Belize. This raises the risk of flooding. Strong gusty winds are still creating rough seas, and mariners are advised to stay in safe harbor until the winds die down later this evening. Gusty winds in central and northern districts may continue for the next 2 to 3 hours and could cause minor damage to weak structures.

Hazards Expected to Affect Belize:
– Excess Rainfall: An additional 2 to 4 inches of rain is expected, which could lead to localized flooding in northern and central Belize.
– High Winds: Winds of 45 mph, with stronger gusts, may cause damage to structures, crops, and trees.

Flood Warnings are in Effect for:
– Coastal Road from La Democracia to Hope Creek Junction
– San Ignacio low-level bridge and Iguana Creek Bridge
– Sittee River and surrounding areas
– Rivers in central and northern Belize, including Rio Hondo, New River, Booth’s River, Rio Bravo, Mopan, Macal, and Belize Rivers, as well as those on the eastern slopes of the Maya Mountains.

The National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) urges residents in the Corozal, Belize, Orange Walk, and Cayo Districts to make use of shelters if necessary. Other districts should remain on high alert. Businesses in the Corozal, Orange Walk, and Belize Districts, including San Pedro and Caye Caulker, should remain closed. Essential services, however, will stay open in these areas.

Residents are reminded to keep emergency plans in place, ensure they have supplies of food, water, and medicine, and check on vulnerable individuals, including the elderly and those with disabilities. Shelters are available in affected districts, and water taxi operations remain suspended.

The Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA) remains open, but travelers should expect delays.