2024-11-16 - Channel 5 Belize

NEMO: “Businesses in Stann Creek District Ordered to Close by 6 PM Today”

Tropical Storm Sara continues moving closer to Belize, with the latest update at 3:00 PM showing the storm just 110 miles southeast of Belize City. NEMO reinforces its tropical storm warning for the entire Belize coastline, including the cayes. Businesses in the Stann Creek District are ordered to close by 6 PM today, and all sectors—agriculture, tourism, and fisheries—are urged to implement their emergency plans. “Businesses in the Stann Creek District are to close at 6 p.m. today and remain closed until the ALL CLEAR is issued,” the advisory notes.

“The main threat to Belize from Sara continues to be heavy rainfall,” NEMO warned, with some areas already seeing up to 15 inches of rain. An additional 2 to 6 inches is expected through Sunday evening, which could cause severe flooding, especially in the Rio Hondo, Macal, Mopan, and Belize Rivers. A small craft warning continues to be in effect due to rough seas.

TS Sara’s winds are currently at 45 mph, and although no major strengthening is expected, winds could reach 50 mph as the storm nears. NEMO has activated Phase 3—Red Two—of the National Hurricane Plan, meaning landfall is expected within 36 hours.

“Persons living in areas under Flood Warning MUST remain vigilant and be prepared to implement emergency plans if necessary,” NEMO advised. Shelters will open if needed, and the public will be updated through district coordinators.

The Philip Goldson International Airport ceased operations at 3:15 PM today, and bus services are running based on road conditions.

Chief Met: “Over 15 Inches of Rain Seen in Some Stations”

TS Sara: Flight Operations Update

The Belize Department of Civil Aviation has provided a second update on the status of flight operations as Tropical Storm Sara passes through the region. The Philip Goldson International Airport will remain open for limited operations today, Saturday, November 16, with light arrivals allowed until 2:15 p.m. and flight departures until 3:15 p.m.

The airport is expected to fully reopen for normal operations at 6 a.m. on Monday, November 18, 2024. However, flights to the southern part of Belize are still suspended until an all-clear signal is issued. Additionally, flights to other destinations will be suspended starting at 3:30 p.m. today until further notice.

The Department of Civil Aviation urges travellers, both domestic and international, to remain patient as delays and cancellations may occur due to the storm’s impact. The Department is closely monitoring the situation in collaboration with the National Meteorological Service (NMS) and the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO), and will continue to provide updates as needed.

TS Sara Moves Toward Belize, Flood Warnings Issued

TS Sara Moves Toward Belize, Flood Warnings Issued

Belize remains on high alert as Tropical Storm Sara continues to move toward the country. The National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) said in its latest advisory that the nation remains in Phase 3—Red Two of the National Hurricane Plan, signalling that landfall is expected within the next 36 hours.

As of 12:00 PM today, Tropical Storm Sara was located about 125 miles southeast of Belize City, with maximum winds of 45 mph. NEMO reports that the storm is expected to approach the coast tonight and could make landfall by Sunday.

The biggest concern with Tropical Storm Sara is heavy rainfall. Since Thursday, some areas have already received over 15 inches of rain, and many other areas have seen 4 to 8 inches. NEMO warns that an additional 3 to 8 inches of rain could cause “significant and life-threatening flooding.”

The Central and Northern parts of Belize, including the Rio Hondo, Macal, Mopan, and Belize Rivers, are under Flood Warnings.

NEMO is advising all Belizeans, especially those in flood-prone areas, to start their emergency plans now. Residents should “remain vigilant” and be ready to shelter in place or evacuate if necessary. The agricultural and tourism industries are also being warned to take precautions, as strong winds and flooding could affect them.

Authorities urge the public to stay informed through official channels and to call NEMO’s hotline at 936 for help.

Chief Met: “Over 15 Inches of Rain Seen in Some Stations”

The National Meteorological Service (NMS) has issued weather alerts due to Tropical Storm Sarah, which is expected to make landfall on Sunday. In a briefing this morning, Chief Meteorologist Ronald Gordon explained that the storm is located about 140 miles southeast of Belize City, moving west-northwest at a slow pace with maximum winds of 45 miles per hour.

A Tropical Storm Warning is now in effect for the entire Belize coastline and offshore areas. A Small Craft Warning has also been issued since yesterday and remains in effect, advising boat operators to stay in safe harbor. The weather will remain stormy today and tomorrow, with “squally and gusty winds and continued rainfall,” Gordon said.

Heavy rainfall has already been reported across the country, with one station recording over 15 inches of rain. Some areas have seen almost 4 inches in the past 12–18 hours.

“We expect conditions to remain cloudy tomorrow with showers persisting and decreasing later in the afternoon, afternoon into the night. By Monday, we expect fair conditions,” Gordon said, adding that the weather should improve just in time for the 19th of November celebrations.

Gordon said that the storm’s disorganised structure suggests that most of the heavy weather is occurring well ahead of its center. “A lot of the activity is occurring away from the centre,” he explained. This means that once the storm makes landfall tomorrow, conditions may improve quickly.

Lottery Drawings Postponed Due to TS Sara

The Belize Government Lotteries Ltd. has announced the postponement of the Ordinary and Jackpot Lottery drawing scheduled for Sunday, November 17. This announcement comes as Tropical Storm Sara is anticipated to make landfall on Sunday as well. The drawing will be rescheduled once the “All Clear” is issued.

In the meantime, the sale of lottery tickets “will continue as per regular schedule, until tomorrow, Sunday, November 17, 2024, at 9:50 am.”

A follow-up notice will be issued when the drawing is rescheduled.

PGIA Closes as TS Sara Approaches

Minister Andre Perez: “Listen to our local authorities”

Minister of Blue Economy and Civil Aviation, Andre Perez, gave an update on the preparations and response to Tropical Storm Sarah, especially in the cayes. During a briefing this morning with the National Meteorological Service (NMS) and the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO), he reminded the public to focus on safety as heavy rain and flooding continue.

Minister Perez stressed the importance of staying informed through official sources. “I want to caution everyone to listen to our local authorities,” he said, adding that while social media can be helpful, the most accurate information comes from trusted authorities.

He confirmed that parts of Caye Caulker and San Pedro are experiencing heavy rainfall. “While we are anchoring down, we know it’s lots of rains… our focus is the floods,” the minister said.

Evacuation efforts are underway in the affected areas, and shelters have been opened in both Caye Caulker and San Pedro.

For more information, people can contact NEMO coordinators for the cayes. In Caye Caulker, the coordinator is Kristylane Wolfe at 611-6603. In San Pedro, Vanessa Parham can be reached at 614-5865 or 226-4821/4824/4358.

PGIA Closes as TS Sara Approaches

PGIA Closes as TS Sara Approaches

The Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport (PGIA) has announced it will close operations this afternoon due to worsening weather conditions from Tropical Storm Sara.

Flights already in the air will arrive as scheduled. Travellers are advised to check the airport’s website and social media for real-time updates.

“Your safety remains our utmost priority, and we appreciate your understanding,” said the airport in its update.

TS Sara Disrupts Local Flights

The Belize Department of Civil Aviation has issued an update regarding Tropical Storm Sara and its impacts on flight operations. As reported, the Philip Goldson International Airport will remain open for operations today, Saturday, November 16.

However, flights to the southern part of the country have been suspended “until an all-clear has been issued.” Flights to other destinations are expected to continue as scheduled, though delays and cancellations are possible depending on weather conditions.

The Department urges domestic and international travellers to “remain calm and exercise patience” during this time. The Department is closely monitoring the situation in collaboration with the National Meteorological Service (NMS) and the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO).

Further updates will be provided as necessary.

PGIA Remains Open as TS Sara Approaches

PGIA Remains Open as TS Sara Approaches

The Philip Goldson International Airport provided an update this morning on its official Facebook page, assuring travellers that it is still open and operational. The post advised passengers to check with their airlines for flight updates and to allow extra time to reach the airport. “Your safety and convenience are our top priority,” the airport stated. All flights to Belize are running as scheduled today.

This update comes as Tropical Storm Sara approaches the country, with landfall expected on Sunday.

Residents are urged to stay informed about local weather conditions and be cautious of road conditions.

Flooding in Cayo

Belize is already feeling the impacts of Tropical Storm Sara, with severe flooding already affecting the Cayo District. Key bridges, including the Iguana Creek Bridge, are almost completely submerged, making them impassable.

Images shared by What’s Up in Santa Elena show water levels rising to almost 7 feet. The river levels are rising quickly, flooding areas like the San Ignacio-Santa Elena bridge and the nearby Boardwalk.

Local vendors in San Ignacio are reportedly concerned about the damage.