Tropical Storm Watch Declared for Parts of Belize 

A tropical storm watch has been declared for the Belize, Corozal, and Orange Walk districts. As of three o’clock this afternoon, Potential Tropical Cyclone 15 is heading directly to central Belize. With maximum winds of thirty-five miles per hour, the system may strengthen into a tropical storm with winds up to fifty miles per hour before it makes landfall on Saturday. The biggest concern is the expected downpour—up to eight inches of rain could hit northern and central Belize, bringing a high risk of flooding. Strong gusts will whip up rough seas, so mariners are urged to seek safe harbour immediately. Coastal flooding is also possible in areas north of the storm’s path. Residents from Dangriga to Belize City are advised to stay on high alert, as the storm watch could be extended southward. According to Chief Meteorologist Ronald Gordon, this system has become more organised, with a seventy percent chance of developing into a tropical depression or storm.

 

Ronald Gordon, Chief Meteorologist, NMS

“We have been closely monitoring the potential for development over the Southwestern Caribbean Sea from the early parts of this week. And throughout to this morning, the system has become better organised and currently has a high chance of becoming a tropical depression or a tropical storm before reaching Belize or the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico tomorrow morning. Currently, the chances are 70 percent of it becoming a tropical storm or depression. Regardless of whether the system becomes a tropical storm or depression, The main threat from the system for the country of Belize is going to be heavy rainfall, and that activity has already started, which we are seeing older bands of showers and thunderstorms moving across the country from the system. Those are expected to continue throughout the evening and tonight and intensify into tomorrow morning. Rainfall estimates at the moment are for about 4 to 8 inches, the higher end, and based on the current trajectory, the highest and most of the rainfall will be in the extreme north of the country.”