08 Aug 2017 | 08:40 AM UTC
Belize: Tropical Storm Franklin hits near Mexican border /update 1
Tropical Storm Franklin makes landfall early August 8 on Yucatán Peninsula just north of Belizean border; coastal warnings in effect
Event
Tropical Storm Franklin made landfall around 01:00 (local time) on Tuesday, August 8, on the eastern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula, in Mexico just north of the Belizean border. According to current predictions by the US-based National Hurricane Center, the storm is expected to move in a west-northwesterly direction over the peninsula throughout the day Tuesday. A tropical storm “warning” is currently in effect in Belize for the coastline between the Mexican border south to Belize City.
Heavy rain is forecast for the north of the country on Tuesday and associated flooding and landslides are possible. Sustained winds of up to 100 km/h (60 mph), resulting in potentially hazardous conditions and power outages, are also anticipated. Transportation disruptions, e.g. flight disruptions and canceled ferry services, are possible; Belize City-Philip Goldson International Airport (BZE) was ordered closed at 17:00 on Monday as a precaution.
Context
Tropical storms are common in the Caribbean region during the Atlantic Hurricane Season, which officially runs from June 1 to November 30.
Advice
Individuals in the above areas are advised to follow local weather forecasts, adhere to any advice issued by regional authorities (e.g. potential evacuation orders), and confirm travel reservations. In the event of flooding, keep in mind that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult.
