06 Oct 2017 | 09:11 AM UTC
Western Caribbean: Tropical Storm Nate hits region /update 1
Tropical Storm Nate to hit Honduras and Nicaragua October 5 and Yucatán peninsula October 6-7; torrential rain, violent winds forecast
Event
The low-pressure system located in the southwestern Caribbean region formed into Tropical Storm Nate on Thursday, October 5. As of 08:00 (local time), the storm was located just off the coast of northeastern Nicaragua. According to forecasts by the US-based National Hurricane Center, Nate is expected to cross over northeastern Nicaragua and eastern Honduras on Thursday before making landfall for a second time in Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula on Friday afternoon or evening. Tropical storm warnings are in place for the coastline between Nicaragua’s Sandy Bay Sirpi and Honduras’s Punta Castilla. A hurricane watch is also in place for the Mexican coastline between Punta Herrero and Rio Lagartos.
Heavy rain - up to 75 cm (30 in) in parts of Nicaragua - with the potential to cause flooding and landslides, is forecast for these areas as well as parts of Panama and Belize. Violent and potentially-disruptive winds and storm surges are also anticipated. Associated power outages and transportation disruptions are likely.
Context
The Atlantic Hurricane Season officially runs from June 1 to November 30, with a peak of storms typically observed in late August and September.
Advice
Individuals in the above areas are advised to follow local weather forecasts and adhere to any advice issued by regional authorities. 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.
