Honduras: Tropical Depression 14 approaches northeastern Honduras August 20

Event

On Thursday, August 20, Tropical Depression 14 formed in the Caribbean Sea. As of 14:00 (local time), the center of Tropical Depression 14 was located 250 km (155 mi) east of Cabo Gracias a Dios (Cracra) located on Honduras border to Nicaragua, and have recorded maximum sustained wind speeds of 55 kph (35 mph). Forecast models indicate that Tropical Depression 14 is expected to move westward throughout this evening. The system is then expected to move towards the northeastern coast of Honduras and the Bay Islands on Friday, August 21, and will approach the east coast of the Yucatan peninsula in Mexico on Saturday, August 22, before moving to the south-central Gulf of Mexico on Sunday, August 23.

The government of Honduras has upgraded the Tropical Storm Watch to a Tropical Storm Warning from the Honduras/Nicaragua border to Punta Castilla (Colon).

Context

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from late May through to the end of November, with activity typically peaking in late August and early September. Numerous tropical storms form in the Atlantic Ocean during this period, with most affecting the Caribbean, the Gulf of Mexico, and the east coast of the United States. Although communities in the region are generally well prepared for adverse weather conditions during the hurricane season, severe storms bring a significant risk of flooding and infrastructural damage.

Advice

Individuals in the affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, avoid areas directly affected by flooding, confirm road conditions before setting out, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities.