Honduras: Tropical Storm Nana forms southwest of Jamaica September 1

Event

Tropical Storm Nana formed on Tuesday, September 1, 234km (148mi) southwest of Jamaica. Nana is currently moving west and is sustaining winds of up to 80kph (50mph). Nana is currently forecast to make landfall north of Dangriga (Belize) on Thursday, September 3, and has the potential to strengthen into a category one hurricane just prior to landfall with winds as high as 120kph (75mph). Aside from tropical storm-force winds, forecasters have warned that Nana could produce rainfall of between 2-4in (50-101mm) in northern areas of Honduras, potentially causing localized flash flooding. The US National Hurricane Center (NHC) has issued a tropical storm watch for the coast of northern Honduras between Punta Patuca and westward to the Guatemalan border in addition to Rotan Island and the Bay Islands.

Further strengthening of the storm is possible in the near term. Heavy rainfall and associated flooding are possible over the coming days, along with evacuations and associated disruptions to business and transport.

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.

Northern Honduras is vulnerable to powerful storms and hurricanes from June to November. These storm systems have the potential to unleash heavy downpours and strong winds as well as storm surges that can wreak havoc in coastal areas. Travel and service delivery are also known to be affected. In addition, storm systems can cause rain-triggered floods and landslides, which pose considerable hazards to both human communities and infrastructure.

Advice

Those 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.