Guatemala: Adverse weather forecast nationwide through at least Aug. 26

Event

Rounds of heavy rainfall, landslides, and possible flooding are forecast to occur across Guatemala through at least Aug. 26. As of Aug. 23, the Guatemala National Institute of Seismology, Volcanology, Meteorology, and Hydrology (INSIVUMEH) has issued red (highest level on a three-tier scale) flood warnings for southern Alta Verapaz, Escuintla, eastern Huehuetenango, northwestern Izabal, Quetzaltenango, western Quiche, Retalhuleu, San Marcos, Sacatepequez, western Solola, and Suchitepequez departments, where the heaviest rainfall is forecast. Orange (second-highest level on a three-tier scale) flood warnings are in place for the rest of Alta Verapaz, Baja Verapaz, Chiquimula, El Progreso, Guatemala, the rest of Huehuetenango, Jalapa, Jutiapa, Peten, the rest of Quiche, Santa Rosa, and Zacapa departments.

Red landslide warnings are also in place for northeastern Huehuetenango and southern Zazapa departments, while authorities have issued orange landslide warnings for southern Alta Verapaz, northern Escuintla, southern Huehuettenango, central Quetzaltenango, central Quiche, northern Retalhuleu, central Santa Rosa, southern San Marcos, and northern Suchitepequez. Yellow flood and landslide warnings are in place for the rest of Guatemala. Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of the relevant weather alerts over the coming days.

Hazardous Conditions
The storms may be capable of producing heavy downpours and damaging winds across the affected area through at least Aug. 26. Should sustained heavy rainfall occur, it could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed or a lack of stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.

Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows could render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters.

Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at regional airports. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation. Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.

Advice

Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Out of an abundance of caution, confirm all transport reservations and business appointments before travel. Make allowances for localized travel delays and potential supply chain disruptions where adverse weather has been forecast. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.

Resources

Guatemala National Institute of Seismology, Volcanology, Meteorology, and Hydrology (Spanish)