Central America: Tropical Storm Bonnie tracking westward across the North Pacific Ocean early July 3 /update 9

Event

Tropical Storm Bonnie is tracking westward across the North Pacific Ocean early as of July 3. The storm made landfall June 28-30 over eastern Trinidad and Tobago; Isla Margarita, Nueva Esparta State, and Falcon State, Venezuela; and the Guajira Peninsula, La Guajira Department, Colombia. Bonnie also made another landfall near the far eastern Nicaragua-Costa Rica border late July 1. As of 04:00 CDT, the system's center of circulation was approximately 255 km (160 miles)south of Puerto San Jose, Guatemala.

Forecast models indicate that the storm will strengthen into a Category 1 Hurricane by early July 4 as it tracks generally west-northwest in the North Pacific Ocean parallel to the southern coasts of El Salvador, Guatemala, and southern Mexico through early July 6 before turning to track west, away from land through early July 8. Some uncertainty remains in the track and intensity forecast, and significant changes could occur in the coming days.

As of early July 3, all coastal watches and warnings have been rescinded. Officials could update the coverage of the relevant weather alerts over the coming days.

Heavy rainfall is possible across portions of El Salvador, Guatemala, and southern and southwestern Mexico. Swells generated by Bonnie, which are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions, will affect portions of the coasts of El Salvador, Guatemala, and southern and southwestern Mexico through at least July 6.

Reports indicate one fatality San Martin Municipality, San Salvador Department, El Salvador due to a storm surge. Authorities have evacuated more than 250 people to Polideportivo El Polvorin.

Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and those with easily overwhelmed drainage systems. If weather conditions prove hazardous, localized evacuations, flash flooding, and landslides are possible.

The inclement weather could trigger localized business, transport, and utility disruptions and render some bridges or roadways impassable. Flight disruptions at regional airports and temporary closures of ports are also possible. Exposure to raw sewage and other hazardous materials mixed with floodwaters poses a serious health threat.

Advice

Activate contingency plans in areas where officials forecast tropical storm conditions. Heed any evacuation orders that may be issued. Use extreme caution in low-lying coastal areas and near streams, creeks, and other waterways due to the potential for severe flooding and storm surge. Stockpile water, batteries, and other essentials in advance. Charge battery-powered devices when electricity is available; restrict the use of cellular phones to emergencies only. Power down mobile devices when not in use. Keep important documents and necessary medications in waterproof containers. Observe strict food and water precautions, as municipalities could issue boil-water advisories following flooding events. Take precautions against insect- and waterborne diseases in the coming weeks.

Plan accordingly for protracted commercial, transport, and logistics disruptions in areas in the path of the storm, especially if vital infrastructure is damaged. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where flooding has occurred. Confirm flights before checking out of hotels or driving to the airport; clearing passenger backlogs may take several days in some locations.

Resources

US National Hurricane Center
El Salvador National Service of Territorial Studies
Guatemala National Institute of Seismology, Volcanology, Meteorology and Hydrology (INSIVUMEH)
National Weather Service
Mexico National Meteorological Service (SMN)