18 Nov 2024 | 01:14 AM UTC
Mexico: Tropical Depression Sara tracking west-northwestward across Campeche State the evening of Nov. 17 /update 8
TD Sara tracking west-northwestward across Campeche State, Mexico, the evening of Nov. 17. Severe weather to persist over the coming hours.
Tropical Depression Sara is tracking west-northwestward across Campeche State, Mexico, as of the evening of Nov. 17, having skirted slowly along the northern coast of Honduras late Nov. 14-15, passing over the Bay Islands early Nov. 16, and making landfall over Stann Creek District in Belize early Nov. 17. As of 15:00 CST, the system's center of circulation was approximately 255 km (160 miles) south-southeast of Campeche, Mexico.
Forecast models indicate that the system will weaken further and dissipate over western Campeche State, Mexico, early Nov. 18. Some uncertainty remains in the track and intensity forecast, and changes could occur over the coming days.
As of the evening of Nov. 17, authorities have rescinded all coastal watches and warnings. Additional rainfall totals of 2.5-7.5 cm (1-3 inches) are forecast over northern Honduras. The risk of catastrophic and life-threatening flooding impacts will continue, especially along and near the Sierra La Esperanza. Additional rainfall of 7.5-13 cm (3-5 inches) of rain with localized totals of around 38 cm (15 inches) are forecast across portions of Belize, El Salvador, eastern Guatemala, western Nicaragua, and Quintana Roo State in Mexico. This will result in areas of flash flooding, perhaps significant, along with the potential of landslides.
The Secretariat of State for National Risk and Contingency Management Offices (COPECO) in Honduras is maintaining red alerts (the highest level on a three-tier scale) for Atlantida, Bay Islands, Colon, Coertes, Gracias a Dios, and Yoro departments due to the storm as of evening Nov. 17. Yellow alerts are in place for Choluteca, Olancho, Santa Barbara, and Valle departments and a green alert is in place across the rest of Honduras. Schools are closed across parts of the affected area, including Atlantida, Colon, and the Bay Islands.
As of evening Nov. 17, flooding and landslides in northern parts of Honduras have affected around 60,000 people and displaced at least 2,300 residents. Reports indicate one fatality in Yoro Department, and at least three people remain missing. Authorities have evacuated more than 5,000 people across the affected areas. Juan Manuel Galvez International Airport (RTB) in Roatan, Goloson International Airport (LCE) in La Ceiba, and Ramon Villeda Morales International Airport (SAP) in San Pedro Sula have suspended operations until further notice. Normal operations have resumed at Toncontin International Airport (TGU) in Tegucigalpa. The storm has cut off around 200 communities in affected areas and caused damage to roads, bridges, homes, and other infrastructure across parts of northern Honduras. Officials declared a nationwide state of emergency for 30 days starting Nov. 15 due to the impacts of Tropical Depression Sara.
In Belize, authorities in Stann Creek District ordered all businesses to close from 18:00 Nov. 16 until further notice. Authorities have allowed businesses to reopen from 12:00 Nov. 17. Flood alerts are in place across central and northern regions of Belize; flooding is impacting some areas, including Belize City, and several roads, bridges, and ferry services are closed. Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) is closed through early Nov. 18. Classes are closed Nov. 18.
Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and locations with easily overwhelmed drainage systems. Localized evacuations, flash flooding, and landslides are possible in hard-hit regions.
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. Stagnant pools of water during and after flooding may increase the incidence of insect- and waterborne diseases, such as dengue fever, cholera, and malaria. Exposure to raw sewage and other hazardous materials mixed with floodwaters poses a serious health threat.
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.
