Honduras: Tropical Storm Eta forecast to strengthen before making landfall November 3

Event

Tropical Storm Eta is expected to strengthen as it tracks westwards in the Caribbean Sea towards Honduras and could become a hurricane before making landfall in either Honduras' north-eastern coast or Nicaragua's north-eastern coast on Tuesday, November 3. According to the latest update from the National Hurricane Center (NHC) at 03:00 (local time), Eta was located around 805 km (500 mi) east of Cabo Gracias a Dios on the Honduras-Nicaragua border and tracking westwards at 24 kph (15 mph), carrying maximum sustained winds of up to 65 kph (40 mph).

The NHC has issued a Hurricane Watch for the north-eastern coast of Honduras from Punta Patuca (Gracias a Dios department) to the Honduras-Nicaragua border. Up to 762 mm (30 in) of rainfall is expected to fall through Thursday, November 5, and could result in flooding and landslides in the worst hit areas. Associated disruptions to transport, businesses, and utilities are possible during the coming days.

Context

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 affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, anticipate transportation disruptions, avoid areas directly affected by flooding, confirm road conditions before setting out, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities, including evacuation orders. Avoid walking or driving through floodwaters.