Tropical Storm Sara

After Tropical Storm Nadine passed on October 19th, residents of San Pedro did not anticipate another weather system to impact the area in mid-November. While the hurricane season typically concludes at the end of the month, storms rarely form in November. However, this year was different, as Tropical Storm Sara emerged, bringing heavy rainfall and flooding to much of Belize, including the Cayes, over the weekend of November 17th. In San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, and Caye Caulker, the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) branch was activated to monitor the weather system. Shelters were set up, and the team remained on standby for any emergencies.

In San Pedro Town, recent efforts have been focused on addressing significant drainage issues and improving road conditions, which have been worsened by flooding from Tropical Storm Sara. Under the leadership of Mayor Gualberto "Wally" Nuñez and Councilor Ernesto Bardalez, the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) is undertaking a multi-phase initiative to enhance drainage systems and pave roads across the island. Several neighborhoods, including San Pablo, DFC, and Escalante Marina Drive, have already experienced progress due to the ongoing road construction project. However, the lack of a proper drainage system on the newly paved roads continues to result in flooding in these neighborhoods, causing considerable discomfort for the residents.

This year, Tropical Storm Sara put a damper on Garifuna Settlement Day activities on the island, leading to the cancellation of the main celebrations. Although there were drumming events at establishments operated by the Garifuna community, traditional events such as parades, large concerts, and the Yurumein (the re-enactment of the arrival of the Garifuna people in Belize) were notably absent. Despite this, the public and bank holiday allowed islanders to enjoy traditional Garifuna dishes, including the popular Hudut.

Tropical Storm Sara made landfall in southern Belize on Sunday, November 17th, bringing heavy rainfall to the region. A tropical storm warning was issued for the entire Belizean coast and the Cayes. As the storm dissipated, residents in flood-prone communities were relieved to find that waters began to recede. Some of the affected areas included communities in the western Cayo District, where on Monday, November 18th, Prime Minister John Briceño conducted a flyover and visited several impacted communities.

Tropical Storm Sara is approaching Belize, bringing heavy rainfall that poses a flood risk to low-lying areas nationwide. A tropical storm warning is in effect for Belize and the Cayes. Currently, the storm is hovering near the coast of Honduras, moving west at four miles per hour with maximum sustained winds of 45 miles per hour. The forecast predicts Sara will land in southern Belize on Sunday, November 17th, with maximum winds of 50 miles per hour and higher gusts. In San Pedro Town on Ambergris Caye, the inclement weather has resulted in heavy rainfall that has flooded streets and neighborhoods and contributed to beach erosion.

At 6 pm local time, Tropical Storm Sara was located near latitude 16.2N, longitude 86.3W, or about 155 miles southeast of Belize City. Sara was moving to the west at 2 mph with maximum sustained winds of 50 mph. A continued slow westward motion is expected for the next day or so, followed by a slow west-northwestward motion late on Saturday.

At 6 am local time, Tropical Storm Sara was located near latitude 16.1N, longitude 85.5W, or about 205 miles east-southeast of Belize City. Sara was moving to the west at 9 mph with maximum sustained winds of 50 mph. A continued westward motion at a slower forward speed is expected for the next day or two. A slow west-northwestward motion is forecast by late Saturday.

At 3 pm local time, tropical storm Sara was located near latitude 15.9N, longitude 83.5W, or about 330 miles east by south of Belize City. Sara was moving to the west at 10 mph with maximum sustained winds of 40 mph. A westward motion at a slower forward speed is expected during the next couple of days. A slow west-northwestward motion is forecast by late Saturday.