Weather
2024 Hurricane Season concludes with above-average activity
On Saturday, November 30th, the 2024 Atlantic Basin Hurricane Season ended. During the five months of the season, 18 named storms formed. Among these, seven became tropical storms, while 11 reached hurricane status. Belize was spared from any major hurricanes; however, it was impacted by two tropical storms, Nadine and Sara. Flooding became a significant issue because of these storms, severely affecting the agricultural sector. This year's hurricane season is considered to have above-average activity, showing a notable increase compared to the annual average of 14 storms, with a record surge in activity after September.
Community and Society
Island Emergency Operation Centers demonstrate skillful response to 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.
Community and Society
Continuous flooding emphasizes the need for proper drainage on new streets
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.
Weather
Tropical Storm Sara approaches Belize; heavy rainfall registered on the Cayes
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.
Weather
Advisory No. 7: A Tropical Storm Warning remains in effect for the entire coast of Belize, including all of the cayes in Belizean water
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.
Weather
Tropical Storm Watch declared from Belize City Southward to Placencia
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.
Weather
Advisory No. 1 for Tropical Storm Sara – Preliminary Phase Declared
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.
Weather
Tropical Storm Sara to bring heavy rainfall to Belize
On Thursday, November 14th, Tropical Storm Sara formed just north of the coast of Honduras. The storm has maximum sustained winds of 40 miles per hour and is moving west at a speed of 12 miles per hour. According to the National Meteorological Service of Belize, the tropical storm is expected to impact the area late Sunday or Monday morning, bringing heavy rainfall.
Weather
No significant damages reported following Tropical Storm Nadine
Belize’s central and northern areas were hit with heavy rain as Tropical Storm Nadine landed on Saturday, October 19th. In San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, several streets experienced flooding, beaches were left with storm debris, and erosion could be observed in some areas. The local branch of the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) did not report any major damage to residential and commercial properties after the storm's passage.
Weather
National Emergency Management Organization Advisory on Tropical Storm Nadine
Tropical Storm conditions associated with Nadine are spreading over coastal parts of the Corozal, Belize and Stann Creek Districts. The National Meteorological Service’s weather station at Half Moon Caye recently reported a wind gust of 43 mph. A Tropical Storm warning remains in effect from Belize City northward to the Border with Mexico. At 9am local time, Tropical Storm Nadine was located near latitude 17.3N, longitude 87.9W or about 25 miles southeast of Belize City. Nadine was moving to the west at 8 mph with maximum sustained winds of 50 mph. A general westward motion with an increase in forward speed is expected for the remainder of today before the tropical storm makes landfall along the coast of Belize in a few hours. No significant strengthening is expected before the system makes landfall.
Weather
Tropical Storm Watch declared for Belize, Orange Walk and Corozal Districts
At 3 pm local time, potential tropical cyclone 15 (PTC 15) was located near latitude 17.5N, longitude 85.0W or about 210 miles east of Belize City. PTC 15 was moving to the west-northwest at 7 mph with maximum sustained winds of 35 mph. A general westward motion is expected tonight before the system reaches land tomorrow. Slight strengthening is expected an the system could become a low end tropical storm with winds of around 40-50 mph before it makes landfall over Belize tomorrow.
