Weather

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.

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.

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.

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.