NEMO ADVISORY NO. 3 TROPICAL STORM LISA

8:00 PM, TUESDAY, 1st NOVEMBER 2022

The National Meteorological Service of Belize (NMS) and the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) hereby inform the general public that at 7:00 p.m. (local time) Tropical Storm Lisa was located near latitude 16.7N, longitude 84.0W or about 285 miles east of Belize City. Lisa was moving to the west at 15 mph with maximum sustained winds of 65 mph and minimum central pressure of 996 mb. Lisa will continue on a general westward track with some decrease in forward speed during the next few days. On this forecast track, the centre will move near or over the Bay Islands of Honduras early on Wednesday and approach Belize later on Wednesday. Strengthening is expected and Lisa is expected to be a strong category 1 or minimal category 2 hurricane by landfall on Belize late on Wednesday evening. A hurricane warning is out for the entire coast of Belize.

This system will bring heavy rainfall with amounts of 4-6 inches and locally higher values of up to 8-12 inches starting on Wednesday and continuing through Thursday, which will result in flooding across low-lying and flood prone areas of the country and flash flooding especially over the south. Winds of upper category 1 hurricane strength of 90-95 mph or category 2 strength of 96 -110 mph are expected near the landfall location with a storm surge of 4-7 feet to the north of where the centre makes landfall. Strong gusty winds will result in very rough sea conditions with large battering waves.

Residents are advised to continue monitoring this system very closely and follow official information coming from NEMO and the NMS.

• In accordance with the Disaster Preparedness and Response Act to safeguard persons, employers are strongly urged to release non-essential staff so that they may make preparations to secure themselves, their families and property prior to the arrival of the storm. Employers must allow their staff adequate time to make final preparations.

A hurricane warning (Red II) has been declared for the entire coast of Belize. A flash flood warning is in effect for the Moho and Temash rivers.

• Shelters are available countrywide including Belize City. (Attached is the list of the first set of shelters). Public Officers are to standby to report for your emergency management duties. Kudos those already working hard.

• The public is advised that water taxis have ceased operations today and airports closed at 8:00 p.m. tonight. Public bus transportation will cease operations on Wednesday at 10:00 a.m.Seaports will also close on Wednesday at 7:00 a.m. Movement on the highways tomorrow is to be kept to a minimum, essential services need the space to preposition assets and supplies. NEMO continues to advise the public to put your family/emergency plan into action, check your emergency food and medical supplies, store water, and check on the elderly and persons with disabilities.

Secure your homes and your important documents. Secure loose objects and flammable material. Municipalities and the public are advised to clear drains to reduce flooding.

Make early preparations to leave high risks areas; voluntarily relocate to a safe location before the system makes landfall if you live in a low-lying area or a vulnerable coastal community. Know which shelter you will go to. It is impressive to see people moving to safety out of harm's way today, boarding up their homes and doing their emergency shopping. Way to go Belize! Be prepared, mek wi save wi life. Thanks to media for the awesome public service coverage. Help us curb misinformation, it can affect people's lives.

Residents are advised to continue monitoring this system very closely and to follow official information coming from NEMO and the NMS. Stay tuned for the National Met Service weather bulletins and the NEMO advisories.

NEMO's emergency hotline is 936 (NEMO Offices countrywide contact information is attached, to be read to the public). Stay alert, be prepared. Get ready tomorrow to weather the storm in a safe place. Don't panic, just be prepared as displayed today by many in the news, you are true NEMO emergency examples!

================

Kindly note information from the National Transport & Evacuation Committee.

[Linked Image]