A westward-moving tropical wave accompanied by a broad low pressure area is located over the eastern Caribbean Sea just west of the Windward Islands. Associated shower and thunderstorm activity continues to show signs of organization, and environmental conditions are expected to gradually become more conducive for development. A tropical depression is likely to form during the next day or two while the system moves moves westward at about 15 mph across the central Caribbean Sea. Interests in Jamaica, Honduras, Belize, Guatemala and Yucatan should monitor the progress of this disturbance.
* Formation chance through 48 hours...high...70 percent. * Formation chance through 5 days...high...80 percent.
Crown Weather:
Invest 99-L Now Entering The Eastern Caribbean Is Likely To Develop This Coming Week
Satellite imagery at midday today indicated that the thunderstorm activity with Invest 99-L has increased significantly in just the last 12 hours and it is showing signs of organization. In addition, satellite estimated wind data indicates that the very least there is a broad area of low pressure that seems to be forming as well.
The environmental conditions are favorable for additional organization and it looks quite possible, if not likely that this disturbance will become a tropical depression and then a tropical storm as it heads westward reaching the central Caribbean on about Tuesday and then the western Caribbean on Wednesday and Thursday.
Given the way the global model guidance such as the GFS and European model have been with forecasting tropical development, it is not surprising that they aren't really showing anything in the way of development. The Canadian model shows some hints at development especially once it reaches the longitude of Jamaica on Tuesday night into Wednesday morning.
The track model guidance shows a general westward track taking Invest 99-L to the south of Jamaica by Tuesday night and then into Central America by about Thursday. In addition, the track model intensity guidance forecasts steady strengthening with some of the guidance forecasting this system to become a hurricane before it reaches the coast of Nicaragua and Honduras on Thursday.
All-In-All, I Think That there is a very good chance that Invest 99-L will become a tropical depression and probably a tropical storm over the next 2 to 3 days. It remains to be seen how close Invest 99-L will get to Jamaica on Tuesday night, but I think it is quite possible that it could come close enough to bring gusty winds and squalls to the island during Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.
Beyond this, it seems likely given the upper level weather pattern that this system should head for Central America by Thursday with tropical storm conditions a possibility across the southern Yucatan Peninsula, Belize, Honduras, Nicaragua, El Salvador and Guatemala and Yucatan during Thursday.
NEMO Advisory #1 - Potential Tropical Cyclone Development in the Central Caribbean SUNDAY, 30TH AUGUST, 2020 at 5:00 PM
The National Meteorological Services of Belize and the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) hereby advises the general public that a westward-moving tropical wave is located over the eastern Caribbean Sea just west of the Windward Islands. Associated shower and thunderstorm activity continues to show signs of organization, and environmental conditions are expected to gradually become more conducive for development. A tropical depression is likely to form during the next day or two while the system moves westward at about 15 mph across the central Caribbean Sea. Interests in Jamaica, Honduras, Belize. Guatemala and Yucatan should monitor the progress of this disturbance. • Formation chance through 48 hours-high...70 percent. • Formation chance through 5 days...high...8O percent.
The Met Service and NEMO will continue to monitor this system closely for development. It is possible that the system could start affecting Belize as early as Thursday. The public is advised to remain vigilant and to be prepared for possible storm arrival in accordance with our emergency plan. If the need arises for you to relocate or evacuate, move early, know which shelter you will go to, and take along your essential necessities required for you to survive. If the islands need to evacuate. an announcement will be made. If people want to voluntarily relocate from the islands to the mainland prior to the announcement of a government coordinated evacuation those individuals must be cleared through MOH San Pedro where all particulars are recorded and checked against MOH COVID-19 positive/persons quarantine list and a temperature check must be taken prior to departure. DUE TO THE SOF voluntary movement will have to be derided the National Oversight Committee.
In the event of a government coordinated evacuation the following protocols must be followed, a headcount, particulars recorded, names check against the MOH COVID-19/quarantine list and a temperature check will be taken prior to departure. If anyone is known to be COVID positive or under quarantine, the San Pedro Emergency Committee first option is for those individuals to be housed/sheltered on the islands. The workforce on the island is at minimal levels or nonexistent and there are no tourists. If a voluntary relocation and a government coordinated evacuation have to be done, the wearing of masks, social distance on the vessels and buses. and temperature checks will be done prior to departure as we did during the first COVID 19 wave in San Pedro.
If we have to evacuate COVID-l9 positive and they will need shelter certain shelters in all municipalities will be declared COVID-19 HURRICANE SHELTERS as per a quarantine centre where people will be housed/sheltered. For those individuals who are COVID-19 positive and don't need shelter but under the SOE would have to be in quarantine or be in self-isolation, the Ministry of Health will have to direct that such is carried out. The names of those persons leaving the islands will be shared between the Ministry of Health San Pedro and the Ministry of Health in the receiving communities: again this was done before during the first COVID 19 wave in San Pedro.
Once in a shelter everybody must wear a mask, people showing symptoms will be contained in a separate section of the building. Hand washing /sanitizing must be done before entering the shelter. Shelter Wardens and Managers will allocate shelter space and social distance must be adhered to and the shelter must be sanitized on a regular basis. COVID 19 PROTOCOLS and SI 119 of 2020 shall be adhered to. The elderly and persons with underlying health conditions must not occupy the same space with normal persons. Shelter Managers must monitor and correct hygiene and cough /sneeze etiquette not done properly. The Ministry of Health (MOH) staff and or authorized volunteers will conduct daily monitoring of shelters to detect people who are sick. The Shelter Management Team (Public Officers! Volunteers) MUST wear/use PPE (Masks, Gloves, coverall (optional), thermometers). N•MO's important contact information is attached.
NEMO will keep the general public updated on any further developments. The public is advised to stay alert. Please adhere to the official release from the National Met Service and NEMO.
NEMO'S IMPORTANT CONTACT INFORMATION
The NEMO Emergency Hotline is 936. NEMO's Emergency Coordinators can be reached as follows:
a) Corozal, Mr. Ronnie Hernandez at 614 7140;
b) Orange Walk, Mr. Aragon at 615 2264; or Mr. Leiva at 614 7177;
c) Belize District, Mr. Alphius Gillett at 614 4735;
d) San Pedro, Ms. Vanessa Parham at 614 5865;
e) Belize City, Mr. Al Westby at 614 8604 or Mr. Pollard at 6143244;
f) Belmopan, Ms. Clare Moody at 614 5705; or Mr. Eiley at 624 2365;
g) Cayo, Mr. Al Westby at 6148604 or Mr. Johnny Ramclam at 614 5891;
h) Stann Creek -Coastal- Dangriga including Mullins River to Independence), Mr. Kevin Flores at 604 3632;
i) Stann Creek -Interior- Hummingbird and Southern highway communities, Mr. David Cruz at 614 8514; and for
j) Toledo, Mr. Kenton Parham at 614 2158 or Mr. Dennis Williams at 614 2393
Recent satellite imagery and satellite-derived wind data indicate that a broad area of low pressure associated with a tropical wave over the eastern Caribbean Sea has changed little in organization since yesterday. However, environmental conditions are expected to gradually become more conducive for development, and a tropical depression is likely to form during the next couple of days while the system moves moves westward at at 15 to 20 mph. Interests in Jamaica, Honduras, Belize, Guatemala and the Yucatan peninsula should monitor the progress of this disturbance. * Formation chance through 48 hours...high...70 percent. * Formation chance through 5 days...high...80 percent.
For more information, check the daily Tropical Weather Outlook, click here
Invest 99-L Moving Into The Central Caribbean Is Still Likely To Develop Before Moving Inland Into Central America On Thursday
There hasn't been a whole lot of changes with Invest 99-L, which is pushing into the central Caribbean today. Satellite imagery indicates that there thunderstorm activity has become a little less organized, however, there continues to be a rather robust mid-level circulation that stretches from about Aruba to about 16 North Latitude, 71.5 West Longitude.
With that said, we will have to watch the recently increase in thunderstorm activity that is occurring just south of Hispaniola near 16.47 North Latitude, 71.12 West Longitude. The wind shear values are favorable in this area for development and it wouldn't take much for the elongated circulation to become concentrated in this area. Why is this possibly important? It would be slightly further north than where most guidance are initializing the "center" and could lead to more of a threat to Jamaica and the Cayman Islands.
As I just mentioned, the environmental conditions remain favorable for additional organization and it looks quite possible, if not likely that this disturbance will become a tropical depression and then a tropical storm as it heads westward reaching the western Caribbean on Wednesday.
There is a strong ridge of high pressure to the north of Invest 99-L, which will steer this system westward into an area between the Yucatan Peninsula and southern Belize on Thursday.
Bottom Line Is That there is a very good chance that Invest 99-L will become a tropical depression and probably a tropical storm over the next couple of days. I do think that this system will track close enough to Jamaica to bring squally weather to the island during Tuesday and Tuesday night.
Beyond this, I think it's quite likely that this system will bring tropical storm conditions to the Yucatan Peninsula, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and Nicaragua during Thursday.
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Tropical Weather Outlook NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL 800 AM EDT Mon Aug 31 2020
A broad area of low pressure associated with a tropical wave over the central Caribbean Sea has changed little in organization since yesterday. However, environmental conditions are expected to gradually become more conducive for development, and a tropical depression is likely to form during the next couple of days while the system moves westward at at 15 to 20 mph. Interests in Jamaica, Honduras, Belize, Guatemala and the Yucatan peninsula should monitor the progress of this disturbance. * Formation chance through 48 hours...high...70 percent. * Formation chance through 5 days...high...80 percent.
This Caribbean cloud is now passing under Haiti. There is a tiny bit of apparent rotation to it, but that might just be the way the winds are.
For more information, check the daily Tropical Weather Outlook, click here
The National Meteorological Services of Belize and the National Emergency Management
Organization (NEMO) advises that a Tropical Wave with an accompanying Broad Area of Low
Pressure over the Central Caribbean Sea which was located west of latitude 15N, longitude 72W
just south of Hispanola ( Dom-Rep/Haiti). This system has changed little in organization and
continues to move to the west at around 15 to 20mph. The models used at the MET Service do
not show significant development of this system before it reaches our coast, the National
Hurricane Center still gives this system a high chance of becoming a tropical depression in the
next couple of days. Regardless of development, this system will likely bring heavy rainfall
across the country starting late on Wednesday night and continuing on Thursday. The NMS will
continue to monitor this system and update you accordingly.
All persons in high-risk coastal areas are reminded IF the need arises for you to evacuate and
you are (1) not COVID positive, (2) not in quarantine, (3) not awaiting a test result or (4) being
contact traced, and (5) not showing symptoms, move early! You must wear a mask. Know
which shelter you will go to, take along your essential necessities required for you to
survive. People on arrival at the shelter showing symptoms will be contained in a separate
section of the shelter building. Hand washing /sanitizing must be done before entering a
shelter.
Shelter Wardens and Managers will allocate shelter space. Social distance must be adhered to
and shelters must be sanitized on a regular basis. Garbage must be properly disposed of. Proper
cleaning and disinfection must be done on a regular basis. The elderly and persons with
underlying health conditions must not occupy the same space with normal persons. Shelter
Managers must monitor and correct hygiene and cough /sneeze etiquette. The Ministry of
Health (MoH) staff will conduct daily monitoring of shelters to detect people who are sick and
showing signs of COVID19. The Shelter Management Team (Public Officers/ Volunteers)
MUST use PPE.
Preparedness tips before a storm arrival:
(1) Avoid being near the coast, or swamp, if you
live on the cayes and along the coast be familiar with the evacuation routes. Know which
shelter you will go to. (2) protect windows with plywood or shutters, (3) review your family
emergency plan, consider all COVID 19 measures, (4) if you can afford to, keep handy,
emergency supplies such as first aid kit, basic tools, lanterns, batteries, flashlights, and non-
perishable foods and water. Plan for one (1) gallon of drinking water per person per
day. Prepare your car in case of an evacuation. Fill your tank, and service check your
vehicle. (6) Keep an extra supply of medication. If a member of your household is bed-ridden,
seek medical advice. Notify authorities ahead of time if you have persons in your
neighborhood that may require special assistance to evacuate due to a medical condition.
(7) Secure your important documents and identification in waterproof containers, and
electronically. Save the emergency contact numbers for NEMO, the police, fire, and medical
facility in your cell phone. (8) Pets are not allowed in shelters, make plans for your pets,
continue to trim trees, clear drains, and secure outdoor items. Farmers make plans to move
your animals to higher ground and stockpile feed when required. We are asking people not to
panic, stay calm, prepare, and move without alarm, scare mongering does more harm than good
considering some people's medical condition. DO NOT LISTEN TO RUMOURS; stay tuned
for an official release from NEMO and the National Met Service for further
developments. The public is advised to stay alert. Please adhere to the official release
from the National Met Service and NEMO. NEMO will keep the general public updated.
A seemingly well-organized cluster of showers and thunderstorms associated with a tropical wave is moving quickly westward across the central Caribbean Sea, but satellite-derived wind data from a few hours ago again showed that the system has not developed a closed surface wind circulation. The wave is, however, producing an area of winds near tropical storm force south of the coast of Haiti, which will move near or south of Jamaica later this morning. Environmental conditions are expected to become a little more conducive for development, and a tropical depression is likely to form during the next couple of days before the system reaches Central America Wednesday night. Locally heavy rains and gusty winds are possible on Jamaica today, and interests there, as well as in northern Nicaragua, Honduras, Belize, Guatemala, and the Yucatan Peninsula, should monitor the progress of this disturbance.
* Formation chance through 48 hours...high...70 percent. * Formation chance through 5 days...high...70 percent.
Invest 99L will produce locally heavy rainfall and some gusty winds over Jamaica today, then parts of northern Honduras, Belize, northern Guatemala and the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico Wednesday, regardless if this feature develops into a tropical depression or storm.
The Belize MET service says that their modes do not show significant development of the tropical system before it reaches our coast. The National Hurricane Center does give the system a high chance of becoming a tropical depression in the next couple of days. Belize should stay vigilant and cautious about this approaching storm. It will being heavy rainfall to the country.
Invest 99-L Located Just South Of Jamaica: Invest 99-L continues to be fairly well defined today, however, it seems to still lack a low-level center. The reason why the mid-level center hasn't been able to work down to the surface and spin up a tropical storm seems to have to do with the fast forward speed that this disturbance is moving at. It should be noted that once this system forms a well-defined low-level center, it will automatically be upgraded to a tropical storm as ship observations indicate that tropical storm force winds are occurring on the northern side of this disturbance.
This means that tropical storm conditions with squally weather is likely on the island of Jamaica the rest of today.
On Wednesday, I think that Invest 99-L may slow down enough for it to spin up into a tropical storm as the environmental conditions will still be favorable for development. It should be noted though that a reconnaissance flight will be investigating Invest 99-L today & it's quite possible that they will find that this system is already classifiable as a tropical storm.
It continues to be likely that Invest 99-L will move inland into Belize late Wednesday night or Thursday morning as a 40 to 50 mph tropical storm.
This means that tropical storm conditions continue to be likely on Wednesday night into Thursday across the Yucatan Peninsula, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and Nicaragua.
For more information, check the daily Tropical Weather Outlook, click here
=====
That collection of cloud and ITCZ swellups continues to come our way and is now passing Jamaica with a fair bit of rain areas, but only a tiny hint of any rotation, the hurricane people still only refer to it as INVEST 99L an area to watch, 40 mph max winds, 1005 mb which is only slightly below the normal 1013 mb This area should be getting to most of Belize sometime around this evening and night. The present indication is that it will bring some much needed rain to many parts of Belize, more so for central and north.
Storm now named Tropical Storm NANA. Moving west 18 mph, wind 50mph. TWC says perhaps 60 + at landfall. NEMO posted a NO EVACUATION orders for San Pedro. "If you choose to leave it is of your own accord"....
=====
The weather people have suddenly, over the last hour or so, changed their category from an area to watch to TROPICAL STORM NANA which, rather fast. . . As I said this morning, there was some indication of a little rotation. . . But they have sneaked their figure up from 40 to 50 mph and dropped the pressure from 1008 to 1004 mb not a big change, but enough for them to re-categorise it as a tropical storm and get a Name on it. They seem to think it will get near to Belize tomorrow evening, not over night as I thought.
======================
At 200 PM EDT (1800 UTC), the center of Tropical Storm Nana was located near latitude 16.7 North, longitude 78.4 West. Nana is moving toward the west near 18 mph (30 km/h), and this general motion is expected to continue through Thursday. On the forecast track, Nana will be moving near but north of the coast of Honduras on Wednesday and likely be approaching the coast of Belize on Thursday.
Maximum sustained winds are near 50 mph (85 km/h) with higher gusts. Additional strengthening is forecast during the next 48 hours, and Nana could become a hurricane just prior to landfall on Thursday. Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 80 miles (130 km) from the center, mainly northeast through northwest of the center. The estimated minimum central pressure based on data from the reconnaissance aircraft is 1002 mb (29.59 inches).
SUMMARY OF WATCHES AND WARNINGS IN EFFECT:
A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for... * Northern Honduras * Roatan Island and the Bay Islands of Honduras * Belize
A Tropical Storm Watch may be required for portions of Guatemala and the southern Yucatan Peninsula, along with a Hurricane Watch for Belize, later today.
A Tropical Storm Watch means that tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area, generally within 48 hours.
For storm information specific to your area, please monitor products issued by your national meteorological service.
NEMO DVISORY # 3: TROPICAL STORM NANA APPROACHING BELIZE EXPECTED TO BECOME A HURRICANE BEFORE LANDFALL
NEMO DECLARES A TROPICAL STORM WATCH FOR BELIZE TUESDAY, 1ST SEPTEMBER, 2020 as at 11:00 AM
The National Meteorological Services of Belize and the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) advise that as of 10:05 am local time, Tropical Storm Nana was centered near latitude 16.5N, 77.7W or about 120 miles southwest of Kingston, Jamaica. Nana was moving to the west at 18mph with maximum sustained winds of 50mph on this projected path, Nana is expected to make landfall on Belize on Thursday around midday as a Hurricane. The National Meteorological Service continues to monitor this system closely.
NEMO hereby declares a Tropical Storm Watch (one red flag with a black centre). The watch is declared because heavy rain can cause flooding, washout roads, bridges, culverts, winds between 39 to 73 miles can damage homes, tree branches will snap, shallowly rooted trees may be toppled, power lines and poles likely to be affected which could result in power outages and water shortage, loose items can be blown about and storm surge can cause flooding, drowning and beach vessels not securely moored. These are the range of likely impacts. The public must monitor the progress of this system but do not panic!
The WATCH means the public is advised to start putting your family emergency plan into action and to be prepared to seek safe shelter, (2) school managements be notified that NEMO will need to access schools as shelters, (3) boat owners start securing your vessels, (4) a price freeze is in effect (5) public and private essential agencies and utility companies must release their employees when they need to seek shelter for their safety, (6) road infrastructure works need to be prioritized to maintain the lines of communication and (7) media houses and telephone service providers are advised to be prepared to secure your communication infrastructure. We must make plans for the worst case scenario which is a Hurricane. All Emergency Operations Centre (Command Centres) countrywide will be activated today at 4pm today. All of them had their first meeting yesterday.
All persons in high-risk coastal areas are reminded IF the need arises for you to evacuate and you are (1) not COVID positive, (2) not in quarantine, (3) not awaiting a test result or (4) being contact traced, and (5) not showing symptoms, move early! You must wear a mask. Know which shelter you will go to, take along your essential necessities required for you to survive. The elderly and persons with underlying health conditions must not occupy the same space with normal persons.
Note, people showing symptoms will be contained in a separate section of the shelter building. Hand washing /sanitizing must be done before entering a shelter. Shelter Wardens will allocate shelter space. Social distance must be adhered to and shelters must be sanitized on a regular basis. Garbage must be properly disposed of. Proper cleaning and disinfecting must be done on a regular basis. Shelter Managers must monitor and correct hygiene and cough /sneeze etiquette. The Ministry of Health (MoH) will conduct daily monitoring of shelters to detect people who are sick and showing signs of COVID19. The Shelter Management Team (Public Officers/ Volunteers) MUST use PPE.
We are asking people not to panic, stay calm, don't listen to rumours. Stays tuned for and adhere to the official release from NEMO and the National Met Service and stay alert. Prepare, and move without alarm, scare mongering does more harm than good considering some people's medical condition. NEMO will keep the general public updated. Do not panic Belize we have faced tropical cyclones many times before, the bigger threat is COVID 19 we must wear our masks, social distance and clean our hands and all surfaces on a regular basis.
PREPAREDNESS TIPS BEFORE A STORM ARRIVAL:
(1) Avoid being near the coast if your home is not safe, if you live on the cayes and along the coast be familiar with the evacuation routes. Know which shelter you will need to go to.
(2) protect windows with plywood or shutters,
(3) review your family emergency plan; consider all COVID 19 measures,
(4) if you can afford to purchase non-perishable foods and water.
(5) Keep an extra supply of medication. If a member of your household is bed-ridden, seek medical advice. Notify authorities ahead of time if you have persons in your neighborhood that require special assistance to evacuate due to a medical condition.
(6) Secure your important documents and identification. Save the emergency contact numbers for NEMO, the police, fire, and medical facility in your cell phone.
(7) Pets are not allowed in shelters, make plans for your pets, continue to trim trees, clear drains, and secure outdoor items. Farmers make plans to move your animals to higher ground and stockpile feed when required.
================
PRESS RELEASE NEMO Belize Rural South September 1, 2020 9:35am
There is NO NEMO evacuation order for Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker. Note that If you choose to leave Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker at this time, you do so at your own accord and expense
Nana Forms Just Southwest Of Jamaica & Is Currently Strengthening Quickly; Nana Likely Will Be A Hurricane When It Moves Inland Into Central America On Wednesday Night Into Thursday
It's been a busy few hours trying to keep up with the latest reconnaissance aircraft reports with Nana.
First things first, Nana seems to be strengthening quickly this afternoon as the initial reconnaissance reports indicated that Nana had 50 mph winds. Since then, it seems as Nana has developed a closed eyewall with what could be an eye forming. If true, then Nana is very close to, if not already at hurricane strength. Based on this rapid intensification, I urge everyone in the southern Yucatan Peninsula, Belize and northern Honduras to start preparing for hurricane conditions which will start on Wednesday night and continue into Thursday.
Before then, tropical storm conditions with squally weather will continue to be likely on the island of Jamaica the rest of this afternoon.
I expect that given the favorable environmental conditions, Nana is likely strengthen from now until landfall on Wednesday night. Because of then, I think that Nana will probably be a hurricane with 85 to 105 mph winds when it moves inland into Belize late Wednesday night or Thursday morning .
This means that hurricane conditions are expected on Wednesday night into Thursday across the southern Yucatan Peninsula, Belize, Guatemala and northern Honduras.
Watching it very closely, every half hour on near real live dynamic pictures.pictures. I still think earlier than Thursday morning.. . Our weather probably changing during Wednesday.
White arrows, low level winds, Orange high level wind. Circle, serious swellup, so rain and only limited lightning earlier.
NEMO ADVISORY # 4: TROPICAL STORM NANA APPROACHING BELIZE EXPECTED TO BECOME A HURRICANE BEFORE LANDFALL NEMO DECLARES A HURRICANE WATCH FOR BELIZE
TUESDAY, 1ST SEPTEMBER, 2020 as at 4:30 PM
The National Meteorological Services of Belize and the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) advise that Tropical Storm Nana was located near latitude 16.8N, longitude 79.3W or about 590 miles east of Belize City. Nana was moving to the west at 18mph with maximum sustained winds of 50mph. Nana is forecast to continue moving west and to make landfall on Thursday as a category one hurricane. Residents across the country should be prepared for category 1 hurricane force winds between 74 and 95 mph. This system could also produce rainfall of up to 4-6 inches across the country which could lead to flash flooding and possible landslides. The NMS of Belize will continue to monitor the system and update the NEMO and the general public accordingly. The public must monitor the progress of this system but do not panic!
NEMO hereby declares a HURRICANE WATCH for Belize (one red flag with a black centre), Belize City, and the Cayes are under a Tropical Strom WARNING. The Warning is declared as the system path puts those areas under direct threat. Associated heavy rains can cause flooding, washout roads, bridges, culverts, winds can damage homes, trees branches, power lines and poles, loose items can be blown about and storm surge can cause flooding, drowning and beach vessels not securely moored. The next declaration is expected to be a Hurricane Warning (two red flag with a black centre flown one above the other) which means it is imminent that the Hurricane will make landfall on Belize within 24 hours.
The WARNING means the public must put their family emergency plan into action and to be prepared to seek safe shelter, (2) school management is notified that NEMO will need to access schools as shelters, (3) boat owners must secure their vessels, (4) a price freeze is in effect (5) public and private essential agencies and utility companies must release their employees when they need to seek shelter for their safety, (6) road infrastructure works need to be prioritized to maintain the lines of communication and (7) media houses and telephone service providers are advised to be prepared to secure your communication infrastructure. COVID 19 SHELTER PROTOCOLS are attached.
All Emergency Operations Centre (Command Centres) countrywide is under partial activation. A joint NEMO Headquarters, national committees' liaison officers and NEMO district coordinators virtual meeting was held. The meeting dealt with PPEs for public officers, human resource requirements, transportation for national committees, COVID 19 concerns and public health requirements in shelters, possible evacuation, shelter plan, mile 38 situation on the George Price Highway which is being addressed, acquisition of small equipment, sharing of certain standard information, the national needs list, BDF deployment in support to NEMO.
Government ministries are at this time is in transition where only essential staff engaged in the ministry emergency plan and those who will work NEMO duties should return to work tomorrow or as directed by their CEO in accordance with their ministry emergency plan.
We are asking people not to panic, stay calm, don't listen to rumours. Stay tuned for and adhere to the official release from NEMO and the National Met Service and stay alert. Prepare, and move without alarm, scare mongering does more harm than good considering some people's medical condition. NEMO will keep the general public updated. Do not panic Belize we have faced tropical cyclones many times before, the bigger threat is COVID 19 we must wear our masks, social distance and clean our hands and all surfaces on a regular basis.
=======================
At 500 PM EDT (2100 UTC), the center of Tropical Storm Nana was located near latitude 16.8 North, longitude 79.3 West. Nana is moving toward the west near 18 mph (30 km/h), and this general motion is expected to continue through Thursday. On the forecast track, Nana will be moving near but north of the coast of Honduras on Wednesday and likely be approaching the coast of Belize on Thursday.
Maximum sustained winds are near 50 mph (85 km/h) with higher gusts. Strengthening is forecast during the next 48 hours, and Nana could become a hurricane just prior to landfall on Thursday.
Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 80 miles (130 km) from the center, mainly northeast through northwest of the center.
The estimated minimum central pressure is 1002 mb (29.59 inches).
Although convection has waned somewhat since the previous advisory due to mid-level dry air entrainment, Nana still has enough deep convection over and surrounding the low-level center to keep the intensity at 45 kt. Upper-level outflow has continued to improve, with the associated anticyclone becoming more symmetrical. Another reconnaissance mission is scheduled for this evening.
The initial motion estimate is 275/16 kt. There are no significant changes to the previous track forecast or reasoning. A pronounced deep-layer to the north of Nana is forecast to remain intact and even build westward over the next few days, keeping Nana moving in a general westward direction for the next 36 hours or so. Thereafter, the aforementioned ridge is expected to build west-southwestward across southern Mexico, driving the cyclone west-southwestward as well across northern Central America. The new NHC forecast track is similar to the previous advisory track, and lies close to a blend of the simple consensus models TVCN and GFEX, and the corrected- consensus models NOAA-HCCA and FSSE.
The current northeasterly 15 kt of vertical wind shear and dry air intrusions should inhibit development for next 24 hours or so. However, the GFS and ECMWF models both forecast the shear to gradually decrease during the next 48 hours, becoming near 5 kt by 36 hours. The lower vertical shear, coupled with the already impressive outflow pattern, sea-surface temperatures of 29.5-30.5 deg C, and a moistening mid-level environment should allow for gradual strengthening for the next 24 hours, followed by more significant intensification thereafter, which will continue right up until landfall occurs. The NHC official intensity forecast is a blend of the simple consensus intensity model IVCN, and the corrected-consensus models NOAA-HCCA and FSSE.
A Tropical Storm Warning and Tropical Storm Watch have been issued for the southern portion of the Yucatan Peninsula and the Caribbean Sea coast of Guatemala, respectively.
KEY MESSAGES:
Tropical Storm Nana is now forecast to be a hurricane as it approaches the coast, and interests in Honduras, Guatemala, Belize, and Yucatan should closely monitor the progress of this storm. Strong winds, dangerous storm surge and very heavy rainfall causing flash flooding are becoming more likely from Nana.
=================
From San Pedro Town Council:
TROPICAL STORM NANA: PRECAUTIONARY ADVISORY AND MEASURES
Tuesday, September 1, 2020 - As announced by the National Meteorological Services of Belize and the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO), Tropical Storm Nana was formed at around 10:00 a.m. and is expected to make landfall on Belize on Thursday, around midday as a hurricane.
In light of this information, the San Pedro Town Council, Hon. Manuel Heredia, Minister of Tourism & Civil Aviation, and the San Pedro EOC (Emergency Operations Center) hereby advise the general public of the following:
1. To commence putting a family emergency plan into action and to be prepared to seek safe shelter. Residents are suggested to secure their assets: board windows of their homes, secure entrances/exits, have a first aid kit at reach, etc.
2. Boat owners start securing your vessels. It is recommended to relocate all vessels from the eastern side of the island to the western side.
3. Golf cart owners and rentals: protect your vehicles by removing windshields and tops/roofs.
4. Construction: All sites must disassemble all scaffolds and store safely. Construction materials must be stored. Other objects/debris on site that might be hazardous or prone to become missiles must be cleared off or stored.
5. All property owners are required to secure or store objects that may be hazardous or prone to become missiles.
We remind everyone that we are still living in a world where COVID-19 exists and we must also take precautionary measures for the virus, especially families seeking safe shelter. Remember to always wear your mask, practice social distance of at least 6 feet apart and wash/clean our hands and all surfaces regularly.
We are asking everyone to remain calm and do not panic. Please abstain from listening or the spreading of rumors. Stay tuned for and adhere to the official releases from NEMO and the National Met Service, the San Pedro Town Council, and the San Pedro EOC. Stay alert and stay safe. God bless us all.
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National Meteorological Service of Belize Tropical Weather Update:
Tropical Storm Warning and a Hurricane Watch is in effect for the entire coastline of Belize as Tropical Storm Nana continues moving westward over the central Caribbean Sea.
At 9:00 pm, Tropical Storm Nana was located near 17.0N 80.9W or 485 miles East of Belize City. Maximum sustained winds were near 60 mph and the system was moving west at 18 mph. The National Meteorological Service of Belize continues to closely monitor this system and urges the public to be prepared and stay informed with official information issued by the NMS and NEMO.
A tropical storm warning means that tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area generally within 36 hours.
A hurricane watch means that hurricane conditions are possible within the watch area, in this case within the next 36 to 48 hours.
At 9:00 pm the center of Tropical Storm Omar was located near latitude 35.8N, longitude 70.0W or about 310 miles East of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. Omar was moving to the ENE at 14mph with maximum sustained winds of 40mph.
A tropical storm warning and a hurricane watch is out for the entire coast of the country.
Navy Track this morning:
National Meteorological Service of Belize:
At 3:00 am Tropical Storm Nana was located near latitude 17.0N, longitude 82.7W or about 365 miles East of Belize City. Maximum sustained winds were near 60 mph and the system was moving west at 18 mph. A tropical storm warning and a hurricane watch is in effect for the entire coastline of Belize. Tropical Storm Nana is expected to become a hurricane by tonight and the hurricane watch will likely be upgraded to a warning. The National Meteorological Service of Belize continues to closely monitor this system and urges the public to make the necessary preparations for the passage of this storm and stay informed with official information issued by the NMS and NEMO.
National Hurricane Center Miami FL:
Tropical Storm Nana is forecast to be a hurricane as it approaches the coast, and interests in Honduras, Guatemala, Belize, and the Yucatan Peninsula should closely monitor the progress of this storm. Strong winds, dangerous storm surge and very heavy rainfall causing flash flooding are becoming more likely from Nana.
A Hurricane Watch is in effect for... * Entire coast of Belize
A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for... * Yucatan Mexico from Puerto Costa Maya to Chetumal * Entire coast of Belize
At 500 AM EDT (0900 UTC), the center of Tropical Storm Nana was located near latitude 17.0 North, longitude 82.7 West. Nana is moving toward the west near 18 mph (30 km/h), and this general motion with some decrease in forward speed is expected today. A westward or west-southwestward motion is expected tonight and Thursday. On the forecast track, Nana will be moving near but north of the coast of Honduras today and likely be approaching the coast of Belize tonight and early Thursday.
Maximum sustained winds are near 60 mph (95 km/h) with higher gusts. Strengthening is expected, and Nana is forecast to become a hurricane later today or tonight before it reaches the coast of Belize.
Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 70 miles (110 km) from the center. The minimum central pressure estimated from Air Force Hurricane Hunter aircraft observations is 997 mb (29.44 inches).
Tropical Storm conditions are expected within the warning area in Belize by tonight, with hurricane conditions likely over a portion of the area tonight and early Thursday. Tropical storm conditions are expected within the warning area in Mexico and Guatemala by tonight. Tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area in Honduras today.
There are different flags used to signal phases during a hurricane.
The first phase is depicted by a plain red flag. This indicates that the storm may threaten within 72 hours of the flag being flown.
The second phase is depicted by one red flag with a black dot in the center. This indicates that the storm may threaten within 36 hrs. A storm watch is then declared for the country.
The third phase is depicted by two red flags each with a black dot in the center. This indicates that the storm is likely to make landfall within 24 hrs of the flags being flown.
The fourth phase is depicted by a plain green flag. This indicates that the hurricane has passed and an "all clear" is then issued.
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Hurricane Warning flags go up at San Pedro town council for all of Belize.
NATIONAL METEOROLOGICAL SERVICE OF BELIZE - NANA CONTINUES WESTWARD WITH LITTLE CHANGE IN STRENGTH. LIKELY TO BECOME A HURRICANE BY TONIGHT!
At 6:00 am Tropical Storm Nana was located near latitude 17.1N, longitude 83.7W or about 305 miles East of Belize City. Maximum sustained winds were near 60 mph and the system was moving west at 18 mph. A tropical storm warning and a hurricane watch is in effect for the entire coastline of Belize. Tropical Storm Nana is expected to become a hurricane by tonight and the hurricane watch will likely be upgraded to a warning. The National Meteorological Service of Belize continues to closely monitor this system and urges the public to make the necessary preparations for the passage of this storm and stay informed with official information issued by the NMS and NEMO.
The Hurricane Warning Flags have been hoisted! [url=https://www.sanpedrosun.com]Photo by San Pedro Sun[/url
Crown Weather: Nana Is Expected To Be A Hurricane When It Moves Inland Into Central America Late Tonight Into Thursday Morning
Data from satellite imagery and reconnaissance aircraft indicates that Nana hasn't strengthened over the last 12 hours or so. The reason for the lack of strengthening is due to some northerly wind shear that seems to be impacting Nana. It appears that this shear may decrease some later today and especially tonight, right before it makes landfall. Because of this, Nana is still expected to become a hurricane before it moves onshore into Belize late tonight into Thursday morning.
Nana is moving due west on the south side of a strong ridge of high pressure. This means that it is expected that Nana will move onshore into the southern part of Belize late tonight into Thursday morning. Once inland, Nana is expected to quickly weaken and dissipate by late this week into this weekend.
It is expected that tropical storm conditions will spread across the Yucatan Peninsula, Belize, Guatemala and Honduras later today with hurricane conditions expected late tonight into Thursday across the southern Yucatan Peninsula, Belize and Guatemala.
National Hurricane Center Miami FL
..NOAA HURRICANE HUNTER REPORTS NANA CONTINUES WESTWARD WITH LITTLE CHANGE IN STRENGTH... ...LIKELY TO BECOME A HURRICANE BY TONIGHT...
At 800 AM EDT (1200 UTC), the center of Tropical Storm Nana was located near latitude 17.1 North, longitude 83.7 West. Nana is moving toward the west near 18 mph (30 km/h), and this general motion with some decrease in forward speed is expected today. A westward or west-southwestward motion is expected tonight and Thursday. On the forecast track, Nana will be moving near but north of the coast of Honduras today and likely be approaching the coast of Belize tonight and early Thursday.
Maximum sustained winds are near 60 mph (95 km/h) with higher gusts. Strengthening is expected, and Nana is forecast to become a hurricane later today or tonight before it reaches the coast of Belize.
Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 70 miles (110 km) from the center. The minimum central pressure estimated from an NOAA Hurricane Hunter aircraft observations is 996 mb (29.41 inches).
Nana's Central Dense Overcast has become a little better defined, with cloud tops to -80 deg C or colder. Upper-level outflow continues to be somewhat inhibited over the northern portion of the circulation. SFMR-observed surface winds and adjusted flight-level winds from an Air Force Hurricane Hunter aircraft indicated an intensity of 50 kt. Although northerly shear is likely to limit intensification, the environment is conducive enough for Nana to strengthen into a hurricane later today. The official intensity forecast is close to the Decay-SHIPS prediction based on the ECMWF global model forecast fields.
Center fixes from the aircraft indicate that the motion continues to be generally westward, or 270/16 kt, to the south of a strong mid-level high pressure area. Over the next couple of days, the ridge is expected to be maintained or to build a little more to the west. This should keep Nana on a westward or slightly south-of-west track until it moves into Central America. The official track forecast is close to the previous one and also very close to the latest Florida State University Superensemble prediction.
Tropical Storm Nana is forecast to be a hurricane as it approaches the coast, and interests in Honduras, Guatemala, Belize, and the Yucatan Peninsula should closely monitor the progress of this storm. Strong winds, dangerous storm surge and very heavy rainfall causing flash flooding are becoming more likely from Nana.
NEMO ADVISORY # 5: TROPICAL STORM NANA APPROACHING BELIZE EXPECTED TO BECOME A HURRICANE BEFORE LANDFALL
NEMO DECLARES A HURRICANE WARNING FOR BELIZE
WEDNESDAY, 2ND SEPTEMBER, 2020 as at 6:30 AM
The National Meteorological Services of Belize and the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) advise that Tropical Storm Nana As of 3am local time, Tropical Storm Nana was located near latitude 17.0N, longitude 82.7W or about 365 miles east of Belize City. Nana was moving to the west at 18mph with maximum sustained winds of 60mph. Nana is expected to become a hurricane later today or tonight. Nana is forecast to continue moving west with some decrease in forward speed expected today and to make landfall on Thursday as a category one hurricane. Residents across the country should be prepared for category 1 hurricane force winds between 74 and 95 mph. This system could also produce rainfall of up to 3-6 inches across the country which could lead to flash flooding and possible landslides inland. Residents along coastal areas should be on the alert for the possibility of a storm surge of up to 3-5 feet. The NMS of Belize will continue to monitor the system and update NEMO and the general public accordingly. The public must monitor the progress of this system but do not panic! The projected path takes the storm through portions of southern and central Belize as of this time.
It is expected that by 9:00 am today a Hurricane Warning (two red flag with a black centre flown one above the other) will be declared for Belize. This means it is imminent that the Hurricane will make landfall on Belize within 24 hours. The Warning is declared as the system direct path shows it heading straight for Belize and the Yucatan Peninsula and it can cause severe wind damage, flooding, storm surge, and drowning but only if the appropriate precautions are not taken.
The WARNING means the public must put their family emergency plan into action and to be prepared to seek safe shelter, (2) school management is notified that NEMO will need to access schools as shelters, (3) boat owners must secure their vessels, (4) a price freeze is in effect (5) public and private essential agencies and utility companies must release their employees when they need to seek shelter for their safety, (6) road infrastructure works need to be prioritized to maintain the lines of communication and (7) media houses and telephone service providers are advised to be prepared to secure your communication infrastructure. All Emergency Operations Centre (Command Centres) countrywide have been activated. Works continue on mile 38 on the George Price Highway, final preparations are being made as shelters will be open to assist those persons.
Government ministries are at this time in transition where only essential staff engaged in the ministry emergency plan and those who will work NEMO duties should be in office as directed by their CEO in accordance with their ministry emergency plan.
We are asking people not to panic, stay calm, don't listen to rumours. Stay tuned for and adhere to the official release from NEMO and the National Met Service and stay alert. Prepare, and move without alarm, scare mongering does more harm than good considering some people's medical condition. NEMO will keep the general public updated. Do not panic Belize we have faced tropical cyclones many times before, the bigger threat is COVID 19 we must wear our masks, social distance and clean our hands and all surfaces on a regular basis
For more information, check the daily Tropical Weather Outlook, click here
The easterly Caribbean wind over Belize now stopped. Still a light surface SW "Tiger" wind.
Earlier the storm centre was going in towards Honduras, now it is pulling away, perhaps just due to wobble or bouncing off Honduras mountains. There are a few rain patches around.
They have revised the track in as much as now not suggesting a hurricane, just tropical storm, when it gets to Belize.
National Hurricane Center Miami FL 1100 AM EDT Wed Sep 02 2020
Ongoing northerly shear has caused the satellite appearance of Nana to degrade a little since the last advisory, with the low-level center located near the northern edge of an asymmetric convective burst. Reports from an NOAA Hurricane Hunter aircraft indicate that the maximum winds remain near 50 kt and the central pressure is near 998 mb.
The center of Tropical Storm Nana was located near latitude 17.1 North, longitude 84.6 West. Nana is moving toward the west near 17 mph (28 km/h), and this general motion with some decrease in forward speed is expected today. A westward or west-southwestward motion is expected tonight and Thursday. On the forecast track, Nana will be moving near but north of the coast of Honduras today, and the center should make landfall on the coast of Belize tonight or early Thursday.
Maximum sustained winds are near 60 mph (95 km/h) with higher gusts. Strengthening is expected, and Nana is forecast to become a hurricane tonight before it reaches the coast of Belize. Weakening is expected after landfall.
Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 70 miles (110 km) from the center. The estimated minimum central pressure is 998 mb (29.47 inches).
STORM ADVISORY FROM THE CAYE CAULKER VILLAGE COUNCIL
PLEASE NOTE THAT CAPE CAULKER FUELS WILL BE OPEN FOR THE ENTIRE DAY UNTIL 5pm ..WE WILL NOT BE OPEN TOMORROW DUE THE APPROACHING STORM, WE WILL NOTIFY ON REOPENING AS SOON AS WE ARE ADVISED BY AUTHORITIES ....STAY SAFE
National Hurricane Center Miami FL 200 PM EDT Wed Sep 02 2020
...AIR FORCE RESERVE HURRICANE HUNTER AIRCRAFT REPORTS NANA HAS CHANGED LITTLE IN STRENGTH...
At 200 PM EDT (1800 UTC), the center of Tropical Storm Nana was located near latitude 17.1 North, longitude 85.1 West. Nana is moving toward the west near 16 mph (26 km/h), and this general motion with some decrease in forward speed is expected today. A westward or west-southwestward motion is expected tonight and Thursday. On the forecast track, Nana will be moving near but north of the coast of Honduras later today, and the center should make landfall on the coast of Belize tonight or early Thursday.
Ongoing northerly shear has caused the satellite appearance of Nana to degrade a little since the last advisory, with the low-level center located near the northern edge of an asymmetric convective burst. Reports from an NOAA Hurricane Hunter aircraft indicate that the maximum winds remain near 50 kt and the central pressure is near 998 mb.
Reports from an Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft indicate that maximum sustained winds are near 60 mph (95 km/h) with higher gusts. Strengthening is expected, and Nana is forecast to become a hurricane tonight before it reaches the coast of Belize. Weakening is expected after landfall.
Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 70 miles (110 km) from the center. The latest minimum central pressure reported by the Hurricane Hunter aircraft is 999 mb (29.50 inches).
Hurricane conditions are expected in the Hurricane Warning area in Belize tonight and early Thursday, with tropical storm conditions expected by tonight. Tropical Storm conditions are expected in the Tropical Storm Warning area in Belize, Guatemala, and Mexico by tonight, with hurricane conditions possible in the Hurricane Watch area tonight. Tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area in Honduras, including Isla Roatan and the Bay Islands, later today and tonight.
STORM SURGE: A dangerous storm surge will raise water levels by as much as 3 to 5 feet above normal tide levels along the immediate coast near and to the north of where the center makes landfall. Near the coast, the surge will be accompanied by large and destructive waves.
RAINFALL: Nana is expected to produce the following rainfall accumulations through Friday:
Northern coast of Honduras: 1 to 3 inches.
Belize, Guatemala and the Mexican states of Chiapas and Tabasco: 3 to 6 inches, isolated totals of 8 inches.
SURF: Swells generated by Nana are affecting portions of the southern coast of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, and will spread along the coasts of Honduras and Belize today and tonight. These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions. Please consult products from your local weather office.
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In San Pedro, if you believe you may need shelter during the storm, you are encouraged to call Ms. Vanessa Parham at 614-5865 or the San Pedro NEMO numbers 226-4824 or 226-4821 (as early as possible rather than waiting until you are in an emergency or rescue situation.
NEMO ADVISORY # 6: TROPICAL STORM NANA APPROACHING BELIZE EXPECTED TO BECOME CATEGORY 1 HURRICANE NANA BEFORE LANDFALL NEMO TO DECLARE A HURRICANE WARNING FOR BELIZE
The National Meteorological Services of Belize and the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) advise As of 9am local time, Tropical Storm Nana was located near latitude 17.1N, longitude 84.6W or about 240 miles east of Belize City. This position is also about 265 miles East-Southeast of Corozal Town, 229 miles East by South of San Pedro Ambergris Caye, 240 miles East of Dangriga and 287 miles East by North of Punta Gorda Town. Nana was moving to the west at 17mph with maximum sustained winds of 60mph. Some strengthening is expected and Nana could become a hurricane later today or tonight. Nana is forecast to continue moving west with some decrease in forward speed today and then a westward to west-southwestward motion is expected tonight. On this track, Nana is expected to make landfall between midnight and 6am early Thursday morning over southern Belize as a category one hurricane. Residents especially those southward of Belize City should be prepared for category 1 hurricane force winds between 74 and 95 mph. This system could also produce rainfall of 3-6 inches with isolated amounts of 8 inches over southern and central Belize which could lead to flash flooding and possible landslides. Residents along coastal areas near the area of landfall should be on the alert for the possibility of a storm surge of up to 3-5 feet. The NMS of Belize will continue to monitor the system and update NEMO and the general public accordingly.
A Hurricane Warning (two red flag with a black centre flown one above the other) is declared for Belize City southward and a tropical storm warning for other parts of the country. This means it is imminent that the Hurricane will make landfall on Belize within 24 hours. The Warning is declared as the system direct path shows it heading straight for Belize and the Yucatan Peninsula and it can cause severe wind damage, flooding, storm surge, and drowning but only if the appropriate precautions are not taken.
All Emergency Operations Centre (Command Centres) countrywide are activated. Works continue on mile 38 on the George Price Highway, final preparations are being made as shelters will be open to assist those persons. Government ministries are at this time in transition where only essential staff engaged in the ministry emergency plan and those who will work NEMO duties should be in office or as directed by their CEO in accordance with their ministry emergency plan.
Nana is expected to make landfall between midnight and 6am early Thursday morning over southern Belize as a category one hurricane.
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Presently, this is mainly a cloud event. There is some lightning in that centre area, and probably a lot of heavy rain.. . But the high cloud and possible rain up in the Corozal area, is from the other cloud activity in the north Caribbean, not directly to do with this TROPICAL STORM NANA. . . . Not clear yet, but it might have relatively little effect on Belize City and Belmopan, some rain yes, more so on Stann Creek and Toledo areas. But too early to be sure of that.
Looks as if it is collapsing a bit into Honduras, its pressure has been rising, which normally indicates the storm decreasing.
No obvious central area now. Just a bit of its side parts close to Belize now. But other high level from the NE is causing swellups and rain in Orange Walk, which are not part of the storm.
National Hurricane Center Miami FL 400 PM CDT Wed Sep 02 2020
The government of Honduras has issued a Tropical Storm Warning for Isla Roatan and the Bay Islands.
At 400 PM CDT (2100 UTC), the center of Tropical Storm Nana was located near latitude 17.0 North, longitude 85.9 West. Nana is moving toward the west near 15 mph (24 km/h), and a westward or west-southwestward motion is expected tonight and Thursday. On the forecast track, Nana will be moving near but north of the coast of Honduras and the Bay Islands this evening, and the center should make landfall on the coast of Belize tonight or early Thursday.
Maximum sustained winds are near 60 mph (95 km/h) with higher gusts. While Nana has not strengthened during the past several hours, strengthening is expected before landfall, and Nana could become a hurricane by the time the center reaches the coast of Belize.
Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 70 miles (110 km) from the center. The estimated minimum central pressure is 999 mb (29.50 inches).
Nana continues to feel the effects of about 15 kt of northerly vertical shear, as the low-level center is located near the northern edge of the main convective mass. Data from the last Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter Mission showed that the flight-level winds at 850 mb were a little lower than earlier. However, incomplete SFMR data suggested surface winds near 50 kt, and the aircraft reported that the central pressure is near 999 mb. The initial intensity is held at 50 kt, although this could be a little generous.
Nana is running out of time to strengthen before landfall, and between that and the ongoing shear none of the intensity guidance forecasts it to become a hurricane before landfall. However, any strong convective burst could spin up the cyclone, and since the bursts have been frequent today the intensity forecast calls for Nana to strengthen to near hurricane strength at landfall. After landfall, steady weakening is expected. Several of the global models now show the remnants of Nana emerging over the Gulf of Tehuantepec in 48-60 h. However, these models continue to forecast dissipation even over water, so the forecast dissipation time is unchanged since the previous advisory.
Latest Navy track forecast, slight decrease in intensity
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SITUATION IN BAHIA SUNSET
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Safety Measures Advisory for Farmers Before Passage of Tropical Weather System
The projected path of Tropical Storm Nana presents threats to the agriculture sector, particularly to the central and southern regions of Belize. To mitigate the potential effects of Tropical Storm Nana, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture and Immigration hereby advises all farmers who are in low-lying and flood-prone areas to safeguard their families and livelihoods. All farmers are advised to take the following measures. Crop producers are advised to:
- harvest available and mature crops, - make a note of all crops planted and production amount, - store harvested crops in cool, dry areas to avoid spoilage or losses.
Producers with tropical greenhouses or cover structures are asked to: - remove covering materials (UV plastic and anti-viral netting), - safely store equipment and supplies, - make a note of all crops planted and production amount, including taking pictures of the structure(s).
Livestock producers are advised to: - temporarily relocate animals to safer areas, - ensure availability of animal feed and water, - make a count of all animals.
Farm inputs: - secure all farm machinery and farm inputs, - relocate all pesticides and pesticide containers to avoid spillage and contamination, especially in flood-prone areas.
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CAYE CAULKER: The emergency operation center is located at Island Magic hotel and the phone number is 639-7471. For an emergency, please call the above number and speak with Superintendent Ask. Stay Safe and God Bless!
It is now almost on top of Roatan Island, and I am not expecting >70 mph winds over central / north Belize. The rain some of us are getting at present is not particularly part of the storm, but other high cloud from the north.
NEMO ADVISORY #7: TROPICAL STORM NANA APPROACHING BELIZE EXPECTED TO BECOME CATEGORY 1 HURRICANE NANA BEFORE LANDFALL BELIZE UNDER A HURRICANE WARNING
WEDNESDAY, 2ND SEPTEMBER, 2020 as at 5:00 PM
The National Meteorological Services of Belize and the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) advise that Tropical Storm Nana was located near latitude 17.0N, longitude 85.9W or about 156 miles east of Belize City. This position is also about 190 miles East-Southeast of Corozal Town, 150 miles East-Southeast of San Pedro Ambergris Caye, 154 miles East of Dangriga and 202 miles East-Northeast of Punta Gorda Town. Nana was moving to the west at 15mph with maximum sustained winds of 60mph and minimum central pressure of 999mb. Some strengthening is still expected before landfall and Nana could become a hurricane later tonight before it reaches the coast.
Nana is forecast to continue moving west with some decrease in forward speed and then a westward to west-southwestward motion is expected tonight. On this track, Nana is expected to make landfall between midnight and 6am early Thursday morning over southern Belize as a category one hurricane. Residents especially those southward of Belize City should be prepared for category 1 hurricane force winds between 74 and 95 mph. This system could also produce rainfall of 3-6 inches with isolated amounts of 8 inches over southern and central Belize which could lead to flash flooding and possible landslides. Residents along coastal areas near the area of landfall should be on the alert for the possibility of a storm surge of up to 3-5 feet. The NMS of Belize will continue to monitor the system and update NEMO and the general public accordingly.
Shelters are opening around the country. PLEASE SEE LIST ATTACHED. We implore all seeking shelter to wear a mask, practice social distance, clean hand regularly and practice good cough and sneeze etiquette. You are encouraged to bring along your food, water and basic needs. Police patrol is requested to monitor fuel stations. COVID 19 SHELTER PROTOCOLS AND NEMO CONTACT INFORMATION: SEE ATTACHMENT.
We are asking people not to panic, stay calm, don't listen to rumours. Stay tuned for and adhere to the official release from NEMO and the National Met Service and stay alert. Prepare, and move without alarm, scare mongering does more harm than good considering some people's medical condition. NEMO will keep the general public updated. Do not panic Belize we have faced tropical cyclones many times before, the bigger threat is COVID 19 we must wear our masks, social distance and clean our hands and all surfaces on a regular basis. All are advised to seek shelter before last light, batten down and weather the storm. The COVID 9pm to 5am curfew is still in effect.
New Navy track is slightly south of previous track.
The latest : Hi cloud should be starting to be coming in, but not necessary rain as yet and probably not wind either. There is already some rain and lightning in the Stann Creek district right now. This storm is many independent swellups.
National Hurricane Center Miami FL 700 PM CDT Wed Sep 02 2020
...CENTER OF NANA PASSING JUST NORTH OF THE BAY ISLANDS OF HONDURAS...
A Hurricane Warning is in effect for... * The coast of Belize from Belize City southward to the Belize-Guatemala border.
A Hurricane Watch is in effect for... * The coast of Belize north of Belize city to the Belize-Mexico border
A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for... * Yucatan Mexico from Puerto Costa Maya to Chetumal * The coast of Belize north of Belize city to the Belize-Mexico border * Caribbean Sea coast of Guatemala * Isla Roatan and the Bay Islands of Honduras
At 700 PM CDT (0000 UTC), an Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft located the center of Tropical Storm Nana near latitude 17.0 North, longitude 86.8 West. Nana is moving toward the west near 15 mph (24 km/h), and a westward or west-southwestward motion is expected tonight and Thursday. On the forecast track, Nana will continue to pass just north of the Bay Islands of Honduras during the next couple of hours, and the center should make landfall on the coast of Belize later tonight or early Thursday.
Maximum sustained winds are near 60 mph (95 km/h) with higher gusts. While Nana has not strengthened over the past several hours, strengthening is expected before landfall, and Nana could become a hurricane by the time the center reaches the coast of Belize.
Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 70 miles (110 km) from the center. The latest minimum central pressure estimated from reconnaissance aircraft data is 994 mb (29.35 inches).
WIND: Hurricane conditions are expected in the Hurricane Warning area in Belize tonight and early Thursday, with tropical storm conditions expected by tonight. Tropical storm conditions are expected in the Tropical Storm Warning area in Belize, Guatemala, and Mexico tonight, with hurricane conditions possible in the Hurricane Watch area tonight. Tropical storm conditions are expected in Isla Roatan and the Bay Islands tonight. Tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area in Honduras.
STORM SURGE: A dangerous storm surge will raise water levels by as much as 1 to 3 feet above normal tide levels along the immediate coast near and to the north of where the center makes landfall. Near the coast, the surge will be accompanied by large and destructive waves.
RAINFALL: Nana is expected to produce the following rainfall accumulations through Friday:
Northern coast of Honduras: 1 to 3 inches
Belize, Guatemala and the Mexican states of Chiapas and Tabasco: 3 to 6 inches, isolated totals of 8 inches.
San Pedro Town, at sunset, while Tropical Storm Nana approaches Belize. Stay safe!
THE TOWN OF SAN PEDRO PREPARES TO RECEIVE NANA (Tropical Storm, expected to turn hurricane before landfall)
Stay safe everyone! Also remember to be safe from COVID-19. Wear your mask, practice social distancing, wash your hands regularly, clean surfaces regularly and stay home. Click photos for more pictures!
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EFFECTS OF TROPICAL STORM NANA, CAYE CAULKER
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What It's Like On San Pedro
What's happening in San Pedro - which is the COVID epicentre, and the first large community which will feel the effect of the storm? Right now, it's less than 75 east southeast of San Pedro.
Our colleague from the San Pedro Sun Dion Vansen tells us that shelters there are open and receiving people, and there are also COVID shelters for those who are infected or awaiting their results. He also gave us his view of how tropical storm NANA is shaping up so far
Since our call, Dion has reported that drizzling has started on San Pedro, but no significant winds to talk about.
NEMO ADVISORY #10: CATEGORY 1 HURRICANE NANA MADE LANDFALL BELIZE CITY SOUTHWARD REMAINS UNDER A HURRICANE WARNING
WEDNESDAY, 3RD SEPTEMBER, 2020 at 12:01 AM
The National Meteorological Services of Belize and the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) advised that Hurricane Nana made landfall as a category 1 hurricane just a few miles South of Hopkins in the Stann Creek district. As of 12am local time, the storm was located near latitude 16.8N, longitude 88.3W or about 13 miles South-Southwest of Dangriga Town and 50 miles South of Belize City. This position was also about 60 miles North-Northeast of Punta Gorda Town. Nana was moving to the west-southwest at 16mph with maximum sustained winds of 75mph and minimum central pressure of 995mb. Nana was forecast to continue moving west to west-southwestward across Belize and into Guatemala today. Rapid weakening is expected as the storm moves further inland. Communities near the center of the system will continue experiencing hurricane conditions for a few hours while those communities within a 70 miles radius, especially north of the center, will continue experiencing tropical storm conditions through early this morning. As the system moves inland rainfall totals of 4-8 inches with isolated amounts of 10 inches are expected over southern and central Belize. This will likely result in flash flooding and possible landslides. A storm surge of around 1 to 3 feet could have occurred close to where the system made landfall which will recede shortly. The NMS of Belize will continue to monitor the system and update NEMO and the general public accordingly.
All are asked to stay indoors as heavy rainfall and wind effects are being felt in the Stann Creek district and other parts of the country, stay indoors, remain in your shelter. There is no electrical power in Dangriga. The next Advisory NEMO will declare the ALL CLEAR, which is signaled by one green flag. This means that the hurricane is no longer over Belize but the damages on the ground are not yet known. A hurricane warning remains in effect from Belize City and southern Belize.
1. Remain indoor when the eye of the storm is over your area. It may seem like the storm is over but winds may change direction and quickly return to hurricane force. DO NOT go outside until an all clear is issued by authorities.
2. After a hurricane, drink boiled or treated water when in doubt of the water quality. Fill sinks, bathtub and large containers with water as an extra supply for washing and flushing.
3. Stay out of flood waters and disaster areas as the water might be contaminated or electrically charged. Turn off your electrical switch box if your home will flood. Keep non-emergency calls to a minimum to free up network capacity for those in need and for emergency first responders. Watch out for snakes and wild animals.
4. During the storm, stay secured indoors away from windows. Use flashlights, DO NOT USE CANDLES.
Shelters, the number of people in shelter is 4085, total broken down as follows CZL:10, BZC: 319, SP: 57, RURAL CENTRAL: 49, CC:1, CYO:235, DANG: 980, BMP surrounding villages: 355, and TOL: 2079. All shelterees must keep on their masks, practice social distance, clean their hands regularly and practice good cough and sneeze etiquette.
======================
Hurricane Nana has officially made landfall between Dangriga Town and Placencia Village in southern Belize.
Ambergris Caye is only experiencing some stronger than normal winds, after a bout of rain earlier in the evening on Wednesday.
San Pedro Town Area, near cemetery, video by Jaime Lara.
============
Minimal wave action comes into the shores of La Isla Bonita and winds blowing close to 30mph no rain and a beautiful moonlight night. We are truly blessed let's join in prayer for our brothers and sisters from the South as they are getting the brunt of Nana.
Video by Tito Alamilla Jr.
=================
Footages taken as of midnight on Caye Caulker on the east side of the island as Nana Made land fall in the south of Belize.This is our current situation on the caye.
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL 400 AM CDT Thu Sep 03 2020
...NANA INLAND OVER SOUTHERN BELIZE...
Nana made landfall on the coast of Belize about 45 n mi south of Belize City around 0600 UTC today. It is estimated to be located inland and weakening over the southern part of that country with maximum winds of no more than 60 kt at this time. The small circulation will be moving over mountainous terrain today and tonight, so rapid weakening is likely. The official forecast is similar to the Decay-SHIPS intensity guidance, and calls for the system to degenerate into a remnant low by Friday. Although the remnants of Nana are forecast to move into the east Pacific in about 36 hours, the model guidance is in good agreement that conditions in that area will not be conducive for regeneration.
The tropical cyclone continues to move a little south of west, or around 255/13 kt. A low- to mid-level ridge to the north of Nana should keep it moving on a west to west-southwestward track during the next day or so. The NHC track forecast is similar to the previous one, and on the northern side of the guidance envelope.
KEY MESSAGES:
1. Tropical storm conditions will continue within the warning areas in Belize, Mexico, Guatemala, and the Bay Islands of Honduras this morning. Storm surge along the Belize coast will subside this morning as Nana moves farther inland.
2. Heavy rainfall with isolated maximum amounts as high as 8 to 12 inches could result in flash flooding in Belize, Guatemala, and portions of southeastern Mexico and the Yucatan Peninsula.
The center of Tropical Storm Nana was located near latitude 16.7 North, longitude 88.8 West. Nana is moving toward the west-southwest near 15 mph (24 km/h), and this general motion is expected to continue through today with some decrease in forward speed. On the forecast track, Nana will continue to move inland over Guatemala and extreme southeastern Mexico today and tonight.
Maximum sustained winds have decreased to near 70 mph (110 km/h) with higher gusts. Rapid weakening is forecast today and tonight, and Nana will likely become a remnant low on Friday.
Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 70 miles (110 km) from the center. The estimated minimum central pressure is 997 mb (29.44 inches).
WIND: Tropical storm conditions will continue in the warning areas in Belize, Guatemala, and Mexico through early this morning. Tropical storm conditions are possible on Isla Roatan and the Bay Islands and along the Honduras coast within the watch area for a few more hours.
STORM SURGE: Water levels along the Belize coast will gradually subside through the morning as Nana moves farther inland.
RAINFALL: Nana is expected to produce the following rainfall accumulations through Friday:
Northwest coast of Honduras: 2 to 4 inches
Belize: 4 to 8 inches, isolated totals of 10 inches.
Video of drive around town and along the beach in San Pedro this morning...
NEMO ADVISORY #11: NEMO HAS LIFTS ALL TROPICAL CYCLONE WARNING OVER THE COUNTRY - "ALL CLEAR" ISSUED FOR COROZAL, ORANGE WALK, BELIZE CAYO, STANN CREEK DISTRICTS ONLY!
WEDNESDAY, 3RD SEPTEMBER, 2020 as at 6:30AM
The National Meteorological Services of Belize and the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) advise that Nana made landfall between Dangriga and Placencia near Hopkins, Sittee communities between 11:45 pm and 4:00 am on the Thursday, 3rd September, 2020. It has been downgraded to a Tropical Storm as it moves further inland over Belize. Nana was moving to the west- southwest at 15mph with maximum sustained winds of 70mph and minimum central pressure of 997mb. Nana is forecast to continue moving west-southwestward across Belize and into Guatemala today. Rapid weakening is expected as the storm moves further inland. As the system moves inland, rainfall totals of 2-4 inches with isolated amounts of 6 inches are possible over southern and central Belize. This will likely result in flash flooding and possible landslides. The "ALL CLEAR", is signaled by one green flag. This means that the hurricane is no longer over Belize but the damages on the ground are not yet known. There are no reports of causalities and or major injuries. The extent of damages and losses at this time is not known.
NEMO hereby lifts All Tropical Cyclone Warning Over The Country. The "All Clear" is issued for Corozal, Orange Walk, Belize, Cayo, and Stann Creek district, Only! If you were under a tropical cyclone warning DO NOT go outside until an all clear is issued by authorities. There is no electricity in PORTIONS OF THE STANN CREEK DISTRICT. The Ministry of Works( MOW), Ministry of Health (MOH), BDF, Police, and the utility companies have authority to deploy throughout the country to commence addressing areas of concern. Debris from a Hurricane is very dangerous, all advised to take extreme caution. It is not recommended to walk through areas affected without it first being cleared by the Ministry of Works or the town council. Road clearance is a priority. Search and Rescue and Damage Assessment operations are being planned as required.
After a hurricane, drink boiled or treated water when in doubt of the water quality. Stay out of flood waters and disaster areas as the water might be contaminated or electrically charged. Turn off your electrical switch box if your home will flood. Watch out for snakes and wild animals. Be prepared for flooding. The last recorded number of people in shelter is 4085, total broken down as follows CZL:10, BZC: 319, SP: 57, RURAL CENTRAL: 49, CC:1, CYO:235, DANG: 980, BMP surrounding villages: 355, and TOL: 2079. All shelterees must keep on their masks, practice social distance, clean their hands regularly and practice good cough and sneeze etiquette.
The Ministry of Works( MOW), Ministry of Health (MOH), BDF, Police, and the utility companies are commended including the public officers and the senior leaders in government and the National Met Service staff. Stay tuned for and adhere to the official release from NEMO and the National Met Service and stay alert.
NEMO ADVISORY #11A: "ALL CLEAR" FOR THE ENTIRE COUNTRY
THURSDAY, 3RD SEPTEMBER, 2020 as at 9:00AM
The National Meteorological Services of Belize and the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) advise that flooding and landslides are still possible. The "ALL CLEAR", is signaled by one green flag. This means that the hurricane is no longer over Belize but the damages on the ground are not yet known. There are no reports of causalities and or major injuries. The extent of damages and losses at this time is not known. The "All Clear" has been issued for the entire country. All NEMO Command Centres are stood down at 9:00am except for districts which are impacted.
The Ministry of Works (MOW), Ministry of Health (MOH), BDF, Police, and the utility companies have authority to deploy throughout the country to commence addressing areas of concern. Debris from a Hurricane is very dangerous, all advised to take extreme caution. It is not recommended to walk through areas affected without it first being cleared by the Ministry of Works or the town council. Road clearance is a priority. Search and Rescue and Damage Assessment operations are being planned as required.
Ms. Hendy, the National Liaison Officer for the NEMO National Assessment Committee is organizing the initial assessment. A meeting will be held in the impact zone prior to the detail assessment under the direction of Ms. Hendy and the Southern Regional Coordinator for NEMO. All assessments must be done through and with NEMO present for it to be honored and validated. A flyover will be done with BDF defenders as well as ground assessments. The initial report for low impact cyclones is due within 24 hours after the "All Clear". Initial reports suggest that Stann Creek District is more affected than Toledo. Buildings, crops and infrastructure received varying degrees of damage. The priority for assessments is humanitarian needs.
After a hurricane, it is strongly advised to drink bottle, boiled or treated water. Stay out of flood waters and disaster areas as the water might be contaminated or electrically charged. Turn off your electrical switch box if your home will flood. Watch out for snakes and wild animals. Be prepared for flooding.
Keep on your masks, practice social distance, wash your hands regularly and practice good cough and sneeze etiquette.
================
Besides debris on the beaches, no significant damages caused by Hurricane Nana on Ambergris Caye
CAYE CAULKER: THE MORNING AFTER NANA *** *** TAKE NOTE THAT THIS VIDEO WAS TAKEN BEFORE NEMO ISSUED AN ALL CLEAR ***
==============
Blessed morning as we received little no none in damages, only sargasso washed ashore. Click photos for more pictures!
========
More pictures by Pastor Clive Welsh...check them out! Click photos for more pictures!
===============
VIDEO OF OUR TEAM CLEARING UP THE BEACH STRETCH IN FRONT LILY'S TREASURE CHEST AND MAYAN PRINCESS HOTEL.
===============
OUR TEAM WORKING HARD TO CLEAR OFF THE SARGASSO AND DEBRIS THAT WASHED ASHORE DUE TO HURRICANE NANA. THANK YOU GUYS, GREAT JOB! Click photos for more pictures!
24 hours ago, we were all in a state of tension, waiting for Tropical Storm Nana to make landfall. Well, she did, at midnight in the Stann Creek District. And, just like the forecasters predicted, Nana was upgraded to a category 1 hurricane just before landfall between Dangriga and Placencia near the villages of Hopkins and Sittee River. But, thankfully, it was a narrow storm, and the damaging winds did not extend very far from the centre. By 4:00 am - the worst of it had passed, and by 5:00 am, Nana had hightailed it to Guatemala.
And at around 9:00 this morning, NEMO declared an "All Clear" for the entire country. A green flag was flown to signal to all residents that the Hurricane Nana, threat had fully passed. Tonight, the storm has been reduced to a Tropical Depression and is on the border of Guatemala and Mexico, 220 miles west southwest of Belize City with winds of 35 miles per hour.
Nana's Banana Drama
So, tonight, most of us in most of the country can be thankful that Nana did almost "nada". There were no lives lost, no injuries reported, and only minor property damage in the affected villages.
But that account of the storm misses out a huge part of the story; and that's Nana's banana drama.
Small as it was - maybe only 10 miles wide - the Nana created a huge and costly footprint of damage at four bananas farms in the South Stann Creek area. These are farms owned by Tony and Eugene Zabaneh and they account for a major portion of the industry's output.
This evening Eugene Zabaneh told us that the total crop on all four farms - meaning all the fruit - has been lost. He says that sets them back about three months with production, and the monetary value of this loss is about 10 million dollars in just fruit.
But that's just half the story because, 60% of all the trees on these farms were also destroyed. Those now have to be replanted, and to regrow them will take 9 months. He says that rehabilitation process is another 10 million dollars - bringing the total storm related loss in this industry to 20 million dollars.
And, Zabaneh says that it wasn't the hurricane, but a powerful freak thunder storm that came behind it at 12:15 am which laid waste to the farms. Those farms are right beside the Sanctuary Bay property - and Zabaneh says that for 15 minutes, the freak storm, with 60 mile an hour winds just smothered the farms, and then dissipated. When it was done, 60% of the total acreage had been destroyed.
He said these losses will reduce the industry wide output by about 20%.
While the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) continues to assess the damage caused by Hurricane Nana, San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye reports minimal to no damages. The hurricane made landfall as a weak category 1 in southern Belize on Wednesday, September 2nd, bringing only gusty winds and some rain to the island. As normalcy returned to San Pedro, residents and personnel from the sanitation department at the San Pedro Town Council cleaned up the streets and beaches in the downtown area.
Shortly after sunset on Wednesday, San Pedro experienced a couple minutes of intense rain, and afterwards a steady flow of weak winds blew for several hours. The beach areas experienced some agitated wave action, but there didn't seem to be a strong storm surge. The wave action washed plenty of debris ashore, consisting of some Sargassum, sea grass and rubbish. Islanders stayed put and observed the developments of the hurricane as it approached the country and made landfall.
Click here to read the rest of the article in the San Pedro Sun
And while for most Belizeans Nana seemed like more of a passover than a
storm, that wasn't the case in Hopkins. Residents there were directly
in the path of the storm's category one winds and experienced real
damage to property. Cherisse Halsall headed down south this morning to
get a first-hand look at the aftermath of hurricane Nana.
She starts with N.E.M.O's assessment of the storm's track through
Belize.
Nana Made landfall at midnight just a few miles South of Hopkins in the
Stann Creek District, about 13 miles South-Southwest of Dangriga Town with
maximum sustained winds of 75mph. This is considered a weak category 1
hurricane. The storm was moving at 15 miles per hour through the Stann
creek and Toledo districts - it left Belizean territory between 5:00 and
6:00 am. Initial reports suggest that Stann Creek District is more affected
than Toledo. Buildings, crops and infrastructure received varying degrees
of damage. The priority for assessments is humanitarian needs.
And for villagers like Adelma Salam and her husband who'd already had their
lives upended by the collapse of tourism, Nana was a final blow.
Adelma Salam
"We couldn't do anything we just tried to pack some of our clothes mostly,
got things in bags and leave it there, more or less we expected this but we
never experienced it we just put things together. We evacuated. We didn't
stay so when I came this morning this is what I saw, I feel very sad. I
almost cried but I said I can't do nothing."
Cherisse Halsall
"How strong do you think the winds must have been to do this?"
Adelma Salam
"I guess maybe it must have been very strong because I went to shelter, we
didn't feel much there so well I think here the wind was really strong. It
will be very difficult because right now I am not working, I got affected
by the tourism. We are here because me and common law is working here with
the tourism industry. It is very difficult to start all over because I am
not working right now. My father in law is giving me a house to shelter for
the meantime because I don't have a house to call a home. I'm staying here,
I moved here to have kids we're working here me and my common law husband,
that's why we moved here. I've been staying here for 6 years so, I had to
move our for the mean time even though I'm used to Hopkins, I don't know if
I'm going to come back or not."
Adelma's neighbour Danesha Martinez also evacuated but she says there was
no shelter from the howling sounds of the cyclones that descended on the
village.
Danesha Martinez - Hopkins resident
"They were just like swirling around hard breeze swirling so strong, I
thought I was worried about the house around me if it was going to blow off
anything because of the strength of that wind, the breeze was so strong. I
was at a shelter but I could hear the sound of the wind and we were looking
outside of the windows and we saw trees coming down, we saw the coconut
tree moving around, even the shoreline the waves were washed a little bit
closer than normal, the waves were big. So it was not a good experience, we
saw the waves and the breeze, hmph."
And elsewhere in the village one house kept its roof, but once the storm
had passed it fell of its supports.
Cleopatra Ramos - Home-Owner
"I bought this house and they didn't really dig the posts into the ground
so it was just like set, that's why I don't trust it so anyway we went back
to sleep at my aunty. This morning now, he jacked it up, he jacked it up
all the posts everything and I said okay I guess we're safe. So I went in
there to have my coffee, my daughter and my grandson we're sleeping in this
same room and my son, my oldest son came into the house and went to the
bathroom and then he said ma, this house the lean you know. I know it was
leaning but Walter done fix it and he said okay, so he went to bathroom,
come back, slam the door and that's when it gone right down. I was
frightened, I was trembling. So my common law came in and asked if we're
alright and the whole the neighbourhood was done here watching everything,
so I was embarrassed too. Right now, nobody the work, I hardly the work, I
no have no income, my common law just the hustle, so I don't know."
Area rep Rodwell Ferguson was on the ground this morning greeting and
sympathizing with those who bore the burnt of the storm but he told us that
he's trying to do much more.
Hon. Rodwell Ferguson - SC West Area Rep
"The damage is very minimal and we are fortunate because when we were
listening to the radio we thought that the storm would have cause more
damage and had more of an effect on the area but when we do our assessment
it is very very minimal. These are very poor people and I think the rest of
Belize should appeal to the rest of Belize that everybody contribute
something small, these people can get up and running very quickly but
because of the pandemic, some of them are not even working, so they cannot
even put back the pieces together. So, I'm appealing to the country to
please support Silk Grass, Hopkins, Sittee River, Maya Centre who I think
got the most affect because we understand the hurricane came in and made
landfall around Sanctuary Bay, that is not far away from here. So I really
need the support for these people."
The southside resort of Hamanasi wasn't completely spared with much of
their staff's morning taken up clearing debris and fixing minor structural
damage.
And while there were some major losses it wasn't all devastation because
some residents sustained minor damages.
By the time we caught up with these young men they'd almost finished their
repairs
Elmer Coleman - Resident
"This is where I'm staying so this morning when I came I saw trees like
that and the zincs some of the zincs were on the ground so I tried to put
it up back."
Cherisse Halsall
"How difficult is it going to be to fix this?
Elmer Coleman
"Not bad. We are almost there I don't know about building but I'm trying my
best."
Shemar Coleman
"We had to look for materials first of all and we just got a little
material so, that is how we get together, get the material and come deal
with."
And This group of neighbours was hard at work this morning re-doing one
restaurant owner's roof but their attitudes were pretty positive.
Kirk Carr - Resident
"My experience last night was kind of a bit trippyish because I was on the
beach and the breeze was blowing real crazy and the waves were kinda hard
but other than that we managed to go nice and easy we ended up walking out
at about 12 to see how the village stood and everybody was kinda ok just a
couple trees fell down but other than that everybody was kinda straight.
Right now I just di help this lady yah fix up she roof this morning. Looks
like that little breeze shook it up a little bit and just knocked off two
zinc, three zincs off of it. Lee bit of work minor work small thing, we'll
be done right now."
If you'd like to assist Adelma Salam or Cleopatra Ramos they can be
reached at 660-87220 and 636-8192 respectively.
Hurricane Nana: Back to Normal for Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker
San Pedro is reeling from the COVID pandemic but on Wednesday residents pulled themselves up to brace the impending hurricane. Protecting life and securing property were foremost. By this morning when the all clear was given, on san Pedro and Caye Caulker, the cleaning up of the beach began in earnest. Here is Duane Moody.
Duane Moody, Reporting
In the Belize District, the winds and rain associated with Hurricane Nana were lower than expected. Early on Wednesday, challenged by the pandemic, anxious residents kicked into gear to focus on hurricane preparedness plans.. On the islands of Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye, residents and tourism stakeholders were quick to secure their properties and boats. They weren't taking any chances, having been tremendously impacted by past disasters.
Dion Vansen, Senior Reporter, San Pedro Sun
"From early in the day and into the afternoon, people were preparing, they were boarding up their houses. They were securing their boats, moving them from the front of the island to the lagoon side which is on the west side. I also saw people who were securing their docks to make sure they were stronger in the case of any surge. Even though the predictions were that the storm was going more to the south, people on the island still took all the necessary precautions and secured their properties."
Seleny Villanueva-Pott, Chairlady, Caye Caulker Village
"When the warnings came out, the island went into high gear which is fine. You can never be too prepared; it is better to be over prepared than under prepared. So everybody started to board up their windows, getting food supply. From our angle, started to prepare the shelter as well and we waited on word for NEMO when it was time to open the shelter. Boats were being pulled up; everything was in high gear-various offices on the island were securing their equipment."
While there was a level of precipitation off and on, there were mostly squalls throughout the night. That's the extent of the storm experienced by these prime tourist destinations.
Seleny Villanueva-Pott
"About 10:30, we started to witness some squalls of showers and gusts of wind. It felt like what we would consider a north closer to October/November and you could feel a change in the air. It felt good because it has been hot, but that what we started to experience maybe ten. Around 11:30 that's when rain came down and it was harder that the first one and the wind came in gusts and you could actually feel it blowing a little harder. And then closer to midnight, we had wind."
Dion Vansen
"It didn't feel like any big storm was coming. There was a couple or maybe for like ten to twenty minutes, it began to rain after six o'clock. The rain was off and on. It was a bit strong at the beginning and then it poured down for a couple minutes and afterwards it stopped. It was just drizzling and then after eight o'clock it didn't rain again. It was just slight breeze. Nothing strong, like a normal breeze."
The San Pedro Town Council along with stakeholders today began a beach cleanup, following a quick assessment this morning which indicated that debris, including sargassum and other objects had washed onto the beaches. Luckily, there was no damage to any properties on either island.
Dion Vansen
"This morning you could see that there was a lot of debris on the beach; a lot of sargassum, you know sea grass and other objects that were washed ashore during the night. So far, as I could see, there were no significant damages to any properties."
Seleny Villanueva
"We do have some debris on the beaches; it is nothing major. We experienced some erosion, but it is nothing significant so it is not much to talk about, thankfully. We are very fortunate; Nana was good to us."
A number of businesses have reopened and activities on either island have returned to normal; as much as is allowed under the countrywide state of emergency that is. Duane Moody for News Five.
The National Emergency Management Organization, NEMO, has completed a preliminary assessment of damages incurred as a result of Tropical Storm Nana which made landfall as a weak Category One hurricane in southern Belize last Thursday. Cumulatively, a total of six million dollars was lost to the natural disaster which wreaked significant havoc in the agro and aquaculture sectors. Several hundred homes were also partially destroyed during Nana which brought with it heavy winds. According to Minister Edmond 'Clear the Land' Castro, work is under way to complete a thorough report of all damages which can take the preliminary number much higher.
Edmond 'Clear the Land' Castro, NEMO Minister
"Basically, the initial assessment has been completed. We're working on the detailed assessment. So far, from the initial assessment, we're looking at the areas that were hardest hit, the agro and aquaculture industries which were affected to the tune of approximately 5.4 million dollars. In the housing sector, about three hundred thousand dollars, tourism about fifty thousand dollars, in roads and bridges about two hundred and fifty thousand dollars. Houses affected were approximately a hundred houses, about a hundred and fifty houses in the Stann Creek District and about two hundred in the Toledo District. Houses affected both in the Toledo and Stann Creek District are minimally damaged, two sheets of zinc and some plywood and things like that. So most of the affected houses da noh major repairs like house blow down and you have to completely rebuild a house. So you have minimum damages to those areas in terms of the housing stock."
The opinions and views expressed on this board are the subjective opinions of Ambergris Caye Message Board members and not of the Ambergris Caye Message Board its affiliates, or its employees.
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The National Meteorological Services of Belize and the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) advise that flooding and landslides are still possible. The "ALL CLEAR", is signaled by one green flag. This means that the hurricane is no longer over Belize but the damages on the ground are not yet known. There are no reports of causalities and or major injuries. The extent of damages and losses at this time is not known. The "All Clear" has been issued for the entire country. All NEMO Command Centres are stood down at 9:00am except for districts which are impacted.![[Linked Image]](http://Ambergriscaye.com/art8/dsdsadsa9922.jpg)
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Adelma Salam
Danesha Martinez - Hopkins resident
Cleopatra Ramos - Home-Owner
Hon. Rodwell Ferguson - SC West Area Rep
Elmer Coleman - Resident
Shemar Coleman
Kirk Carr - Resident
