It may not pose a big threat to Belize but the ninth named storm of the Atlantic Hurricane Season may bring more unwanted rain to Belize this week. The remnants of Tropical Depression 9 which crossed over northern Belize late last week now have developed into Tropical Storm Hanna.
The National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) has sent out a press release informing the public that as of 3:00 p.m., the center of Tropical Storm (TS) Hanna was located near 14.6N 83.9W over northeastern Nicaragua. Maximum sustained winds remain at 40 miles per hour and TS Hanna was moving towards the west at 7 miles per hour.
The National Hurricane Center in Miami, Florida has Tropical Storm Hanna heading deeper into Nicaragua and Honduras. On the present track the center of circulation is expected to remain inland along the border of Honduras and Nicaragua. This track over land will weaken the system.
Tropical Storm Hanna currently poses no significant threat to Belize, however, its proximity will support some showers and thunderstorms around the country during the next 24 to 36 hours. The Rio Hondo and Mopan Rivers are rising slowly. The Low-lying Bridge and the Iguana Creek Bridge on the Macal River are at flood state. Both the Baking Pot and Succotz ferries remain closed.
Contacts for NEMO Emergency Coordinators around the country have been released to the public and can be reached as follows – Corozal, Mr. Williard Levy at 623 0237; Orange Walk, Ms. Suliema Celiz at 605 5046, Northern Regional Coordinator, Mr. Aragon at 636 6094; Belize District, Mr. Calbert Budd at 602 8632 and Mr. Kevin Pollard at 621 2275; San Pedro, Ms. Timrose Augustine at 600 8672; Belmopan, Ms. Clare Moody at 630 9791; Cayo, Mr. Al Westby at 630 3224; Stann Creek, Mr. Victor Castillo at 630 9780; Toledo, Mr. Kenton Parham at 630 9787 and the Southern Regional Coordinator, Mr. Keith Emmanuel at 6309711. The NEMO Emergency Hotline is 936. NEMO staff, National, City, and District Emergency Committees are on full alert.
The main threat from TS Hanna, considering the present condition, is heavy rainfall and squally conditions. The public will continue to be updated. All are advised to refrain from listening to rumors and keep abreast of official notifications from the Government Press Office as informed by the NEMO and the National Meteorological Service release.
