Tropical Storm Sara is currently drifting near the coast of Honduras, causing heavy rains and severe flooding in parts of Central America, according to weather experts. The storm is being described as “catastrophic,” leading to potential mudslides in the region.
Sara is the 18th named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 until November 30. So far this season, 11 of the previous 17 named storms have turned into hurricanes.
As for Sara’s location, it is positioned about 30 miles south-southwest of Isla Guanaja, Honduras. The storm has maximum sustained winds of 50 mph and is moving westward at a very slow speed of 2 mph. Forecasters predict that Sara will continue to track near the northern coast of Honduras through early Saturday, before making its way toward Belize, where it is expected to make landfall on Sunday. There is a possibility that the storm could strengthen slightly if it remains offshore.
Winds with tropical-storm-force extend up to 105 miles from the storm’s center, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC).
A tropical storm warning is currently in effect for several areas, including:
– The northern coast of Honduras
– The Bay Islands of Honduras
– The Caribbean coast of Guatemala
– The Belize coastline from Belize City to the Belize-Guatemala border
Heavy rainfall is anticipated, which could result in life-threatening flash floods and mudslides, particularly in northern Honduras. Forecasters estimate that rainfall amounts could reach 15 to 25 inches, with isolated areas getting up to 35 inches. Other regions such as Belize, El Salvador, eastern Guatemala, western Nicaragua, and the Mexican State of Quintana Roo may see between 5 and 10 inches of rain with some localized totals around 15 inches.
As for potential impacts in the U.S., Sara may affect the Gulf Coast, including Florida, but there are no warnings in place at this time. The NHC has indicated that it is too early to forecast the storm’s effect on the Gulf of Mexico or areas like Florida, the Florida Keys, and Cuba, but residents in those areas should remain vigilant and keep up with the latest updates.
