Tropical Storm Nadine Threatens Heavy Rainfall in Belize and Eastern Mexico
Tropical Storm Nadine has officially formed in the western Caribbean Sea, approximately 120 miles (193 km) east of Belize, as reported by the National Hurricane Center (NHC). The storm currently boasts maximum sustained winds of 64 km/h (40 mph) and is moving westward at a speed of 12 km/h (7 mph). The NHC anticipates that Nadine may strengthen slightly before making landfall later today along the coast of Belize.
The primary concern associated with Tropical Storm Nadine is the potential for torrential rains, which may lead to significant flooding and landslides. Forecasts indicate that widespread rainfall of 10 to 20 cm (4 to 8 inches) is expected across northern Belize, northern Guatemala, and southern Mexico, particularly from Quintana Roo to Veracruz. Isolated areas could see rainfall exceeding 30 cm (12 inches) through the end of Tuesday, raising concerns for local communities.
In response to the developing storm, the Government of Belize has issued a tropical storm warning from Belize City northward to the Mexican border. Similarly, the Mexican government has declared a tropical storm warning from Tulum south to the border with Belize, including Cozumel, as a precautionary measure against the impending weather conditions.
Development and Impact of the Storm
Before Tropical Storm Nadine formed, the NHC had reported a low-pressure zone in the northwestern Caribbean Sea, with sustained winds of 35 mph (55 km/h). This area of low pressure had shown signs of organization and was expected to develop further. The NHC had indicated a 70% chance of this system evolving into a tropical cyclone within the next 48 hours, highlighting the potential for a short-lived tropical depression or storm before it made landfall in Central America.
The environmental conditions surrounding this system were deemed favorable for development, prompting advisories for Belize and the Yucatan Peninsula to monitor the situation closely. Regardless of its classification, heavy rainfall was anticipated across parts of Central America and southern Mexico, with warnings of minor flooding in coastal areas. The storm's trajectory indicates it will likely move inland quickly after making landfall, reducing its intensity but leaving behind significant rainfall challenges for the affected regions.
