Tropical Storm Sara Threatens Central America
Tropical Storm Sara, previously Tropical Depression 19, has emerged as the eighteenth named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season. As of November 14, 2024, Sara is located approximately 180 kilometers east of Cabo Gracias a Dios, Honduras. The National Hurricane Center has issued alerts for heavy rains and potential flooding across five Central American nations: Honduras, Belize, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Nicaragua. The alert is expected to remain in effect until early next week, with predictions of significant rainfall, flooding, and possible landslides.
In Honduras, the Secretariat for Risk and Contingency Management has raised a red alert for the departments of Bahía Islands, Atlántida, Colón, and Gracias a Dios, effective for 72 hours starting Thursday noon. Meanwhile, in Guatemala and El Salvador, local climate monitoring agencies have reported that the storm's influence will lead to rain and storms in various regions. The National Meteorological Institute of Costa Rica has also warned of continuous rainfall from Thursday through Sunday, raising concerns about flooding and landslides due to saturated soil. Authorities are urging residents in vulnerable areas to exercise extreme caution, especially following the recent impact of Hurricane Rafael, which resulted in fatalities and missing persons in Costa Rica.
Severe Storms Cause Chaos in Italy
In a contrasting weather scenario, southern Italy is grappling with severe storms, particularly affecting eastern Sicily. The civil protection authorities have declared a red alert, the highest level of warning, as heavy rains have led to significant flooding and damage. Reports indicate that areas such as Catania have experienced over 500 mm of rain in just a few hours, transforming streets into torrents and trapping vehicles on highways. Firefighters have been actively rescuing individuals from stranded cars, and numerous municipalities, including Torre Archirafi and Giarre, have been severely impacted.
The Ministry of Civil Protection has warned of continued isolated to widespread rainfall, predominantly in the form of heavy rain or thunderstorms, particularly in eastern Sicily. Schools have been closed as a precautionary measure, and citizens are advised to avoid unnecessary travel due to the dangerous conditions. While southern Italy faces these severe storms, the northern regions are experiencing heavy snowfall, with accumulations of up to 30 cm expected in the Alpine areas.
Weather Extremes Highlight Climate Challenges
The simultaneous occurrence of Tropical Storm Sara in Central America and severe storms in Italy underscores the increasing unpredictability and severity of weather patterns attributed to climate change. Both regions are facing significant challenges as they navigate the impacts of extreme weather events, from flooding in Central America to torrential rains and snow in Italy. Authorities in both regions are working to mitigate risks and protect vulnerable populations as they brace for continued adverse weather conditions.
