Tropical Storm Iota to produce heavy rainfall across Belize

By BBN Staff: The National Meteorological Services of Belize and NEMO continue to monitor Tropical Storm Iota in the Caribbean.

As of this afternoon, Iota was centered near latitude 12.7N, longitude 76.2W, or about 495 miles East southeast of Cabo Gracias Adios on the Nicaragua/Honduras border.

The storm is moving to the west-southwest at 5mph with maximum sustained winds of 40mph and a minimum central pressure of 1006 millibars (MB). Iota is forecast to turn to the west later today with a faster forward speed; this motion is expected to continue through Monday.

Strengthening is forecast and this system could potentially develop into a major hurricane before it reaches the coast of northeastern Honduras or Nicaragua late on Monday.

There is still some uncertainty in the track forecast after the system reaches Central America.

However, most of the models are starting to agree that the system will remain over land.

NEMO noted that Iota is still forecast to produce heavy rainfall across Belize with rainfall activity peaking on Wednesday and Thursday of next week.

Rainfall amounts of 8 to 16 inches are possible, especially over southern Belize. This may result in flooding with possible landslides.

People living in flood-prone areas are reminded to safeguard food and valuable items and to turn off their main power supply when their home is at risk of flooding.

Do not remain in areas where latrines are overflowing, due to the floodwaters. If your location is not safe, seek refuge to higher ground; move away from streams and riverside. Do not play or drive in floodwaters.

Do not cross flooded creeks and rivers. Motorists are asked to drive with extreme caution when driving the highways and secondary roads. All drivers are asked to put on their hazard lights when driving through rain.

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