Rainfall in North ‘unprecedented’ – and more to come, says National Meteorological Service

Published by BBNTEAM at June 22, 2022

Tags

Posted: Wednesday, June 22, 2022. 9:46 am CST.

By Aaron Humes: Even as the skies clear, the National Meteorological Service (NMS) and National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) are counting the cost of ‘unprecedented’ rainfall that took place starting last Thursday as a result of a disorganized system.

Chief Meteorologist Ronald Gordon noted in Monday’s press briefing that the weather station at Tower Hill recorded 141.8 millimetres or five and a half inches of rainfall – up to three-quarters of the normal total for the month of June, about 200 millimetres [7.98 inches].

Certain rivers in the South according to NEMO chief Shelton Defour will be prone to flash floods, particularly the Blue Creek, Moho River, Deep River and others. NEMO is also monitoring rainfall in Guatemala that would contribute to potential flooding of the Macal, Mopan, Belize and Sibun Rivers.

Gordon stated that Met Service weather stations in the area measured 10 to 13 inches of rainfall from the system, with more to come from the tropical wave that was crossing the country starting on Monday: “The conditions will remain very moist or very wet to put it in that term and very unstable over the next few days. We have a Tropical Wave which is near us and moving very slowly. So, that system will continue to dump heavy rainfall across the country. Indications are that the districts that have been affected already will continue to be affected. As a matter of fact, the models are indicating 2 – 3 inches with higher amounts, locally higher amounts, daily, for today and Tuesday with amounts decreasing sound Wednesday and a likely return to better weather in the latter part of the week. That is Thursday and Friday.”

Gordon added that with the ground already saturated, the continued rainfall will inundate the area and there is the possibility of even more rainfall on top of predictive models.

NEMO chief Shelton Defour advised residents of potentially flooded areas and low-lying areas to ensure that they can put themselves in a safe position. He advised that assessments are being conducted in affected areas but noted that at the moment the waters are receding. NEMO’s emergency number is 936.

Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Belize ~ We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages. Your content is delivered instantly to thousands of users in Belize and abroad! Contact us at mаrkеtіng@brеаkіngbеlіzеnеwѕ.соm or call us at 501-612-0315.