Skip to content
Hurricane Beryl

Hurricane Beryl: Record-Breaking Storm Threatens Central America

A look at Hurricane Beryl’s potential impact on Central America, including tropical storm watches for Belize, heavy rain forecasts for Costa Rica, and preparedness alerts for Honduras and Guatemala.

Hurricane Beryl is moving towards Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula as a powerful Category 4 storm, where it’s expected to make landfall later this week. As of today, the storm’s projected path and expected impact have prompted preparations and warnings across several Central American countries.

Belize on High Alert

In response to Hurricane Beryl’s approach, the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) has issued a Tropical Storm Watch for Belize, covering Belize City to Corozal, including the islands of Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker. This watch indicates that tropical storm conditions, including strong winds and heavy rainfall, are possible within the next 48 hours.

The National Hurricane Center forecasts rainfall totals of 2 to 6 inches, with localized amounts up to 8 inches, over the Yucatan Peninsula into northern Belize late Thursday through Friday, potentially causing flash flooding.

The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) has urged all tourism stakeholders in the affected areas to remain vigilant and prepare to activate their storm response plans if necessary. “We encourage everyone to stay informed and follow official advisories from NEMO and the NOAA National Weather Service regarding the latest updates on Hurricane Beryl,” said a BTB representative. In the meantime, Tropic Air has announced the suspension of all flights effective end of day today.

Weather Alerts in Honduras and Guatemala

The U.S. Embassy in Honduras has issued a weather alert for the north coast and Bay Islands, anticipating rain and tropical storm winds as early as today. It’s advising residents to seek shelter, update travel documents, and prepare emergency kits.

While Guatemala is not expected to take a direct hit from Hurricane Beryl, the country’s disaster management agency, CONRED (Coordinadora Nacional para la Reducción de Desastres) is urging residents to remain prepared for potential indirect impacts. “Although Hurricane Beryl will not directly affect the country, we must be prepared in case an emergency arises,” said CONRED spokesperson Steffy Barrera.

Costa Rica Prepares for Heavy Rains

Costa Rica is bracing for heavy rains throughout the remainder of the week, influenced by a new tropical wave and the indirect effects of Hurricane Beryl. The National Meteorological Institute (IMN) has forecasted an increase in rainfall starting Tuesday, expected to persist at least until Friday.

Saturated soils in several regions, including the mountains of the South Pacific, low-lying areas near the Central and South Pacific coasts, and the mountains of the Northern Zone adjacent to the Central Valley, heighten the risk of floods and landslides. Authorities are urging citizens to take preventive measures and stay informed about weather updates.

Record-Breaking Storm

Hurricane Beryl has made history as the first hurricane of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, rapidly strengthening to reach Category 5 status. It is the earliest Category 5 hurricane ever recorded in the Atlantic basin and has set multiple records for its intensity and speed of development.

As Beryl continues its path through the Caribbean, Central American countries should stay vigilant, prioritize safety, and follow official advisories closely. The potential for significant impact remains high, with heavy rains, strong winds, and the threat of flooding and landslides looming over the region.

CA Staff

CA Staff