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Tropical Storm Sara Impacts Central America and Southern Mexico
Tropical Storm Sara made landfall early Friday along the Caribbean coast of northern Honduras, unleashing heavy rainfall across Central America and southern Mexico after a nighttime arrival.
The storm struck approximately 105 miles west-northwest of Cabo Gracias a Dios at the Honduras-Nicaragua border, particularly affecting the village of Brus Laguna, home to around 13,000 residents, along with several other nearby communities, as reported by the U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami.
By dawn, the hurricane center indicated that Sara was located about 205 miles east-southeast of Belize City, progressing westward at a speed of 9 mph, accompanied by maximum sustained winds of 50 mph.
Current forecasts suggested that Sara would maintain its trajectory before moving out to sea again, potentially posing a threat to Belize’s coastline.
On Sunday, Sara was expected to either pass directly over or close to the popular tourist spot of Roatan, situated off the coast of Honduras. Following this, the storm is anticipated to shift northwesterly towards Belize and the Yucatan Peninsula.
Authorities in Mexico have issued warnings regarding the likelihood of “intense rains” affecting the resort-laden Yucatan Peninsula.
The storm is projected to release between 10 and 20 inches of rain, with certain areas in northern Honduras receiving up to 30 inches. In a 7 a.m. Eastern update, the hurricane center cautioned that heavy rainfall could trigger life-threatening flash floods and mudslides throughout the weekend in Central America.
Sara, marking the 18th named storm of the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season, is expected to persist in the Caribbean over the weekend before gradually moving into the Gulf of Mexico early next week. Subsequent predictions regarding its path remain uncertain, with CBS News meteorologist Nikki Nolan noting that many forecasts indicate it may dissipate after entering the Gulf or over Mexico. However, some projections still suggest a possible trajectory towards Florida.
“Residents of Florida should remain vigilant and stay updated with the latest forecasts,” Nolan highlighted.
The Atlantic Hurricane Season officially spans from June 1 through November 30, typically reaching its peak between mid-August and mid-October. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), an average season produces about 14 named storms, seven hurricanes, and three major hurricanes. This year, NOAA had predicted an “above average” level of activity for the 2024 season.
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