Belmopan. September 2, 2020. 5:00 p.m.
The National Meteorological Services of Belize and the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) advise that Tropical Storm Nana was located near latitude 17.0N, longitude 85.9W or about 156 miles east of Belize City. This position is also about 190 miles East-Southeast of Corozal Town, 150 miles East-Southeast of San Pedro Ambergris Caye, 154 miles East of Dangriga and 202 miles East-Northeast of Punta Gorda Town. Nana was moving to the west at 15mph with maximum sustained winds of 60mph and minimum central pressure of 999mb. Some strengthening is still expected before landfall and Nana could become a hurricane later tonight before it reaches the coast.
Nana is forecast to continue moving west with some decrease in forward speed and then a westward to west-southwestward motion is expected tonight. On this track, Nana is expected to make landfall between midnight and 6am early Thursday morning over southern Belize as a category one hurricane. Residents especially those southward of Belize City should be prepared for category 1 hurricane force winds between 74 and 95 mph. This system could also produce rainfall of 3-6 inches with isolated amounts of 8 inches over southern and central Belize which could lead to flash flooding and possible landslides. Residents along coastal areas near the area of landfall should be on the alert for the possibility of a storm surge of up to 3-5 feet. The NMS of Belize will continue to monitor the system and update NEMO and the general public accordingly.
Shelters are opening around the country. We implore all seeking shelter to wear a mask, practice social distance, clean hand regularly and practice good cough and sneeze etiquette. You are encouraged to bring along your food, water and basic needs. Police patrol is requested to monitor fuel stations.
We are asking people not to panic, stay calm, don’t listen to rumours. Stay tuned for and adhere to the official release from NEMO and the National Met Service and stay alert. Prepare, and move without alarm, scare mongering does more harm than good considering some people’s medical condition. NEMO will keep the general public updated. Do not panic Belize we have faced tropical cyclones many times before, the bigger threat is COVID 19 we must wear our masks, social distance and clean our hands and all surfaces on a regular basis. All are advised to seek shelter before last light, batten down and weather the storm. The COVID 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew is still in effect.
