Belmopan. September 2, 2020. 9:30 p.m.
The National Meteorological Services of Belize and the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) advise that as of 9 pm local time, Hurricane Nana was located near latitude 17.0N, longitude 87.5W or about 48 miles East of Dangriga Town and 60 miles Southeast of Belize City. This position is also about 70 miles Southeast of San Pedro Ambergris Caye, 113 miles Southeast of Corozal Town, and 107 miles East-Northeast of Punta Gorda Town. Nana was moving to the west at 16mph with maximum sustained winds of 75mph and minimum central pressure of 994mb. Nana is forecast to move west to west-southwest and is expected to make landfall along coastal Stann Creek District after midnight tonight. Residents especially those southward of Belize City should be prepared for hurricane force winds of 75 with higher gusts. This system could also produce rainfall of 4-8 inches with isolated amounts of 10 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 2-4 feet. The NMS of Belize will continue to monitor the system and update NEMO and the general public accordingly. The path of the now better defined forecasted track of Weak Category 1 Hurricane so we can expect to experience strong winds in the next 2 to 4 hours. All are asked to stay indoors as rainfall and wind effects are being felt in the Stann Creek District and other parts of the country. Stay indoors, remain in your shelter.
Shelters are open around the country. The number of people in shelters is 1072 total. Broken down as follows Owk:9, BZC:188, SP: 47, CYO:77, DANG: 314, BMP Surr villages: 82, and TOL: 255. All shelterees must keep on their masks, practice social distance, clean their hands regularly and practice good cough and sneeze etiquette.
Stay tuned for and adhere to the official release from NEMO and the National Met Service and stay alert. All who needed to relocate or are in a shelter should now be hunkering down and weathering the storm. COVID 19 curfew is still in effect.
