Tropical Storm Sara has weakened as it lingers near the coast of Honduras. Satellite imagery shows the storm has become less organized, with decreased convection near its center. Based on the latest data, the storm’s intensity has been downgraded to 40 knots (approximately 46 mph).
Current Situation:
- Sara is currently stationary between the coast of mainland Honduras and the Bay Islands.
- The storm has weakened and become less organized over the past 24 hours.
- Heavy rainfall continues to be the primary threat, with reports of significant flooding in Honduras.
Forecast:
- Sara is expected to begin moving slowly west-northwestward towards Belize by Sunday.
- The storm is forecast to make landfall in Belize within the next 24-36 hours.
- Little change in strength is expected before landfall.
- Sara is expected to weaken further after moving inland over the Yucatan Peninsula.
- The storm is forecast to dissipate within 60 hours.
- Remnants of Sara may interact with a frontal system over the Gulf of Mexico early to mid next week, potentially forming a non-tropical low.
Key Impacts:
- Heavy rainfall: The primary threat from Sara remains catastrophic flash flooding, particularly in Honduras.
- Belize and Yucatan Peninsula: These areas should prepare for potential heavy rain and strong winds as the storm approaches and moves inland.
While Sara is expected to weaken and dissipate, the threat of heavy rainfall and potential flooding remains a significant concern for Central America. Residents in affected areas should continue to monitor the storm’s progress and heed any warnings or advisories issued by local authorities.
Previous Reporting: Tropical Storm Sara is continuing its westward journey, bringing with it the threat of heavy rainfall and potential flooding across Central America. The storm has become slightly more organized, and its center may have reformed offshore overnight, just off the northern coast of Honduras.
The storm’s intensity has been increased to 45 knots (approximately 52 mph). Sara is currently moving west at a slow pace of 4 knots (about 4.6 mph).
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Heavy rains are already impacting Honduras, with reports of significant rainfall and potential flooding. Tropical storm conditions are expected along the northern coast of Honduras, the Bay Islands, the Caribbean coast of Guatemala, and Belize.
Looking ahead, Sara is expected to slow to a crawl today due to a large mid-level ridge to the northwest. This ridge is forecast to shift northeastward on Saturday, allowing Sara to resume a westward to west-northwestward movement towards the Gulf of Honduras. The storm is expected to reach Belize by Sunday.
Some intensification is possible before Sara reaches Belize, with a potential peak intensity of 50 knots (58 mph). However, after moving inland over the Yucatan Peninsula, rapid weakening is expected. Redevelopment in the Gulf of Mexico is considered unlikely, though the storm’s remnants may contribute to increased moisture in the region.
Previous Reporting: Tropical Storm Sara In The Gulf Of Honduras, Remnants May Drift Towards Gulf Of Mexico
Tropical Storm Sara is currently moving westward across the Gulf of Honduras, bringing with it the threat of heavy rainfall and potential flooding. Tracking its exact location has been challenging due to limited observational data overnight.
The storm’s center is currently over water, roughly 40 miles north of the previously estimated position. Despite some observed mid-level rotation, the storm’s intensity remains at 40 knots (approximately 46 mph). Heavy rain is expected to cause life-threatening flash floods and mudslides in Honduras, Belize, and surrounding areas. Tropical storm conditions are expected along the northern coast of Honduras and the Bay Islands.
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Sara is expected to slow down today and turn west-northwestward by late Saturday. This shift in movement is due to a mid-level ridge positioned to the northwest of the storm. The storm is forecast to approach the coast of Belize early Sunday.
Some strengthening is possible, but significant intensification is unlikely due to its broad structure and proximity to land. Sara is expected to weaken rapidly after moving inland over Belize and dissipate over the Yucatan Peninsula.
According to the National Hurricane Center, while some remnants of Sara may linger, redevelopment in the Gulf of Mexico is NOT anticipated.
PREVIOUS REPORTING: Tropical Storm Sara has formed in the Caribbean Sea and could intensify into a hurricane over the next few days. The system is poised to bring heavy rainfall and strong winds to Central America, which could potentially impact parts of the U.S. Gulf Coast.
AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jon Porter says the slow-moving storm poses a dangerous flooding threat in parts of Central America through the weekend.
“We’re concerned about the threat of a life-threatening and catastrophic flooding disaster in Honduras and Nicaragua,” said Porter. “Steering winds will become very weak and allow the storm to meander near the coast of Honduras. This is a bad scenario that will produce downpours with rainfall rates of 4 inches per hour or more. A slow-moving tropical storm over mountainous terrain is bad news. Persistent downpours over the same areas can trigger dangerous flooding and mudslides.”
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Tropical Storm Sara could affect Florida’s west coast by the middle of next week, according to National Weather Service meteorologist Wright Dobbs.
“We are going to see it possibly enter the Gulf of Mexico into early next week,” Dobbs told the News Service of Florida. “Then, a cold front is going to come in from the west. Where it goes from there is still highly uncertain, as well as the strength, but at least everywhere across Florida right now should be prepared for the possibility of a hurricane.”
AccuWeather experts caution that the storm could strengthen into a hurricane if it avoids prolonged land interaction. “A difference of just a few miles could be critical in determining whether the storm intensifies,” said AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jon Porter.
The storm is projected to shift northeast after crossing the Yucatan Peninsula, potentially moving into the Gulf of Mexico.
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“We now expect this storm to spend more time over land in Central America. That will reduce the wind intensity before it reaches the Gulf of Mexico. This storm could be drawn to the northeast by a departing area of high pressure over Florida. A dip in the jet stream over the central U.S. will create a pathway for this storm to be slingshotted toward Florida,” said Porter. “We could see heavy rainfall and flooding concerns in parts of central and south Florida next week. Florida does not need more tropical storm impacts. Many people are still recovering and trying to rebuild from hurricane landfalls earlier this year.”
There remains a possibility that the storm could be significantly weakened by its interaction with land in Central America and the Yucatan Peninsula. If this occurs, the storm may not restrengthen upon reaching the Gulf of Mexico, reducing the likelihood of significant impacts in the U.S.
READ: AccuWeather: Hurricane Threat Looms In The Caribbean, Florida On Alert
Porter advises families, businesses, and emergency officials to stay vigilant and monitor the latest forecast updates, especially with the potential for heavy rainfall and flooding in Florida next week.
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