Tropical Depression 19 has strengthened and become Tropical Storm Sara, according to the latest report from the National Hurricane Center (NHC) of the United States.
Sara now has maximum sustained winds of 65 km/h (40 mph), with stronger gusts.
Authorities are warning of heavy rainfall, potential catastrophic flooding, and landslides in several areas of Central America, particularly in Honduras, where the storm is expected to begin impacting the eastern coast in the coming hours.
At 1:00 p.m., the center of the depression was located 330 km east-southeast of Isla Guanaja, Honduras, and about 85 km northeast of Cabo Gracias a Dios, on the border between Honduras and Nicaragua.
The phenomenon continues to move westward but has slowed down, now traveling at 19 km/h (12 mph), which is 5 km/h less than its previous speed.
According to forecasts, Sara will continue her course towards the west, approaching the eastern coast of Honduras throughout the day today.
On Friday night and throughout the weekend, the system is expected to move irregularly near the northern coast of Honduras, also affecting Belize, Guatemala, and western Nicaragua.
Although a slight strengthening of the system is expected while it remains over water, its intensity may vary depending on atmospheric conditions.
Cuba and Florida are on alert despite being outside the immediate path.
Meteorologist José Rubiera warned in his latest report on his YouTube channel that western Cuba and central and southern Florida should closely monitor the development and progression of Tropical Storm Sara, and he explained the reasons for this.
Rubiera detailed that, although the current movement of the phenomenon is clearly toward the west, it is expected that after remaining relatively stationary due to unfavorable atmospheric conditions, the phenomenon could begin a turn toward the northeast next week as it interacts with an expected trough.
Current alerts and warnings
Tropical storm warning: The northern coast of Honduras, from Punta Sal to the border with Nicaragua, as well as the Bay Islands.
Tropical storm warning: The northeastern coast of Nicaragua, from Puerto Cabezas to the border with Honduras.
Rain and flooding:
In northern Honduras, Tropical Storm Sara could bring accumulations of between 10 and 20 inches (25 to 50 cm) of rain, with possible peaks of up to 30 inches (75 cm). These rains pose a significant threat of flash floods and landslides, particularly in mountainous regions and areas prone to such events, like the Sierra La Esperanza.
In the rest of Honduras, as well as in Belize, eastern Guatemala, western Nicaragua, and parts of El Salvador, rainfall accumulation is expected to range from 5 to 10 inches (12 to 25 cm), with some areas reaching up to 15 inches (38 cm). These conditions may lead to dangerous flooding and landslides in the affected regions, particularly in mountainous or low-lying areas.
Strong winds:
Tropical storm winds, reaching up to 65 km/h (40 mph), are expected in the areas under warning in the coming hours, with the possibility of stronger gusts in coastal regions. Residents should secure structures and take precautionary measures, especially in homes and areas with high wind exposure.
Cyclonic surge and destructive waves:
Along the northern coast of Honduras, storm surges can raise water levels by 1 to 3 feet above normal tide levels in the affected coastal areas. This increase in water, combined with the intense and destructive waves generated by the storm, could lead to coastal erosion and pose dangers to communities and vessels.
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