Caribbean Sea – Tropical Depression #15: The area of low pressure located over the south-central Caribbean Sea has developed into a tropical depression. The depression is expected to move west to west-northwestward and steadily strengthen for the next 48 hours and pass over or near the coasts of northeastern Nicaragua and eastern Honduras and possibly become a hurricane over the weekend. A Hurricane Watch and a Tropical Storm Warning have been issued for these areas. Interests in Nicaragua and Honduras need to rush preparations.
Interests on and around the Yucatan Peninsula should prepare for this storm as it could be a hurricane by the time it arrives late this weekend. Interests traveling to the Yucatan Peninsula may face travel delays or cancelations beginning Sunday.
At 200 PM EDT (1800 UTC), the center of Tropical Depression Fifteen was located about 485 miles (775 km) east of Puerto Cabezas, Nicaragua. The depression is moving toward the west near 15 mph (24 km/hr) and this general motion is expected to continue for the next 48 hours. On the forecast track, the center of the cyclone is expected to be near the Nicaragua/Honduras border late Friday or early Saturday morning.
Maximum sustained winds are near 35 mph (55 km/hr) with higher gusts. Strengthening is forecast during the next 48 hours and the depression could become a tropical storm later tonight or Friday.
Watches and Warnings:
A Hurricane Watchis in effect for...
* Puerto Cabezas, Nicaragua to Limon Honduras, including the offshore islands.
A Tropical Storm Warningis in effect for...
* Puerto Cabezas, Nicaragua to Limon Honduras, including the offshore islands.
Threats & Damages
Wind...Tropical storm conditions are expected to first reach the coast within the warning area by Friday night making outside preparations difficult or dangerous. Expect power outages and minor damage to poorly built structures.
Storm surge...A storm surge is expected to produce some coastal flooding near and to the north of where the center makes landfall. Near the coast, the surge will be accompanied by large and dangerous waves.
Rainfall...The depression is expected to produce total rain accumulations of 6 to 10 inches over portions of Nicaragua and Honduras. This will most likely trigger life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides.
Traveling to Nicaragua and Honduras – Expect flight delays and / or cancellations. Roads in the region may be closed due to flooding and mudslides.
Long Term Forecast
Early computer models has the storm tracking along the coast and steadily strengthening and could be a hurricane by the time it reaches the Yucatán Peninsula.
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Severe Weather Advisories is a subscription based service provided by the Swinden Group, LLC to corporations and business travelers so that they are prepared for severe weather that may negatively impact business and travel.
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