Weather Alert: Countrywide (Belize), Hurricane Beryl Approaching

Weather Alert:

A Tropical Storm Watch remains in effect from Belize City to Corozal, including the islands of Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker.  The watch will remain in place until the system makes landfall.  A tropical storm warning will not be necessary for any parts of Belize.

As of 12:00 PM on July 4, Hurricane Beryl was a Category 2 hurricane located about 331 miles east-northeast of Corozal Town.  Although a direct landfall on Belize is unlikely, this system is likely to continue producing moderate to heavy rainfall across Belize starting today, and continuing through the next 24 to 36 hours as it moves across the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico.  Rainfall totals of 4 to 6 inches are possible with locally higher amounts especially over the northern districts.  This may lead to flooding over lowlying and flood prone areas given that soils in the area are already saturated.  Gusty winds to tropical storm force are possible in the extreme north of the country as the system makes landfall later tonight into Friday morning.  Strong thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds and squally conditions are also possible in feeder bands over other areas of the country.  Sea conditions are expected to become rough with large battering waves especially over the northern offshore areas and operators of small crafts are advised to seek and remain in safe harbour.

Possible Impacts on Power Supply

• Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) issued a message stating that the Comision Federal de Electricidad’s (CFE) transmission system, to which BEL’s grid is connected, should be capable of withstanding Category 2 hurricane winds, but may be susceptible to flying debris.  BEL stated they currently have sufficient in-country capacity to meet peak demand if CFE is unable to supply Belize with power, but notes that some parts of its system remain vulnerable to extreme weather events.

Transportation Updates:

• The San Pedro Belize Express and Caribbean Sprinter Ltd. have cancelled all services on July 4.
• Maya Air and Tropic Air are operating domestic flights.
• Contact your tour operator, transportation provider, accommodations provider, and/or travel agent regarding individual bookings.

We recommend that you continue to closely monitor local conditions via the NEMO at https://site.nemo.org.bz/  and the National Hurricane Center at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)  at https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/  and take appropriate actions such as:

ACTIONS TO TAKE:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts: https://step.state.gov/ 
• Seek secure shelter.  Belize Shelter List: https://site.nemo.org.bz/emergencies/shelters/ 
• Have travel documents up to date and easily accessible.
• Prepare an emergency supply kit: https://www.ready.gov/ 
• Notify friends and family of your safety.
• Visit the National Hurricane Center, for updated storm tracking information.
• Monitor guidelines issued by local authorities and local media for updates.

Assistance:

•  U.S. Embassy Belmopan, Floral Park Road, Belmopan, Cayo, Belize

o  +501 822-4011

o  ACSBelize@state.gov

o  https://bz.usembassy.gov/

• State Department – Consular Affairs Belize  Country Information Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  (STEP) to receive Alerts.

o   888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444

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