Tropical Storm Sara, initially perceived as a threat to Florida, is now predicted to lose strength significantly as it approaches Belize this weekend, according to meteorologists.
Forecasters have confirmed that Tropical Storm Sara will not pose a danger to Florida or the broader U.S. coastline. The storm is anticipated to diminish quickly after making landfall over Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Initially, the storm’s path suggested minimal interaction with land, potentially allowing it to intensify before veering northeast toward Florida.
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has reported that Sara, having stalled near Honduras, will move inland over Belize on Sunday. It is expected to weaken rapidly during its progression across the Yucatan Peninsula, ultimately dissipating within 72 hours.
As of the latest update, Sara was positioned 25 miles southeast of Isla Toatan, Honduras, with sustained winds of 45 mph. Despite being stationary after moving at a mere 2 mph on Friday, the storm’s effects could be felt up to 115 miles from its center. The NHC has issued tropical storm warnings for regions including the northern coast of Honduras, the Bay Islands, and parts of Guatemala, Belize, and Mexico.
Should Sara remain offshore from Honduras, a slight increase in strength is possible; however, significant weakening is anticipated post-landfall. The NHC highlighted severe flooding and mudslides on Friday evening in parts of Central America due to the storm.
Next week, remnants of Sara’s moisture are expected to enter the Gulf of Mexico, moving towards Florida. This will likely bring rainfall but no severe tropical weather to the region. It’s important to note that hurricane season will continue until November 30.
While Tropical Storm Sara once posed a potential threat, its rapid weakening as it approaches land has significantly reduced any risk to the United States, allowing residents to breathe a sigh of relief.
Source: Sun-sentinel
