National Emergency Management Organization

“Preserving Life and Property”

ADVISORY NO. 5

As at 10:00 A.M., MONDAY, 7^TH AUGUST 2017

TROPICAL STORM FRANKLIN

The National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) in collaboration with the National Meteorological Service hereby informs the general public that Tropical Storm Franklin with maximum sustained winds of 60mph is now located near  17.7 North Latitude and 85.1W West Longitude or some 205 miles East of Belize City and 165 miles north east of  Half Moon Caye.   The barometric pressure is now at 999 milibars (mb).    Franklin  continues to move to the West-North-West at 14 mph.  The cayes and Corozal district can expect Tropical Storm force winds.     There is a possibility that Franklin could reach Hurricane strength just before making landfall this evening or tonight.   We can expect as much 3-6 inches of rainfall with possible higher amounts, gusty winds, and severe thunderstorms.   The forecast is for heavy rainfall over Belize which is likely to cause flash floods, particularly in the south.   Also expected is damage to properly built  structures, poorly constructed signs, radio/TV masts and antennas.  Minor pier damage disruption to transportation, water, electricity, and telephone can be expected.  We should also be prepared for some loss of livelihood, mudslides and rock falls.

A tropical storm warning remains in effect from Belize City up to the Corozal district.  Shelters will be opened in San Pedro, Caye Caulker, Belize City, Orange Walk and Corozal.  NEMO will be providing a dry safe place to shelter so people are expected to bring along their own food and water.      Bus runs continue from Belize City to northern, central and southern Belize.    Water taxis are still providing service.   The cut off time for water taxis is expected to be about 4 p.m.  An update will be provided before then.    Bus runs will continue until 6 p.m. except for the north, the cut off time is 3:00 p.m. today, all subject to change based on the situation.  Flight delays and cancellation will be sent out shortly.

The general public is advised to make the necessary arrangements to protect life and property.  At risk families are encouraged to voluntarily move away from the coast to weather the storm in a safe, dry place.   If you are exposed to bad weather conditions and flooding move to a shelter or higher grounds, with family or friends.   Check up on family members and neighbours who are in need of assistance.   Do not wait until it’s too late to take action.  People in those areas under a Tropical Storm Watch and Warning are strongly encouraged to put their family emergency plan into action.   Secure water and food,  loose objects, school books and uniforms in plastic.    Never underestimate a tropical cyclone due to its category or strength and where it’s projected to make landfall.  People in places like Gungulung, Afghanistan,   Belama and Vista del Mar, Port and Lake I  use your experiences from Hurricane Earl.

• Fishers and seagoing members of the public are urgently informed to seek or remain in safe harbor.  People on the cayes are encouraged to take the necessary actions to protect life and property.
• Farmers are encouraged to attend to their crops and animals to reduce losses.
• Drivers are urged to drive with extreme caution to avoid accidents due to slippery road conditions.

NEMO emergency coordinators can be reached as follows:

1. Corozal,  Mr.Williard Levy at 623 0237;
2. Orange Walk, Ms.SuliemaCeliz at 605 5046, or Mr. Aragon at 636 6094;
3. Belize District, Mr. Lionel Tillett at 6154834 and Mr. Kevin Pollard at 621 2275;
4. San Pedro, Ms. Vanessa Parham at 632 3698;
5. Belize City, Ms.Timrose Augustine at 600 8672, or Councillor Willoughby (BZCC) at 6309793
6. Belmopan,  Ms. Clare Moody at 630 9791;
7. Cayo, Mr. Al Westby at 630 3224 or Mr. Johnny Ramclam at 625 2526;
8. Stann Creek, Mr. Keith Emmanuel at 615 9711; and
9. Toledo, Mr. Kenton Parham at 630 9787.
10. The NEMO Emergency Hotline is 936.

The public is asked not to panic, listen carefully and take actions based on the advice given by NEMO and the  National Meteorological Service.

:-End of Release:-

National Emergency Management Organization
“Preserving Life and Property”

ADVISORY NO. 4

6:00 A.M. MONDAY, 7TH AUGUST 2017

TROPICAL STORM FRANKLIN

The National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) in collaboration with the National Meteorological Service hereby informs the general public that Tropical Storm Franklin is now located near17.1 North Latitude and 84.2 West Longitude or some 266 miles east south east of Belize City; 255 miles away from San Pedro and 290 miles from Corozal Town. The barometric pressure is 1005 milibars (mb) Franklin is continues to move to the West-North-West at 13 mph with maximum sustained winds near 45 miles per hour. There is a possibility that Franklin could strengthen and reach Hurricane strength just before making landfall.

The projected tracks suggest that this system could impact anywhere from northern Belize to areas along the Yucatan Peninsula late this evening or tomorrow morning. The forecast remains heavy rainfall over Belize which is likely to cause flash floods. We can expect as much 3-6 inches of rainfall with possible higher amounts, gusty winds, and severe thunderstorms.

A tropical storm warning is now in effect from Belize City up to the Corozal district with effect from 6:00 a.m., today. Signal centres commanded by the Police must fly 2 red flags with black centre for all areas under tropical storm warning. NEMO advice is based on actions relative to RED II for those areas under a warning.
• The general public is advised to make the necessary arrangements to protect life and property. At risk families are encouraged to voluntarily move away from the coast to weather the storm in a safe, dry place. If you are exposed to bad weather conditions and flooding move to a shelter or higher grounds, with family or friends. Check up on family members and neighbours who are in need of assistance. Do not wait until it’s too late to take action. People in those areas under a Tropical Storm Watch and Warning are strongly encouraged to put their family emergency plan into action.

• Fishers and seagoing members of the public are advised to seek or remain in safe harbor. People on the cayes are encouraged to take the necessary actions to protect life and property.

• Farmers are encouraged to attend to their crops and animals to reduce losses.

• When it is raining, drivers are urged to drive with extreme caution to avoid accidents due to slippery road conditions.

NEMO emergency coordinators can be reached as follows:

i. Corozal, Mr. Williard Levy at 623 0237;
ii. Orange Walk, Ms. Suliema Celiz at 605 5046, or Mr. Aragon at 636 6094;
iii. Belize District, Mr. Lionel Tillett at 6154834 and Mr. Kevin Pollard at 621 2275;
iv. San Pedro, Ms. Vanessa Parham at 632 3698;
v. Belize City, Ms. Timrose Augustine at 600 8672, or Councillor Willoughby (BZCC) at 6309793
vi. Belmopan, Ms. Clare Moody at 630 9791;
vii. Cayo, Mr. Al Westby at 630 3224 or Mr. Johnny Ramclam at 625 2526;
viii. Stann Creek, Mr. Keith Emmanuel at 615 9711; and
ix. Toledo, Mr. Kenton Parham at 630 9787.
x. The NEMO Emergency Hotline is 936.

The public is asked not panic just listen carefully and take actions based on the advice given by NEMO and the National Meteorological Service.
:-End of Release:-

National Emergency Management Organization
“Preserving Life and Property”

ADVISORY NO. 3

As at 9:30 P.M., SUNDAY, 6TH AUGUST 2017

TROPICAL STORM FRANKLIN FORMS IN THE WESTERN CARIBBEAN SEA

The National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) in collaboration with the National Meteorological Service hereby informs the general public that Tropical Storm Franklin has formed. Franklin is located near 16.4 North Latitude and 83.0 West Longitude or some 100 miles north of the Nicaraguan/Honduras border. Franklin is moving to the West-North-West at 13mph with maximum sustained winds near 40 miles per hour. The projected tracks from the different models suggest that this system could impact anywhere from northern Belize to areas along the Yucatan Peninsula late tomorrow evening or Tuesday morning. The forecast is for heavy rainfall over Belize which is likely to cause flash floods. We can expect as much 3-6 inches of rainfall with possible higher amounts, gusty winds, and severe thunderstorms.

A tropical storm watch remains in effect for Belize City, and effective first light (5:30 a.m.) tomorrow a tropical storm warning will be in effect for all communities north of Belize City up to the Corozal district.
• The general public is advised to make the necessary arrangements to protect life and property. At risk families are encouraged to voluntarily move away from the coast to weather the storm in a safe, dry place. If you are exposed to bad weather conditions and flooding move to a shelter or higher grounds, with family or friends. Check up on family members and neighbours who are in need of assistance. Do not wait until it’s too late to take action. People in those areas under a Tropical Storm Watch and Warning are strongly encouraged to put their family emergency plan into action.

• Fishers and seagoing members of the public are advised to seek or remain in safe harbor. People on the cayes are encouraged to take the necessary actions to protect life and property.

• Farmers are encouraged to attend to their crops and animals to reduce losses.

• When it is raining, drivers are urged to drive with extreme caution to avoid accidents due to slippery road conditions.

NEMO emergency coordinators can be reached as follows:

i. Corozal, Mr. Williard Levy at 623 0237;
ii. Orange Walk, Ms. Suliema Celiz at 605 5046, or Mr. Aragon at 636 6094;
iii. Belize District, Mr. Lionel Tillett at 6154834 and Mr. Kevin Pollard at 621 2275;
iv. San Pedro, Ms. Vanessa Parham at 632 3698;
v. Belize City, Ms. Timrose Augustine at 600 8672, or Councillor Willoughby (BZCC) at 6309793
vi. Belmopan, Ms. Clare Moody at 630 9791;
vii. Cayo, Mr. Al Westby at 630 3224 or Mr. Johnny Ramclam at 625 2526;
viii. Stann Creek, Mr. Keith Emmanuel at 615 9711; and
ix. Toledo, Mr. Kenton Parham at 630 9787.
x. The NEMO Emergency Hotline is 936.

The public is asked to pay attention to the official advisories from the National Meteorological Service and NEMO.
:-End of Release:-

National Emergency Management Organization
“Preserving Life and Property”

      ADVISORY NO. 2

As at 3:30 P.M. , SUNDAY, 6TH AUGUST 2017

POTENTIAL TROPICAL CYCLONE IN THE WEST-CENTRAL CARIBBEAN SEA

The National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) in collaboration with the National Meteorological Service hereby informs the general public that the strong Tropical Wave in the west-central Caribbean Sea has an 80% chance of becoming a Tropical Depression or a Tropical Storm over night. The system with maximum sustained winds near 35mph is moving to the West-North-West at 12mph. The current position is near 15.6 North Latitude and 82.0 West Longitude or some 90 miles East-North-East of Cabo Gracias a Dios, off the Nicaraguan/Honduras border. The center of the potential Tropical Storm is forecasted to make landfall sometime between Belize and Mexico border on Monday or Tuesday morning of this week. The forecast is for heavy rainfall over Belize which is likely to cause flash floods. We can expect as much 6 inches of rainfall with possible higher amounts of up to 12 inches, gusty winds, and severe thunderstorms late Monday evening into Tuesday morning.

A Tropical Storm WATCH is being issued, as a precaution, for the potential Tropical Storm. The area of the watch includes the Belize District, Belize City, the cayes, and parts of the Orange Walk and Corozal districts.

• The general public is advised to make necessary arrangements to protect life and property. If you are at risk to bad weather conditions and flooding be prepared to move to a shelter or higher grounds, with family or friends. At risk families, the elderly, women, children are encouraged to voluntarily move away from the coast to weather the storm in a safe, dry place. Check up on family members and neighbours who are in need of assistance. Do not wait until it’s too late to take action.

• Fishers, seagoing members of the public and people on the cayes are encouraged to take the necessary actions to protect life and property.

• Farmers are encouraged to attend to their crops and animals to reduce losses.

• When it is raining, drivers are urged to drive with extreme caution to avoid accidents due to slippery road conditions.

NEMO emergency coordinators can be reached as follows:

i. Corozal, Mr. Williard Levy at 623 0237;
ii. Orange Walk, Ms. Suliema Celiz at 605 5046, or Mr. Aragon at 636 6094;
iii. Belize District, Mr. Lionel Tillett at 6154834 and Mr. Kevin Pollard at 621 2275;
iv. San Pedro, Ms. Vanessa Parham at 632 3698;
v. Belize City, Ms. Timrose Augustine at 600 8672, or Councillor Willoughby (BZCC) at 6309793
vi. Belmopan, Ms. Clare Moody at 630 9791;
vii. Cayo, Mr. Al Westby at 630 3224 or Mr. Johnny Ramclam at 625 2526;
viii. Stann Creek, Mr. Keith Emmanuel at 615 9711; and
ix. Toledo, Mr. Kenton Parham at 630 9787.
x. The NEMO Emergency Hotline is 936.

The public is asked to pay attention to the official reports and advisories from the National Meteorological Service and NEMO as we continue to report on the potential Tropical Storm.

:-End of Release:-