San Pedro Braces for Tropical Storm Alex

The residents of San Pedro Town are busy today preparing for tropical storm Alex which is heading towards Belize and the Yucatan Peninsula. A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the coast of Belize and the east coast of the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico from Chetumal to Cancun and the islands of Roatan, Guanaja and Utila in the Honduras. A tropical storm watch is in effect for the coast of Honduras from Limon westward to the border of Honduras and Guatemala.

Alex is expected to reach Belize around 8PM tonight, move across the Yucatan Peninsula on Sunday and is expected to be in the Bay of Campeche by Sunday night or Monday morning. Maximum sustained winds remain near 45 mph with higher gusts. Some slight strengthening is possible before Alex moves inland later today followed by weakening as the cyclone moves over land.

Alex is expected to produce total rain accumulations of 4 to 8 inches over the Yucatan Peninsula, eastern Guatemala and much of Honduras and Belize through Sunday evening. Isolated maximum amounts of 15 inches are possible over mountainous areas. These rains could cause life-threatening flash floods and mudslides.

Water levels along the canals are already rising into the streets.

Large Tropical Storm Alex Heading Toward Northern Belize

NEMO Press Release # 5 -Tropical Storm Alex
By NEMO Information Unit
Jun 26, 2010, 11:00 am


LARGE TROPICAL STORM ALEX HEADING TOWARD NORTHERN BELIZE

At 9:00 am the center of Tropical Storm Alex was estimated to be near latitude 17.3 N and longitude 86.1 W. This position is about 140 miles east of Belize. Alex is moving west northwest at 9 mph and is expected to continue on that track for the next 24 hours. Maximum sustained winds are now 45 mph with further strengthening expected. However, strengthening will be limited due to the storms proximity to land.

Tropical Storm force winds will start affecting the northern and central cayes at about 2:00 pm local time this afternoon.

Storm surge of 3 to 5 feet is expected along the northern coast and cayes. Sea conditions will become rough. A small craft warning is in effect.

Rainfall of approximately 4 to 8 inches is expected over Belize through Sunday evening. These rains can produce life threatening flash floods in Southern Belize. Localized flooding can be expected in communities in San Pedro, Caye Caulker, Orange Walk Town, Belize City, and other low-lying areas. Persons residing in these areas are advised to take all necessary steps to secure their families and their homes.

Mariners and fisher-folk seeking safe harbour are advised that the Belize City Swing Bridge will be opened at 11:00 am and at 4:00 pm today.

The NEMO hereby continues to advise the public to listen to local radio and television stations for official updates on Tropical Storm Alex. The NEMO Hotline number is 636.

The next NEMO advisory will be issued at 6:00 pm this evening.

The National Met Service will continue to issue weather bulletins.

:- End of Release:-

1st Annual Furry Animal Ball "FAB" Postphoned

The FAB Ball, organised by Friends of the Humane Society, has been postponed due to bad weather. It will now be held on Saturday the 3rd of July –next week. The entertainment have all offered to come back to show their support and it will be even bigger and better. So, everyone now has one more week to find their most FABulous outfit. It is going to be a wonderful party!

For tickets or more information please contact Sharon at Lime Bar & Grill at 226-4152 or by email at fothsbelize@gmail.com

NEMO Issues Tropical Storm Watch

Date: Friday, 25 June 2010 Time: 3:00 P.M.

NEMO PRESS RELEASE No. 2

The area of disturbed weather over the northwest Caribbean has become better organized. The possibility of Tropical Cyclone formation in this area over the next 48 hours has increased to 80 percent.

The National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) has put into effect a Tropical Storm watch for the entire coast of Belize as of 3:00 pm today. A Tropical Storm watch means that tropical storm conditions are likely to affect the country within the next 36 hours.

People along the coast and on the cayes are encouraged to evacuate early, once the NEMO declares a Phase.

Mariners and fisher-folk need to make early preparations to seek safe harbour, if the need arises.

Motorists are advised that increased rainfall can cause flash flooding and render roads impassable.

The general public is being advised to:

Review your emergency plans (family, community, business)

Ensure you have adequate food, water and medicine

Make early preparations to seek shelter if necessary. If you need to seek shelter, know where you are going. Make sure to inform relatives and friends of your plans, whereabouts and intended destination.

Public Officers are encouraged to be alert and ready in the event they need to report for duty.

The public is further advised to listen to local radio and television stations for official updates from the NEMO and the National Met Service.

The next advisory will be issued at 9:00 pm.

:- End of Release:-

Fire in San Pedro!!

Fire trucks were heard at the very busy intersection of Tarpon Street and Pescador Drive where a two storey wooden structure, housing Casa Cayo Real Estate among other businesses was under fire. At 2:40pm, June 25th, 2010, the San Pedro Fire Department received a call of a fire at a building located at the corner of Pescador Drive and Tarpon Street.

Officials arrived to find smoke and fire coming from the local eatery/internet cafe Full Chevere. They quickly managed to get the fire under control. After their investigations, it was concluded that the fire started from a microwave in the kitchen area of Full Chevere, and spread to the internet/eating area. Smoke damage extended to the other businesses surrounding the cafe, namely Casa Cayo Real Estate, San Pedro Pharmacy, and the living area upstairs.

The building was insured.

The Reef Radio deejays (DJ Habo & DJ Polo - y su mini Polo) were on the scene and reported live on air for their listeners.

Traffic was backed up as the entrance to Barrier Reef Drive was blocked as officials tried to bring the fire under control.