The center of Tropical Storm Matthew made landfall this afternoon at about 1:00pm approximately 60 miles south of the Belize City at a reduced to intensity, with winds measuring at 35mph sustained winds with higher gusts, and with a central pressure of 1003 milli-bars.
There are some reports of flooding across the country, with damages centrally concentrated in the south of the country. As of present no fatalities have been officially reported. Reports of two vessels leaving early this morning, en route to Belize City were confirmed. Around 10:30am, the vessels arrived safely in Belize City.
In San Pedro, there were flooding in most of the low lying areas, including Boca Del Rio, San Marcus and immediately across the bridge leading northward. Wave height beyond the reef was estimated to be around 12 to 15 feet and hitting the shores of the island at about 4 feet.
According to Mr. Winston Panton of San Pedro’s National Emergency Management Organization, (NEMO), residents of San Pedro should expect to experience continuous rainfall for the next 12 to six hours. No major concerns, however, three classrooms at the San Pedro High School have been opened to accommodate individuals whose homes have been inundated, and that are in need to clean dry area.
The Cut at Boca Del Rio became what seemed like a River with strong currents.
Although San Pedro was spared a direct hit from Tropical Storm Matthew, which headed to southern Belize instead, the island is still seeing high seas and lots of rain. The storm is on a steady course and weather should improve later in the day.
