Information for Travelers and Residents

Warden Message
U.S. Embassy Belmopan, Belize
June 26, 2010

Tropical Storm Alex

This Warden Message is being issued to alert Americans to the potential
dangers posed by Tropical Storm Alex.

The National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) of Belize has
advised that Tropical Storm Alex is moving towards Belize and the
Yucatan Peninsula. At 6:00 a.m. Tropical Storm Alex was centered near
latitude 17.0 N, longitude 85.3 W. This position is about 200 miles
east of Belize City. The Acting Prime Minister of Belize has declared
Phase III, indicating the storm is likely to strike within 24 hours, due
to its proximity to Belize.

Maximum sustained winds are 40 mph and further strengthening is expected
before making landfall around midnight tonight. Tropical Storm Alex is
moving west northwest at 8 mph and tropical storm force winds will begin
affecting the northern and central cayes at about 2:00 p.m. local time
this afternoon.

Storm surge of 3 - 5 feet and rainfall of approximately 4 to 8 inches
are expected over Belize through Sunday evening. These rains can
produce life-threatening flash floods.

All vessels are strongly advised to seek safe harbor by midday. Persons
on the cayes desiring to move to the mainland are strongly advised to do
so by 12:00 noon today, using vessels 40 ft or larger. Persons residing
in high-risk and flood-prone areas of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, and
Caye Caulker should seek shelter with family and friends or contact the
NEMO District Coodinator at 226-3651/3654 and 666-7476 for information
on where to seek shelter.

The public has been advised to listen to local radio and television
stations for official updates on the progress of Tropical Storm Alex.


For continued updates on flood developments, residents and travelers are
advised to monitor www.nemo.org.bz <http://www.nemo.org.bz> .
Additional media reports may be found at Channel 5 News Belize (
http://www.channel5belize.com/ <http://www.channel5belize.com/> ),
Channel 7 News Belize (http://www.7newsbelize.com/), and the Belize
Tourism Industry Association, http://btia.org/ <http://btia.org/> .



U.S. citizens living or traveling abroad are encouraged to register with
the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department's
travel registration website at
https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/
<https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/> so that they can obtain
updated information on travel and security. Americans without Internet
access may register in person with the nearest U.S. Embassy or
Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the
Embassy to contact them in case of emergency.



For emergencies involving American citizens in Belize, please contact
the U.S. Embassy Belmopan. The U.S. Embassy is located in Belmopan City
on Floral Park Road, telephone from the United States: 011-501-822-4011;
telephone from within Belize: 822-4011 or after working hours at either
610-5030 or 610-5096. You may also contact the Embassy by e-mail at:
[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> . The Embassy's
Internet address is http://www.belize.usembassy.gov/
<http://www.belize.usembassy.gov/> .