AmbergrisCaye.com Home Forums Talk Belize Weather Tropical Storms & Hurricanes Hurricane Richard

Water has just come back on for now.

Close up view of the track localized for mainland



//ambergriscaye.com/art/richardtrack1010241100.jpg

from a friend....

It is 11.44am, and light rain has just started falling here, a mile north of Monkey River Village. There is still no wind and the sea is flat calm.
The sky to the east and north remains uniformly deep grey, with much lighter cloud to the south.
still watching and listening to the news.

NEMO Public Advisory #7, Hurricane Richard

 At 12:00 midday the center of the Hurricane Richard was located near Latitude 17.1 North, Longitude 87.5 West, located 55 miles East South East of Belize City.  The Hurricane is moving towards the West North West at 13 miles per hour.  Maximum sustained winds remain near 85 miles per hour with higher gusts.  The Hurricane Warning and Phase III of the NEMO Hurricane Preparedness Plan is still in effect for the coast of Belize.

 The center of Hurricane Richard is expected to make landfall on Belize this evening as a Category 1 Hurricane. 

 All public transport operations (buses) have been ceased effective 10:00 a.m. this morning, except for transit buses that will complete their runs to the North at 2:00 p.m. this afternoon.  The safety of the public is of ultimate importance.

 All private motor vehicles are advised to avoid travelling by 1:00 p.m. this afternoon. 

People living in Dangriga and Communities in the Stann Creek District who have not yet evacuated to safety are advised to seek Shelters immediately.

 People living in vulnerable areas within Belize City who have not yet evacuated to safety are advised to seek Shelters immediately.

 People who are planning to leave Dangriga and Belize City and have not done so as yet are advised to seek Shelters immediately.

 o    Travelling to the Cayes is not advised.

o   Mariners are advised not to go to sea.  All vessels should remain in port.

 o   By now all Hurricane plans should be in action.

 o   Remember stay tune to your radio and television over the weekend!

The public is advised to remain vigilant and to be prepared for heavy winds and rains which can cause life threatening floods.  Continue listening to the local radio and television stations for further advisories from the NEMO and the National Met Service.

AP Story

Richard becomes hurricane, heads for tiny Belize
(AP) - 4 hours ago

BELIZE CITY (AP) - Hurricane Richard formed in the Caribbean and steamed toward an expected landfall Sunday in the tiny Central American nation of Belize, where hundreds of people were evacuated as it approached.
A hurricane warning was in effect for Belize and western Honduras, where Richard dumped heavy rains on the coast and the Bay Islands, which are popular with tourists and divers.

The storm's winds strengthened to 85 mph (140 kph), and its center was located about 95 miles (155 kilometers) east-southeast of Belize City, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami.

Richard was moving west-northwest at about 12 mph (19 kph) on a projected path that would take it right at Belize City, according to the center. Forecasters said Richard could strengthen to a Category 2 hurricane before hitting land.
Belize City is full of wooden, tin-roofed houses that are highly vulnerable to strong winds. It was devastated by Hurricane Hattie in 1961, prompting officials to move the capital inland to Belmopan. But Belize City is still the nation's largest population center, with about 100,000 inhabitants - a third of the country's population.

However officials in Belize said they expected Richard to hit somewhat south of the capital, between Belize City and the coastal town of Dangriga. They warned people living in flimsy homes or low-lying areas to evacuate, and shelters at schools and other public buildings began filling up.

The National Emergency Management Organization also urged merchants not to raise prices for people who rushed to stores to stock up on basic necessities as the hurricane approached.

On Roatan, in Honduras's Bay Islands, observers reported winds of up to 58 mph (93 kph). More than 90 people took refuge in shelters in the Bay Islands, which lie between Honduras and Belize.

Lisandro Rosales, the head of Honduras' Permanent Emergency Commission, said no deaths or injuries had been reported in Honduras so far.
But Richard's heavy rains did cause a landslide that blocked a highway in northern Colon province, cutting off about 15,000 residents in 40 small towns. Crews were working to clear the road.

Mexico issued a hurricane watch for its southern Caribbean coast, and while Richard is expected to cross over the Yucatan peninsula and re-emerge in the Gulf of Mexico, forecasters said it is likely to weaken and dissipate over Gulf waters.

Authorities said dangerous floods and mudslides were still possible in Honduras and declared states of maximum alert in four coastal provinces.
The hurricane center said Richard could cause "large, destructive waves" and storm surges of 2 to 4 feet above normal tides in Honduras and Belize. The storm could bring 3 to 5 inches (7 to 13 centimeters) of rain to northern Honduras and as much as 7 inches (18 centimeters) in some spots.
Tropical storm-force winds extended 105 miles (165 kilometers) from the hurricane's center.

I'm worried about my little friend Alex Chavez down there. He's only 12 and lives in the Boca Del Rio area in San Pedro. If anyone knows him please let me know he is safe and how I can help him. We're all worried sick about everyone there! I was here for Katrina and I know what it's like.

I saw Alex earlier he is fine!

Wil Lala: Hurricane Richard is passing just south of us at this time. We have high waves up to the top of the pier with lots of seagrass washing up on shore. Winds are low but rain comes in bands of heavy down pours. Only one inch so far but it feels like more.

Friends in Belize City report that conditions are worsening there rather quickly. Sea very angry, although not yet as high as with Matthew.

Wind is really kicking up right now.

The west eye wall is now about ready to begin crossing over the Turneffe Atoll @ 2:20 Belize Time (GMT-8).

Doppler radar system for Belize is at this link http://www.hydromet.gov.bz/Latest_Radar_Image.htm