Tropical Storm Sara Unlikely to Threaten Florida
Floridians can relax as Tropical Storm Sara is expected to weaken quickly and dissipate as it crosses Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula this weekend.
Forecast Track
Previous forecast tracks showed less interaction with land, allowing the storm to strengthen before taking a sharp turn to the northeast toward Florida. However, forecasters now predict that Sara will move inland over Belize on Sunday and quickly weaken while moving over the Yucatan Peninsula.
Current Status
As of noon Saturday, Sara was located 20 miles southeast of Isla Roatan, Honduras and about 125 southeast of Belize City, with wind speeds of 45 mph. Sara “basically stopped moving” Friday, but is now moving toward the west at about 4 mph, the hurricane center said. Tropical-storm-force winds extend out 115 miles from the center.
Future Movement
A somewhat faster motion west-northwestward is expected to begin Saturday afternoon, which should continue into Sunday. On the forecast track, the center of Sara will move into the Gulf of Honduras before approaching Belize tonight. Sara should move onshore over Belize during the day on Sunday.
Weakening Expected
As long as Sara stays offshore of Honduras, it could strengthen slightly as it meanders close to the coast, but it is expected to weaken quickly after landfall.
Tropical Storm Warnings and Precautions
Tropical storm warnings are in place for the Northern coast of Honduras from Punta Patuca westward to the Honduras-Guatemala border; the Bay Islands of Honduras; the Caribbean Sea coast of Guatemala; the coast of Belize; and from Puerto Costa Maya on the coast of Mexico, southward to Chetumal.
Catastrophic Flooding and Mudslides
The hurricane center says there is “catastrophic flooding and mudslides” in parts of Central America.
Florida’s Forecast
Moisture from Sara’s remnants will move into the Gulf of Mexico early next week and be pushed toward Florida, which can expect to see rain but no tropical conditions.
Conclusion
Floridians can breathe a sigh of relief as Tropical Storm Sara is unlikely to pose any threat to the Sunshine State or other parts of the U.S. coast. The storm is expected to weaken quickly and dissipate as it crosses Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula this weekend.
FAQs
Q: Will Tropical Storm Sara affect Florida?
A: No, Tropical Storm Sara is unlikely to pose any threat to Florida or other parts of the U.S. coast.
Q: What is the current status of Tropical Storm Sara?
A: As of noon Saturday, Sara was located 20 miles southeast of Isla Roatan, Honduras and about 125 southeast of Belize City, with wind speeds of 45 mph.
Q: When is Tropical Storm Sara expected to weaken?
A: Sara is expected to weaken quickly after moving inland over Belize on Sunday.
Q: Will Florida see any rain from Tropical Storm Sara?
A: Yes, moisture from Sara’s remnants will move into the Gulf of Mexico early next week and be pushed toward Florida, which can expect to see rain but no tropical conditions.
