Tropical Storm Sara affects Central America November 2024. Due to its effects, you may want to consider delaying your travel — or, at least, keep yourself updated as to the latest information pertaining to the weather — if this region is in your travel plans over the next few days.
Tropical Storm Sara Affects Central America: November 2024 Travel Alert
Maximum sustained winds of Tropical Storm Sara — which is currently approximately 30 miles south southwest of Isla Guanaja in Honduras and moving west at a speed of two miles per hour — are at 50 miles per hour, which means that it is a fairly strong tropical storm. Landfall may occur on the coast of central Belize as soon as early in the morning on Sunday, November 17, 2024. This tropical storm is unlikely to strengthen to hurricane strength for its duration.
Because of its very slow forward movement, Tropical Storm Sara will inundate the northern coast of Honduras with both torrential rain and a storm surge. Windy conditions will only further exacerbate the situation.
A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the:
- Northern coast of Honduras from Punta Patuca westward to the border that Honduras and Guatemala share
- Bay Islands of Honduras
- Caribbean Sea coast of Guatemala
- Coast of Belize
- Coast of Mexico from Puerto Costa Maya southward to Chetumal
Substantial precipitation of up to 35 inches is possible across northern Honduras, which is expected to result in potentially catastrophic urban flooding and flash flooding. Meanwhile, up to 15 inches of rain could occur across the remainder of Honduras, Belize, El Salvador, eastern Guatemala, western Nicaragua, and the state of Quintana Roo in Mexico.
Rough surf and strong rip currents are currently affecting much of the Caribbean Sea coasts of much of Central America. A dangerous storm surge of as high as three feet above normal is expected to contribute to the aforementioned significant flooding of portions of northern Honduras with potentially destructive large waves.
Expect windy conditions to occur over much of Honduras, Guatemala, and Belize. An isolated tornado is possible in these areas.
Tropical Storm Sara is currently affecting Honduras. Although November is still technically hurricane season — which ends on November 30 — hurricanes are somewhat rare during this time of year.
Flight Waivers, Delays, and Cancellations
If you are traveling to or from Central America over the next few days, expect delays and cancellations of flights. Keep up to date on the latest information pertaining to this tropical weather system which may adversely affect your travel plans. Better yet, postponing or canceling your trip might be a better option — no matter which mode of travel you plan on taking.
If you have a flight scheduled, your flight may be delayed or canceled — and you may be eligible for a waiver of a fee to change your itinerary. If you are driving in any of these areas, watch out for deteriorating weather conditions and traffic problems.
Here are six airlines which have issued travel alerts as a result of this tropical weather system:
- American Airlines has issued travel alerts for Belize City, Comayagua, Liberia, Roatán, San Jose, and San Pedro Sula for Thursday, November 14, 2024 through Sunday, November 17, 2024; and Thursday, November 21, 2024 is the last day on which tickets must be reissued and rebooked travel must begin.
- Delta Air Lines has issued travel alerts for Belize City and San Pedro Sula for Thursday, November 14, 2024 through Sunday, November 17, 2024; and Wednesday, November 20, 2024 is the last day on which tickets must be reissued and rebooked travel must begin.
- United Airlines has issued travel alerts for Belize City, Liberia, Roatán, San Pedro Sula, and Tegucigalpa for Thursday, November 14, 2024 through Monday, November 18, 2024; and Monday, November 25, 2024 is the last day on which tickets must be reissued and rebooked travel must begin.
- Southwest Airlines has issued travel alerts for:
- Belize City for Thursday, November 14, 2024 through Monday, November 18, 2024; and Monday, December 2, 2024 is the last day on which tickets must be reissued and rebooked travel must begin.
- Liberia for Friday, November 15, 2024 through Saturday, November 16, 2024; and Saturday, November 30, 2024 is the last day on which tickets must be reissued and rebooked travel must begin.
- JetBlue Airways has issued a travel alert for Belize City for Thursday, November 14, 2024 through Sunday, November 17, 2024; and Wednesday, November 20, 2024 is the last day on which tickets must be reissued and rebooked travel must begin.
- Air Canada has issued travel alerts for:
- Cancún and Tulum for Saturday, November 16, 2024 through Sunday, November 17, 2024.
- Liberia for Friday, November 15, 2024 through Sunday, November 17, 2024.
Final Boarding Call
Be sure to contact your airline or transportation provider for the latest information pertaining to your travels — if they are adversely affected — and please: travel safely.
Photograph ©2024 by Brian Cohen.
