The National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO), in collaboration with the National Meteorological Service, hereby informs the public that around 10:45 last night Tropical Storm Franklin made landfall with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph on the eastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, north of Chetumal near Pulticub, Mexico.
While satellite imagery of the storm looked ominous and a huge threat to Belize, residents of San Pedro took comfort of spending a good night’s sleep while they were waiting for the wind and rain to pick up. In fact, there was very little rain and practically no high winds recorded. It did get a bit chilly.
Even though the storm was not a hurricane, various businesses like Palapa Bar (above) and Tropic Air (below) decided to secure and board up their buildings
A tropical storm warning has been discontinued for the coast of Belize from Belize City to the Corozal District. NEMO hereby issues the “All Clear” as Franklin is no longer a direct threat to the country.
According to information gathered from the District and City Emergency Committees there are no reports of injuries. A total of 330 persons took to shelters mainly in Corozal, on the cayes, and in Belize City. Approximately 2,157 persons voluntarily relocated from the islands to the mainland.
Tropical Storm Franklin was centered over the southeast Yucatan Peninsula near 19.3North Latitude and 88.5West Longitude or about 63 miles Northwest of Corozal Town. Franklin was moving to the West-North-West at 14 mph with maximum sustained winds of 50 mph and gusts of 65mph. The minimum pressure is 998 millibars. Further weakening is expected as the center moves over land today.
The public is advised to stay on alert for possible flooding due to rainfall associated with the system as it moves slowly due northwest of the country over southern Mexico. Rainfall totals of 2-4 inches with isolated higher amounts are possible.
