Tropical Storm Gamma Continues Moving Slowly Towards The Northwest And Generally Towards Northern Belize.

The Preliminary Phase Of The Hurricane Emergency Plan For Belize Is In Effect.

A Tropical Storm Warning Is In Effect For The Country Of Belize. This Means That Tropical Storm Force Winds Are Possible In This Area Within The Next 24 Hours.

At 6:00 Am The Centre Of Tropical Storm Gamma Was Located Near 17.1 Degrees North Latitude And 86.3 Degrees West Longitude Or About 130 Miles East By South Of Belize City, 125 Miles East-Southeast Of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye And 130 Miles East Of Dangriga Town.

Gamma Is Moving To The North-Northwest At 6 Miles Per Hour (Mph). A Gradual Turn To The North Is Expected Later Today Or Tonight.

Maximum Sustained Winds Are Near 45 Mph And A Slight Increase In Strength Is Possible During The Next 24 Hours. Tropical Storm Force Winds Extend Outward Up To 105 Miles From The Centre Mainly North Of The Center.

Residents On The Cayes And Along Coastal Areas Should Be Prepared For Gusty Winds, Very Rough Seas And Torrential Rain. The Marine Community Is Ordered To Remain In Harbour Until Further Notice. Waves Of 9 To 12 Feet Are Possible.

Persons on The Mainland Living In Low Lying Areas Or Along Rivers And Creeks Should Be Prepared For Rapidly Rising Waters And Life Threatening Flash Floods. Rainfall Totals Of Up To 15 Inches Are Possible In Some Areas Over The Next 24-36 Hours.

Vehicular Traffic Is Advised To Exercise Extreme Caution As Visibility Will Be Reduced In Heavy Rain And Low Lying Areas Will Become Flooded. Gusty Winds Will Make Vehicles Unstable.

The Next Advisory On Gamma Will Be Issued By The National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) At 9:00am Today.

NEMO BELIZE 19 NOV 2005

END