NATIONAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ORGANIZATION (NEMO) BELIZE

ADVISORY NO. 11    19 NOV 2005   9:00 PM

TROPICAL STORM GAMMA

Gamma remains poorly organized, not strengthening and drifting northeastward off the north coast of Honduras.

The preliminary phase of the hurricane emergency plan for Belize remains in effect.

At 9:00 pm the centre of tropical storm gamma was located near 16.6 degrees north latitude and 84.5  degrees west longitude or about 250 miles east by south of Belize city and San Pedro, Ambergris Caye and 285 miles east of Punta Gorda.

Gamma is moving towards the northeast at 6 mph.

Maximum sustained winds are still near 45 mph and little change in strength is expected for 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 rain. The marine community is advised to remain in Harbour until further notice since waves or swells 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 8 inches have fallen in the Maya mountains during the past 24 hours. This is producing floods on the macaw and Mopan rivers, privassion, barton and roaring creeks, caves branch, sibun and the north Stann Creek river. The wooden bridge in San Ignacio/ Santa Elena has been closed. The Belize river is still rising and will continue to rise.

Vehicular traffic is advised to exercise extreme caution as visibility will be reduced in heavy rain and low lying areas will become flooded.

The next advisory on gamma will be issued by the national emergency management organization (NEMO) at 3:00 am on Sunday.

NEMO Belize 19 Nov 2005

END