NATIONAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ORGANIZATION (NEMO) BELIZE

ADVISORY NO. 13    20 NOV 2005   9:00 AM

TROPICAL DEPRESSION GAMMA

GAMMA becoming less organized as it lingers to the east of Rotan.

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

at 9:00 am the centre of now tropical depression gamma was located near 16.9 degrees north latitude and 85.3  degrees west longitude or about  195 miles east by south of Belize city, 190 miles east-southeast of San Pedro, ambergris Caye and 240 miles east by north of Punta Gorda.

Gamms is drifting towards the northwest at 3 mph, and a slow erratic drift towards the north or northwest is possible today.

Maximum sustained winds have decreased to 35 mph. further weakening can be expected and gamma could dissipate with the next 24 hours.

Gusty winds are likely in showers and seas will remain rough with waves or swells of 6 to 8 feet possible. The marine community is advised to remain in safe Harbour until further notice.

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 36 hours or so. This is likely to produce floods on the Macal 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 caution as low lying areas may become flooded.

The next advisory on Gamma will be issued by the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) at 3:00 pm today.                   

NEMO BELIZE 20 NOV 2005

END