HURRICANE LISA ADVISORY NO. 4

As at 7:30 AM, WEDNESDAY, 2nd NOVEMBER 2022

The National Meteorological Service of Belize (NMS) and the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) hereby inform the public that at 6:00 a.m. (local time) Hurricane Lisa was located near latitude 17.2N, longitude 86.7W or about 100 miles east-southeast of Belize City. Lisa was moving to the west at 15 mph with maximum sustained winds of 75 mph and minimum central pressure of 988 mb.

Lisa will continue on a general westward track today and make landfall on Belize later this afternoon. Strengthening is expected and Lisa is expected to be a strong category 1 or minimal category 2 hurricane by landfall on Belize. Landfall is expected near Belize City but residents across the country are reminded to be prepared as a hurricane warning is out for the entire coast of Belize.
Heavy rainfall from this system has already started to affect the country and that will continue today through to Thursday with amounts of 4-6 inches and locally higher values of up to 8-12 inches. This will result in flooding across low-lying and flood prone areas of the country and flash flooding especially over the south. Winds of upper category 1 hurricane strength of 85-95 mph or category 2 strength of 96 -105 mph are expected near the landfall location with a storm surge of 4-7 feet to the north of where the center makes landfall. Strong gusty winds will result in very rough sea conditions with large battering waves.

Residents are advised to continue monitoring this system very closely and follow official information coming from NEMO and the NMS.

• In accordance with the Disaster Preparedness and Response Act to safeguard persons, employers are strongly urged to release non-essential staff so that they may make preparations to secure themselves, their families and property prior to the arrival of the storm. Employers must allow their staff adequate time to make final preparations. A hurricane warning (Red II) has been declared for the entire coast of Belize. A flash flood warning is in effect for the Moho and Temash rivers.
• Shelters are available countrywide including Belize City. (Attached is the list of the first set of shelters). Public Officers are to standby to report for your emergency management duties. Kudos those already working hard.
• The public is advised that borders will close at 2:00 p.m. today. Water taxis have ceased operations and airports closed last night. Seaports closed this morning. Public bus transportation will cease operations today at 10:00 a.m. Movement on the highways today is to be kept to a minimum, essential services need the space to preposition assets and supplies.

NEMO continues to advise the public to put your family/emergency plan into action, check your emergency food and medical supplies, store water, and check on the elderly and persons with disabilities. Secure your homes and your important documents. Secure loose objects and flammable material. Municipalities and the public are advised to clear drains to reduce flooding.

Make early preparations to leave high risks areas; voluntarily relocate to a safe location before the system makes landfall if you live in a low-lying area or a vulnerable coastal community. Know which shelter you will go to.

Residents are advised to continue monitoring this system very closely and to follow official information coming from NEMO and the NMS. Stay tuned for the National Met Service weather bulletins and the NEMO advisories.

NEMO’s emergency hotline is 936 (NEMO Offices countrywide contact information is attached, to be read to the public). Stay alert, be prepared. Get ready tomorrow to weather the storm in a safe place. Don’t panic, just be prepared!

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