Belize braces for passage of Tropical Storm Franklin

BELMOPAN, Belize, Aug 07 2017 – The Belize government Monday night said that shelters were open to accommodate people as Tropical Storm Franklin moved closer to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country.

The Miami-based National Hurricane Center (NHC) said the storm was moving toward the northwest near 13 mph (20 km/h), and a west-northwestward to westward motion is expected over the next 48 hours.

“On the forecast track, the center will be near the east coast of the Yucatan Peninsula this evening or tonight.  Franklin is then expected to move across the Yucatan Peninsula on Tuesday, and into the Bay of Campeche Tuesday evening or Tuesday night,” it said.

The NHC said that the maximum sustained winds are near 60 mph with higher gusts and some strengthening is expected before the center reaches the Yucatan Peninsula.

The NHC warned that “Franklin could be near hurricane intensity at landfall on the east coast of the Yucatan Peninsula.

In a statement, the Belize government said designated shelters in various locations including San Pedro, Caye Caulker, Belize City, orange Walk and Corozal had already opened to receive people and that a tropical storm warning remains in effect for the country.

It said the bus service from Belize City to northern, central and southern Belize would continue until 6.00 pm (local time) and people should expect flight cancellations and delays.

“The public is asked to remain vigilant, listen carefully to your radios and take action based on the advice given by NEMO and the National Meteorological Service,” the government statement added.

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