UK Foreign Office Tropical Storm Sara warning for Belize issued with airport shut for 3 days

A tropical storm warning is in place for the entire coast of Belize, on the northern coast of Central America. Tropical Storm Sara is expected to hit Belize today, Sunday November 17.

According to the UK's Foreign Office, heavy rainfall is a concern as it could lead to serious flooding. The storm's centre was predicted to hit Belize late morning or around midday, according to the Miami-based National Hurricane Center.

The Hurricane Center's tropical storm warning encompasses Honduras' Bay Islands, the country's northern coast from Punta Castilla to its border with Guatemala, the Caribbean coast of Guatemala, Belize's coast and extends northwards into Mexico's state of Quintana Roo, from Chetumal to Puerto Costa Maya. Up to 10 inches of rain is forecast across the region, which 'will result in areas of flash flooding, perhaps significant, along with the potential of mudslides', warns the Hurricane Center.

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The Foreign Office has issued a warning about travelling to Belize. The country's airport, the Philip Goldson International Airport, closed on Saturday November 16, and expects to re-open at 6am on Monday November 18.

Flights to the southern part of the country have been suspended until an all clear has been issued. Strong gusty winds are also producing rough sea conditions, meaning all water taxi services within areas under the Tropical Storm Warning are suspended until the 'all clear' is given. Some coastal flooding is expected and strong winds may result in minor damage to weak structures.

The Foreign Office says that no travel to Belize can be guaranteed safe, while the storm warning is in place. Tropical Storm Sara drenched the northern coast of Honduras last week, and caused rivers to overflow and leaving some residents trapped in their homes.

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