Informe Meteorológico N°9

Hurricane Iota continues to approach Central America

November 16, 2020

8.30 a.m.

Discussion: Hurricane Iota continues to advance towards the west, it is located 235 km southeast of Cabo Gracias a Dios, between the border of Honduras and Nicaragua; It also remains category 4, with sustained winds of 245 km/h and a travel speed of 17 km/h. During the early morning and early hours of the morning, cloud bands are observed over sectors of the North and South Pacific, which are generating rainfall of variable intensity. The following table shows rainfall data in the last 6 hours:

 

Climatic Region	Accumulated in the last 6 hours (mm)	Maximum amounts recorded (mm)
Central Valley	0-2 mm	Santa Bárbara 0.2 mm
North Pacific	10-122 mm	Nosara 122 mm
Central Pacific	0-5 mm	Río Nuevo, PZ 0.2 mm
South Pacific	0-5 mm	Osa and Pindeco 2 mm
Caribbean	0-1 mm	Irazú Volcano  0.4 mm
North Zone	0-2 mm	San Vicente 0.8 mm

Forecast: Hurricane Iota will continue moving towards northeast Nicaragua, it is estimated that land will enter between Monday night and Tuesday morning. On this day, indirect influence favored by this cyclonic system is expected, therefore:

During the morning, rainy activity of variable intensity is expected in the South Pacific and coastal sectors of the Nicoya Peninsula, amounts between 30-60 mm are estimated, possibly higher accumulated in a localized way. In addition, there is the possibility of weak to moderate rains in the North Zone and mountains of the Central Valley, accumulated between 5-20 mm. No significant rainfall is expected in the rest of the country.

During the afternoon and night, heavy rains and downpours are anticipated in all regions of the Pacific, with accumulated between 40-80 mm, with higher amounts on a specific basis. In the Central Valley, the North Zone and the Caribbean mountains, isolated rains and downpours are expected with amounts between 20-40 mm.

Warning: Special attention in South Pacific regions due to high levels of saturation.

Due to the above, the IMN recommends:

• Caution in areas vulnerable to flooding due to sewerage saturation and increased flow in rivers and streams.
• Take shelter in a safe place in case of hearing an electrical storm or perceive strong gusts of wind near the storm clouds, as well as caution against possible falling tree branches, power lines, among others.
• Stay informed through social networks, Twitter: @IMNCR, Facebook: Instituto Meteorológico Nacional CR and the WEB Page: www.imn.ac.cr

Next report: Monday, November 16, 2 p.m.

Rebeca Morera R
Meteorologist
DMSA/IMN

 

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