Lessons from Tropical Storm Nadine - Ambergris Today (original) (raw)
This year, we’ve seen just how unpredictable storms can be, with Hurricane Milton and Helene escalating to dangerous Category 5 hurricanes. Tropical Storm Nadine, though not as strong, delivered an important lesson: never underestimate even a tropical storm that can sneak up from right in front of you. With just a little more time over water Nadine could have become a hurricane and slammed us with more destructive power; Belize is blessed.
Belize expected only a tropical depression, but Nadine surprised us with gusts up to 40 mph, downing trees, lifting roofs, and causing flooding. San Pedro residents hunkered down since early morning, Saturday, October 19, when Nadine made landfall into the country. The seas got rough, it rained pretty hard and the unexpected winds from the storm did move stuff around, but overall damage was minimal and we breathed a sigh of relief as Nadie made its way across the country and into neighboring Guatemala.
The mainland saw submerged neighborhoods, roads and highways and some damage to homes, although not extensive. The key takeaway? Storms, no matter how small, require preparation. Nadine’s unpredictability highlights the need to stay vigilant throughout the hurricane season.
After the storm passed, things quickly got back to normal in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye
Post Tropical Storm operations: the Belize Coast Guard conducts medical evacuation for one US national who got injured while riding out the storm on his sailboat
Flooding in the Corozal District
Tropical Storm Nadine Taught Us:
- Tropical storms are unpredictable.
- Even weaker storms can cause significant damage.
- Always be prepared during hurricane season, regardless of forecasted severity.
- These storms area a reminder of the destructive power of nature. As climate patterns shift, we must stay alert and be better prepared for whatever nature throws our way