Tropical Storm Sara Likely to Impact Cancun, Could Turn Towards Florida

A storm system gaining strength in the Caribbean is expected to become Tropical Storm Sara in the coming days, and it could significantly affect travel in the region.

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) says the system, currently called Tropical Depression 19, is likely to produce flash flooding and mudslides across Central America, with potential impacts extending through early next week. Areas at risk include parts of Honduras, Belize, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Nicaragua.

As the storm nears the Central American coast, it is expected to reach hurricane strength.

The NHC forecasts the system will then approach Belize and Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, including Cancun, at or near hurricane strength early next week.

“Residents in these areas should monitor the latest forecast updates and ensure that they have their hurricane plan in place,” the NHC said on Thursday.

The big question is whether the storm will shift toward the eastern Gulf of Mexico, which could affect Florida, the Florida Keys, and Cuba, areas that have dealt with a slate of hurricanes so far this year. The NHC reiterated Thursday morning that it is too soon to predict the exact impact on these areas, but residents and travelers should continue monitoring the situation.

Warnings and watches

Here are the official warnings for Tropical Depression 19 as of Thursday morning:

• Hurricane Watch (hurricane conditions possible within 48 hours): Punta Castilla to the Honduras/Nicaragua Border and the Bay Islands of Honduras.
• Tropical Storm Warning (tropical storm conditions are expected within 36 hours): Punta Sal to the Honduras/Nicaragua Border and the Bay Islands of Honduras, the same as the Hurricane Watch.
• Tropical Storm Watch (tropical storm conditions are possible within 48 hours): Honduras/Nicaragua Border to Puerto Cabezas.

Flight waivers

Airlines operating in Central America have issued some waivers ahead of the storm’s arrival.

American Airlines has a waiver for travel through Roatán (RTB) from Nov. 14 through 17. The waiver allows for new travel to be booked from Nov. 18 through 21.

United Airlines has a waiver for travel through four airports—Belize City (BZE), Roatán (RTB), San Pedro Sula (SAP), and Tegucigalpa (XPL)—for all flights Nov. 14 through 18. United is allowing impacted flyers to book new flights through Nov. 25.