Lost in Belize wrote:It was fantastic to have happened on to this great site. Thanks for the great information! Us non-US locations appreciate the attention given to our plight, even as most media is biased toward US threats.
Update from Belize: The island of Ambergris caye which is just south of Mexican territoriy is the most threatened. After a direct hit by Keith in 2000, the 10,000 residents of that island and 5,000 or so on Caye Caulker just 10 miles to the south are taking no chances. Nat'l Emergency Management Org (NEMO) has called for evacuation of tourists from the islands, and many residents are voluntarily evacuating early. Most people are focusing on securing boats and water assets at this early stage. There is fear that the circulation may come from the back of the island if the storm hits the Northern Yucatan (Keith's circulation hit the western part of the island after most boat owners had put their boats in ther lee for shelter, destroying hundreds of boats) so most people are moving the boats to the mainland. Belize City is rather quiet, some people are boarding up, but most are on a wait-see mode. The movement of the track somewhat south on the latest advisory is making many nervous, and I expect that tomorrow will be very active with stocking of supplies, boarding up, and movement inland. Belize City is low lying, but historically storm surges have been low because of the 180 mile barrier reef and hundreds of barrier islands dotting the shallow coastline. Belize City has not had a direct hit since Hurricane Hattie in 1961 which all but devastated the city.
First welcome to storm2k.The thread was moved to this one as is about the Yucatan Peninsula.Be safe there and my prayers go to you and your family.