Tropical Storm Earl expected to become hurricane by landfall

The storm’s minimum central pressure dipped to 989 this morning, as measured by a NOAA Hurricane Hunter aircraft.

After cutting through Belize, Earl might briefly re-emerge over the Bay of Campeche, though probably not long enough to regain much strength.

Palm Beach Post interactive hurricane tracking map.

In order for Earl to become a hurricane, winds must top 74 miles per hour. The strongest recorded hurricanes to strike Belize – Category 4 and 5 storms – were Janet in 1955, Hattie in 1961, Keith in 2000, Iris in 2001, and Dean in 2007.

A tropical storm warning is in effect for north coast of Honduras from Cabo Gracias a Dios westward to the Honduras/Guatemala border, and north of Puerto Costa Maya to Punta Allen, Mexico. As many as 16 inches (41 cm) are forecast in some areas.

2016 Atlantic hurricane season storm names. Rainfall totals this high could of course result in life-threatening flash floods and mud slides.

A storm surge could raise water levels four to six feet along Belize and the Yucatán.

Tropical Storm Earl, which left a trail of death and destruction in the Dominican Republic, is expected to be a hurricane by the time it hits Belize or extreme southern Mexico, forecasters said Tuesday night.

BELMOPAN, Belize – Tropical Storm Earl neared hurricane force Wednesday as it bore down on the Bay Islands of Honduras and the Caribbean nation of Belize.

Tropical Storm Earl is set for Belize City, however, officials are cautious that the storm could cause damage to nearby areas including Tulum, Felipe Carrillo Puerto, Jose Maria Morelos, Bacalar and Othon P. Blanco. The first was an unusual January hurricane, Alex.

Stay up-to-date on the go with the WECT Weather app!

Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 45 miles per hour (75 kph) with higher gusts.