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Belize

NEMO declares green phase for Belize following Hurricane Wilma

By NEMO Press Officer

Hurricane Wilma is moving away from Belize.

The government of Belize has declared the all clear for the country of Belize.

The tropical storm warning for Belize has also been discontinued.

At 6:00 am the centre of Hurricane Wilma was located near latitude 20.1 degrees north and longitude 86.3 degrees west or about 179 miles northeast of Corozal town 185 miles north-northeast of San Pedro, Ambergris and 218 miles north-northeast of Belize city.

Wilma is moving toward the north-northwest at 6 miles per hour (mph). The core of Wilma will be very near or over Cozumel this morning and near the northeast coast of Vucatan later today.

Maximum sustained winds are near 145 mph with higher gusts. Changes in strength are likely today.

Hurricane force winds extend 85 miles from the centre and tropical storm force winds 200 miles from the centre.

A weather balloon launched this morning measured 29 knot winds over Belize at 1000 feet (ft) and 53 knot winds at 2000 ft. These strong winds could descend to the surface in showers. Residents across Belize and in particular motorists should exercise extreme caution during these episodes as vehicles could become unstable.

The marine community should remain in port as sea conditions will remain rough. North of Belize City winds will be from the northwest at 20 to 30 kts while south of Belize City it will be 10 to 20 kts. Seas will be rough and waves will be 6 to 9 feet.

Heavy rainfall is still possible. Feeder bands may occasionally cross the country producing intense thundershowers and 5 to 1o inches of rain. Most rivers are below flood stage and falling. The new river is above flood stage near tower hill but falling. However, all rivers will begin to rise if the heavy rains occur. Those in southern Belize would rise rapidly while those in northern Belize would rise gradually. Residents in low lying areas should closely monitor nearby rivers and creeks.

This will be the last advisory issued by the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) on hurricane Wilma.