ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Sara has officially weakened to a tropical depression as it continues to move over portions of the Yucatan Peninsula.
As of the latest advisory, the system is about 55 miles west of Belize City. The governments of Guatemala, Belize and Mexico have discontinued all Tropical Storm warnings for their coastal region.
While Sara has weakened, heavy rainfall will continue over portions of the Yucatan Peninsula. The system's present movement was clocked at 8 mph and maximum sustained winds have decreased to 35 mph, NHC said.
Additional rainfall amounts of 1-3 inches are expected over northern Honduras with storm total amounts locally as high as 40 inches, according to forecasters. The risk of catastrophic and life-threatening flooding will continue in that region, especially along the and near the Sierra La Esperanza.
What about Florida?
According to 10 Tampa Bay's most recent forecasts, the system is expected to arrive in Florida as a weak rainmaker by this coming Wednesday. This is welcomed news as the Sunshine State continues recovery efforts from recent back-to-back hurricanes Helene and Milton.
As Sara becomes absorbed by an approaching cold front, widespread showers to occasional bouts of moderate to heavy rain with expected totals ranging between 2-3" are expected for Tampa Bay Wednesday. Although the flood threat is low, it is not zero. This is the time of year when tides are typically higher, and some local waterways took a beating during Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton. If you live by a local river prone to flooding, be on the lookout for possible rising water levels with any consistent rain we receive on Wednesday.
As of Nov. 17, 2024, there are 13 days left in this year's hurricane season.
To learn more about hurricane categories and what they mean, click here.
