Julia has just upgraded to category one hurricane status. Its winds are blowing at around 120 km/h, and the system is moving west at a speed of 28 km/h. At the same time, Julia becomes the fifth hurricane of the season – a mark that is usually reached around the third week of September.
It is likely to make landfall in Central America overnight from Saturday to Sunday.
400 mm of rain possible
The storm will lose strength once it makes landfall in Central America. However, it should discharge significant amounts of water. In Nicaragua and Honduras, up to 400 mm of rain is possible, which could cause significant property damage. This deluge is likely to fall in barely 36 hours. Flash floods and landslides are possible throughout the territory.
In addition to Nicaragua and Honduras, the islands of San Andres and Providence are also to watch.
It is not the first time that these regions have been shaken by powerful weather. In 2020, Category 4 hurricane Eta ravaged the region causing more than 200 deaths, mudslides and landslides. Two weeks later, another major storm hit these countries: Iota. The effects of these storms added up to cause a real disaster.