Tropical Storm Expected To Hit Colombia’s Atlantic Coast, Caribbean Islands

There is a tropical storm developing in the Caribbean.  Strong winds and heavy rain are expected.  Colombia’s Institute of Hydrology, Meteorology, and Environmental Studies (IDEAM) has issued a red alert and warned local authorities to prepare for flooding and landslides.  The storm is currently expected to make landfall in Colombia on June 30.

The US National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued further guidance today, saying heavy rainfall is expected across the ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao), portions of northern Venezuela, and northeast Colombia through Thursday morning, reaching Nicaragua and Costa Rica by Friday. Areas of flash flooding are expected, along with the potential for mudslides.

Winds up to tropical storm force are expected over the ABC Islands this evening, and tropical storm conditions are expected along the northwestern coast of Venezuela and the northeastern coast of Colombia tonight and early tomorrow.

Hurricane conditions are possible within the Hurricane Watch area along the Caribbean coast of Nicaragua by late Friday, with tropical storm conditions possible by Friday afternoon.

Colombia’s archipelago of San Andrés and Providencia, are directly in the path of the current storm. The islands, especially Providencia, were severely damaged by Hurricane Iota, that struck in November of 2020, with Providencia just reopening to tourists this month.

Actions to Take: 

• Avoid travel to Colombia’s northern coast, San Andres, and Providencia until the storm has dissipated.
• Monitor the local news for updates.
• Seek secure shelter.

Image of Hurricane Iota captured on 15 November 2020, by the VIIRS instrument, aboard the joint NASA/NOAA NOAA-20 satellite.