The National Emergency Commission issued an Orange Level Alert for practically the whole country due to a Weather Trough formation crossing the Central American Caribbean Coast.

According to the Weather Institute, a Weather Trough is a meteorological phenomenon that causes severe rainfall. 

Weather Troughs are extended regions of low atmospheric pressure that lead to rising air and very elevated cloud formation to later push intense stormy weather.

On Monday, the storm was crossing between Cuba, Honduras and Nicaragua.

More rainfall is expected to continue on Monday, Nov. 11, and last 48 hours until Wednesday, Nov. 13. The weather may improve by Thursday, Nov. 14.

Furthermore, rain has increased as the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ICZ) spans from the Central American Pacific Coast and extends into the Caribbean Coast. Known as the doldrums or the calms, the northeast and southeast trade winds converge, resulting in a lack of breeze and increased rainfall.

The National Emergency Commission issued the Orange Alert in almost all of the country. This third-level awareness advises rescue organizations to be on high alert if it is certain that an event or natural phenomenon will potentially affect in the alerted areas.


The weather alert level to Yellow was issued on the southern zone of the Caribbean Coast (Limón Province). This second-level alert is a warning to rescue staff to be ready for a large-scale natural phenomenon that is forming and is almost certain to impact that specific areas.


As of Sunday, no green or red weather warnings have been issued.

Thunderstorms are expected to vary from 30 to 100 mm in the Guanacaste Province.


Rainfall Showers may continue between 20 and 120 mm in the Puntarenas Province.


Showers between 20 and 60 mm are forecasted for the provinces of San José, Alajuela, Heredia and Cartago.


In Limón Province,  downpours are expected to range between 20 and 60 mm.




Over the weekend, torrential rains triggered flooding around the country, forcing approximately 1,300 people to evacuate to shelters where they were supplied with health care, food, and lodging.

Experts recommend the following preventive measures:

• In the case of downpours, stay away from rivers, lakes and other bodies of water.
  
  
  
• People living in mountain areas should take preventive measures against landslides or material falling from the hills.

• Those under alert should have an emergency evacuation plan in their community, work and home.
  

• Drivers must increase precautions for heavy rain and fog.

• Take precautionary measures in case of thunderstorms, such as taking refuge in a safe place and avoiding direct use of electronic equipment, electrical appliances or electrical cords.

• Stay alert about vulnerable areas to flooding due to sewer saturation or an increase in river flow.

• In case of strong gusts of wind, be on alert for possible falling trees or electrical wires.

• In the event of a landslide, do not walk on the debris, stay away from affected areas and do not return home until authorities verify that it is a safe place.
  

• Stay informed about the alerts issued by authorities.

• Call 911 to report any possible flooding, fallen trees or landslides.
  

A.M. Costa Rica urges readers to share this alert with their communities. 

According to the experts, during November the final rainy days of the current green season will be gradually replaced by sunny days across the country.

The National Institute of Meteorology, or Weather Institute, is the state owned agency that is tasked with providing weather forecasts, warnings of hazardous weather, and other weather-related products to organizations and the public for the purposes of protection, safety, and general information.

The National Emergency Commission (CNE) works with people and emergency professionals to strengthen, sustain, and enhance the county's ability to plan for, defend against, respond to, recover from, and reduce any potential hazards.

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What have you heard about other communities impacted by excessive rain?  We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com