The National Emergency Commission issued a Yellow and Orange weather notice for Potential Tropical Cyclone #18 of the green season, passing through the Caribbean Sea this week.


The natural phenomenon was confirmed by the U.S. National Hurricane Center on Sunday, and it is predicted to intensify into a Tropical Storm by Monday.

The storm is moving through the western Caribbean Sea and continuing to strengthen through the first half of the week. Experts potentially reaching hurricane strength by Wednesday as it nears the Gulf of Mexico.

The next Atlantic storm's name is Rafael.

According to the Weather Institute, the potential tropical storm might indirectly affects the country on Monday, Nov. 4, and last 24 hours until Tuesday, Nov. 5. The weather may improve by Wednesday, Nov. 6.

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.

Almost the whole country is under Yellow Alert. 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.


The Orange Alert was issued to the southern regions of Puntarenas Province. This third-level awareness advises rescue organizations to be on high alert if it is certain that an event or natural phenomenon will cause harm in the alerted areas.


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

Rainfall is expected to vary from 30 to 70 mm in the Guanacaste Province.

Showers may continue between 40 and 80 mm in the Puntarenas Province.

Downpours between 30 and 60 mm are forecasted for the provinces of San José, Alajuela, Heredia and Cartago.

In Limón Province, thunderstorms are expected to range between 30 and 60 mm.

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