NEMO PRESS RELEASE #3 – October 25th 2011 – At 9:00am the center of Hurricane Rina was located near 17.4 N, Latitude and 83.9 W, Longitude or about 284 miles east of Belize. Hurricane Rina is heading west northwest at 3 mph with maximum sustained winds of 105 mph. TS force winds extends out to 115 miles and Hurricane Force Winds extend out 15 miles from the centre. 2-4 inches of rainfall is anticipated. Rina is expected to become to major Hurricane within the next 24 hours.
The NEMO National Executive Committee met at 6:30 am this morning and discussed the projected forecast, reports and advisories. Hurricane Rina has moved both westward and northward closer towards Belize.
This morning at 6:25 a.m. 42 people were evacuated from Caye Caulker. The UB Scarlet Macaw building has been prepared to shelter the evacuees from Caye Caulker. 234 people were evacuated from San Pedro. The UB Gymnasium has been prepared to shelter the evacuees from San Pedro.
The Coast Guard has been warning and evacuating people from the atolls and surrounding Caye’s. The public is advised that prevailing Sea and Wind conditions can change suddenly even when the Sky is clear. People who do not evacuate when the conditions are favourable must be aware that there will be no evacuation by NEMO once the weather conditions do not permit.
NEMO remains at Phase II-Red 1, Hurricane Watch from Belize City Northward to the Belize/ Mexican Border.
NEMO remains on full alert as it continues to monitor Hurricane Rina which has the potential to further strengthen. NEMO urges the public to pay keen attention, listen to your local radio and television for further advisories from NEMO and the National Met Service. Rina is likely to become a powerful Hurricane. Stay alert! Stay tune! Take the necessary actions!
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