By Caribbean News Now contributor
MIAMI, USA — Tropical depression number two formed on Monday in the far western Caribbean Sea and, at 5:00 pm EDT, was 10 miles northeast of Monkey River Town, Belize, with maximum sustained winds of 35 mph, with higher gusts.
According to the National Hurricane Center in Miami, the depression was moving toward the west-northwest near 12 mph and this general motion, with a decrease in forward speed, is expected over the next couple of days.
On the forecast track, the centre will move over Belize and northern Guatemala on Monday night and early Tuesday, and over eastern Mexico later on Tuesday. The depression could emerge into the southern Bay of Campeche by early Wednesday.
Weakening will occur as the centre moves over land on Monday night and Tuesday. Some strengthening is possible by early Wednesday if the centre emerges into the Bay of Campeche.
The depression is expected to produce total rainfall accumulations of 2 to 4 inches, with maximum amounts of 6 inches across portions of Belize, Guatemala, and northern Honduras, along with the Mexican states of Chiapas, Tabasco, Veracruz and the southern Yucatan peninsula. These rains could cause flash flooding, especially in mountainous areas.
Gusty winds to near tropical storm force are possible along portions of the coast of Belize through Monday night.