Tag Archives: Honduras

Tropical Storm Pilar Stalls Southwest of El Salvador

Tropical Storm Pilar stalled southwest of El Salvador on Tuesday evening. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Tropical Storm Pilar was located at latitude 11.9°N and longitude 89.4°W which put it about 125 miles (200 km) south of San Salvador, El Salvador. Pilar was moving toward the north at 2 m.p.h. (3 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 75 m.p.h. (120 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 994 mb.

A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for the entire coast of El Salvador. A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for the Pacific coast of Honduras including the Gulf of Fonseca. A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Puerto Sandino, Nicaragua to the border with Honduras.

Tropical Storm Pilar intensified a little more on Tuesday. Even though the wind speed increased, the distribution of thunderstorms in Pilar remained asymmetrical. The strongest thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the northwestern part of Pilar’s circulation. There were also thunderstorms in the northeastern part of Tropical Storm Pilar. Bands in the southern half of Pilar’s circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 90 miles (145 km) from the center of Tropical Storm Pilar.

Tropical Storm Pilar will move through an environment that will be marginally favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Pilar will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C. It will move under the southern part of an upper level ridge over the Northwestern Caribbean Sea. The upper level ridge will produce easterly winds that will blow toward the top of Pilar’s circulation. Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear. The wind shear will inhibit intensification. If the wind shear increases, it could cause Tropical Storm Pilar to weaken a little on Wednesday. Otherwise, Pilar could maintain its intensity during the next 24 hours.

A large high pressure system over the eastern U.S. extends across the Gulf of Mexico to eastern Mexico. The high pressure system will start to steer Tropical Storm Pilar back toward the west during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Pilar will start to move farther away from El Salvador on Wednesday. Bands in the eastern part of Tropical Storm Pilar could bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to the coast of El Salvador, southwestern Honduras and northwestern Nicaragua. Prolonged, heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Tropical Storm Pilar Edges Closer to El Salvador

Tropical Storm Pilar edged closer to El Salvador on Monday. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Storm Pilar was located at latitude 11.3°N and longitude 90.9°W which put it about 200 miles (325 km) southwest of San Salvador, El Salvador. Pilar was moving toward the east-northeast at 5 m.p.h. (8 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1000 mb.

A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for the entire coast of El Salvador. A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for the Pacific coast of Honduras including the Gulf of Fonseca. A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Puerto Sandino, Nicaragua to the border with Honduras.

Tropical Storm Pilar intensified a little on Monday, but the circulation was still poorly organized. Thunderstorms weakened near the center of Pilar’s circulation. New thunderstorms were forming in bands in the northeastern part of Tropical Storm Pilar. Bands in the other parts of Pilar consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 70 miles (110 km) from the center of Tropical Storm Pilar.

Tropical Storm Pilar will move through an environment that will be a little more favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Pilar will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C. It will move under a small upper level ridge west of Nicaragua. The upper level winds are weak near the center of the upper level ridge. So, there will be little vertical wind shear. Tropical Storm Pilar is likely to intensify gradually during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Storm Pilar will move into a region where the steering currents are weak during the next 24 hours. Pilar is likely to continue to move slowly toward the east-northeast on Tuesday. On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Pilar will move closer to El Salvador. Pilar could approach El Salvador on Tuesday night. Tropical Storm Pilar is forecast to stall for 12 to 24 hours, when it gets near El Salvador. Pilar could bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to the coast of El Salvador, western Honduras and northwestern Nicaragua. Prolonged, heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Depression Strengthens to Tropical Storm Pilar

Former Tropical Depression Nineteen-E strengthened to Tropical Storm Pilar on Sunday evening. Tropical Storm Watches were issued for the coasts of Honduras and Nicaragua. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Tropical Storm Pilar was located at latitude 11.0°N and longitude 92.0°W which put it about 265 miles (425 km) southwest of San Salvador, El Salvador. Pilar was moving toward the east-northeast at 5 m.p.h. (8 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1003 mb.

A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for the entire coast of El Salvador. A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for the Pacific coast of Honduras including the Gulf of Fonseca. A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Puerto Sandino, Nicaragua to the border with Honduras.

Former Tropical Depression Nineteen-E intensified to Tropical Storm Pilar over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean southwest of El Salvador on Sunday evening. More thunderstorms continued to form near the center of Pilar’s circulation. Storms near the center of circulation generated stronger upper level divergence that pumped more mass away from the tropical storm. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Tropical Storm Pilar.

Winds to tropical storm force extended out 35 miles (55 km) in the western side of Tropical Storm Pilar. The winds in the eastern side of Pilar’s circulation were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

Tropical Storm Pilar will move through an environment that will be somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Pilar will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C. It will move under the southwestern part of an upper level low over the Northwestern Caribbean Sea. The upper level low will produce southwesterly winds that will blow toward the top of Pilar’s circulation. Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear and the wind shear will inhibit intensification. However, the wind shear will not be strong enough to prevent intensification. Tropical Storm Pilar is likely to intensify during the next 24 hours.

The upper level trough over the Northwestern Caribbean Sea will steer Tropical Storm Pilar slowly toward the east-northeast during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Pilar could approach El Salvador on Tuesday. Pilar is forecast to stall when it gets near El Salvador. Tropical Storm Pilar could bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to the coast of El Salvador, western Honduras and northwestern Nicaragua. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Lisa Intensifies to a Hurricane North of Honduras

Former Tropical Storm Lisa intensified to a hurricane north of Honduras on Wednesday morning. At 8:00 a.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Hurricane Lisa was located at latitude 17.2°N and longitude 84.7°W which put it about 100 miles (160 km) east-southeast of Belize City, Belize. Lisa was moving toward the west at 15 m.p.h. (24 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 75 m.p.h. (120 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 90 m.p.h. (145 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 988 mb.

Hurricane Warnings were in effect for Belize, the Bay Islands, Honduras, and for the portion of the coast from Chetumal to Puerto Costa Maya, Mexico. Tropical Storm Warnings were in effect for the entire North Coast of Honduras, the North Coast of Guatemala, and the portion of the coast from Chetumal to Punta Allen, Mexico.

A U.S. Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter plane found that former Tropical Storm Lisa had strengthened to a hurricane on Wednesday morning. The inner end of a rainband wrapped most of the way around the center of Hurricane Lisa. Other bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Lisa’s circulation. Storms near the core generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the hurricane. The circulation around Hurricane Lisa was small. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 70 miles from the center of Lisa.

Hurricane Lisa will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next few hours. Lisa will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29˚C. It will move under the axis of an upper level ridge over the Caribbean Sea. The upper level winds are weak near the axis of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear. Hurricane Lisa is likely to strengthen during the next few hours.

Hurricane Lisa will move south of a high pressure system over the Gulf of Mexico. The high pressure system will steer Lisa toward the west during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Hurricane Lisa will make landfall on the coast of Belize in a few hours. Lisa will bring strong winds and heavy rain to Belize. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations. Hurricane Lisa will also cause a storm surge of up to 8 feet (2.5 meters) along the coast of Belize.

Elsewhere over the Atlantic Ocean, Tropical Storm Martin intensified developed east-northeast of Bermuda. At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Storm Martin was located at latitude 35.3°N and longitude 52.1°W which put it about 755 miles (1220 km) east-northeast of Bermuda. Martin was moving toward the east-northeast at 15 m.p.h. (24 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 80 m.p.h. (130 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 989 mb.

Tropical Storm Lisa Strengthens, Hurricane Warning Issued for Belize

Tropical Storm Lisa strengthened over the Northwest Caribbean Sea northeast of Honduras on Tuesday afternoon and a Hurricane Warning was issued for the entire coast of Belize. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Tropical Storm Lisa was located at latitude 16.7°N and longitude 83.3°W which put it about 330 miles (530 km) east of Belize City, Belize. Lisa was moving toward the west at 15 m.p.h. (24 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 80 m.p.h. (130 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1000 mb.

Hurricane Warnings were in effect for Belize and the Bay Islands, Honduras. A Hurricane Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Chetumal to Puerto Costa Maya, Mexico. Tropical Storm Warnings were in effect for the entire North Coast of Honduras, the coast of Guatemala, and the portion of the coast from Chetumal to Punta Herrero, Mexico.

Tropical Storm Lisa strengthened on Tuesday. The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the center of Lisa’s circulation. Other bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Tropical Storm Lisa. Storms near the core generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm. The circulation around Tropical Storm Lisa was small. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 70 miles (110 km) from the center of circulation.

Tropical Storm Lisa will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Lisa will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29˚C. It will move under the axis of an upper level ridge over the Caribbean Sea. The upper level winds are weak near the axis of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear. Tropical Storm Lisa is likely to strengthen to a hurricane during the next 12 hours. Lisa could intensify more rapidly after an inner core with an eye and an eyewall forms.

Tropical Storm Lisa will move south of a high pressure system over the Gulf of Mexico. The high pressure system will steer Lisa toward the west during the next 36 hours. On its anticipated track, the center of Tropical Storm Lisa will be north of Honduras on Tuesday night. Lisa will approach Belize on Wednesday afternoon. Tropical Storm Lisa will be a hurricane when it approaches Belize. Tropical Storm Lisa could bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to the north coast of Honduras. Lisa will bring strong winds and heavy rain to Belize. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations. Lisa will also cause a storm surge along the coast of Belize.

Elsewhere over the Atlantic Ocean, Tropical Storm Martin developed east-northeast of Bermuda. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Tropical Storm Martin was located at latitude 35.4°N and longitude 54.5°W which put it about 630 miles (1010 km) east-northeast of Bermuda. Martin was moving toward the east at 15 m.p.h. (24 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 75 m.p.h. (120 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 991 mb.

Tropical Storm Lisa Develops South of Jamaica

Tropical Storm Lisa developed over the Caribbean Sea south of Jamaica on Monday morning. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Storm Lisa was located at latitude 15.5°N and longitude 77.3°W which put it about 175 miles (285 km) south of Kingston, Jamaica. It was moving toward the west at 14 m.p.h. (22 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1003 mb.

A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for Jamaica.

The National Hurricane Center designated former Potential Tropical Cyclone Fifteen as Tropical Storm Lisa on Monday morning. The distribution of thunderstorms in Tropical Storm Lisa was still asymmetrical. Thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the eastern side of Lisa’s circulation. Bands in the western side of Tropical Storm Lisa consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 100 miles (160 km) in the eastern side of Lisa. The winds in the western side of the circulation were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

Tropical Storm Lisa will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 36 hours. Lisa will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29˚C. It will move under the western part of an upper level ridge over the Caribbean Sea. The upper level ridge will produce southwesterly winds that will blow toward the top of Lisa’s circulation. Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear, but the wind shear will not be enough to prevent intensification. Tropical Storm Lisa is likely to strengthen gradually during the next 36 hours.

Tropical Storm Lisa will move south of a high pressure system over the western Atlantic Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Potential Tropical Cyclone Fifteen toward the west during the next 36 hours. On its anticipated track, the center of Tropical Storm Lisa could be north of Honduras by Tuesday night. Lisa could approach Belize on Wednesday afternoon. Tropical Storm Lisa could be a hurricane when it approaches Belize.

Tropical Storm Julia Crosses Nicaragua to the Eastern North Pacific

Former Hurricane Julia moved across Nicaragua to the Eastern North Pacific Ocean on Sunday. Julia weakened to a tropical storm as it was moving across Nicaragua. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Tropical Storm Julia was located at latitude 12.8°N and longitude 88.1°W which put it about 95 miles (155 km) southeast of San Salvador, El Salvador. Julia was moving toward the west-northwest at 15 m.p.h. (24 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1002 mb.

A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Puerto Sandino, Nicaragua to the border with Honduras. Tropical Storm Warnings were also in effect for the Pacific coast of Honduras and the entire coast of El Salvador. A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for the Pacific coast of Guatemala.

Former Hurricane Julia weakened to a tropical storm as it moved across Nicaragua on Sunday. The center of Tropical Storm Julia emerged over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean west of Nicaragua late on Sunday afternoon. The strongest thunderstorms were occurring in a band that wrapped around the southern and eastern sides of the center of Julia’s circulation. Bands in other parts of Tropical Storm Julia consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. About half of Julia’s circulation was still over land. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 60 miles (95 km) from the center of circulation.

Tropical Storm Julia will move through an environment marginally favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Julia will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29˚C. It will move under the axis of an upper level ridge over Central America. The upper level winds are weak near the axis of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear. However, nearly half of the circulation of Tropical Storm Julia will still be over land. More friction will affect the part of the circulation over land, and that will inhibit intensification. Tropical Storm Julia could strengthen a little during the next 24 hours, if the center of circulation moves farther out over the Eastern North Pacific.

Tropical Storm Julia will move around the southwestern part of a high pressure system over the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. The high pressure system will steer Julia toward the west-northwest during the next 24 hours, On its anticipated track, the center of Tropical Storm Julia will move near the coast of El Salvador on Monday. Julia will bring gusty winds to the Pacific coasts of Nicaragua, Honduras and El Salvador. Tropical Storm Julia could continue to drop heavy rain over parts of northern Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Hurricane Julia Hits Nicaragua

Hurricane Julia hit the coast of Nicaragua early on Sunday. At 8:00 a.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Hurricane Julia was located at latitude 12.4°N and longitude 84.6°W which put it about 60 miles (95 km) west-northwest of Bluefields, Nicaragua. Julia was moving toward the west at 16 m.p.h. (26 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 75 m.p.h. (120 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 90 m.p.h. (145 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 988 mb.

A Hurricane Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Bluefields to Puerto Cabezas, Nicaragua. A Hurricane Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Puerto Cabezas, Nicaragua to the border with Honduras. Tropical Storm Warnings were in effect for the portion of the coast from Bluefields, Nicaragua to the border with Costa Rica and from Puerto Cabezas to the border with Honduras. Tropical Storm Warnings were in effect for the Pacific coast of Nicaragua, the Pacific coast of Honduras and the entire coast of El Salvador. A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Punta Patuca, Honduras to the border with Nicaragua. A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for the Pacific coast of Guatemala.

Hurricane Julia made landfall on the Caribbean coast of Nicaragua north of Bluefields early on Sunday. Julia strengthened before it made landfall. A circular eye with a diameter of 40 miles (65 km) was at the center of Hurricane Julia at landfall. The maximum sustained wind speed was 85 m.p.h. (135 km) at the time of landfall. Winds to hurricane force extended out 35 miles (55 km) from the center of Julia’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 115 miles (185 km) from the center of circulation.

Hurricane Julia will move south of a high pressure system over the Caribbean Sea. The high pressure system will steer Julia toward the west during the next 36 hours. On its anticipated track Hurricane Julia will move across Nicaragua on Sunday. Julia will weaken as it moves across Nicaragua, but it will continue to bring strong gusty winds and locally heavy rain. Heavy rain will cause flash floods in some locations. Hurricane Julia will also bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to southern Honduras, southwestern Guatemala and to El Salvador. The center of Julia could move over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean on Sunday night. Tropical Storm Warnings are in effect for the Pacific coasts of Nicaragua, Honduras and El Salvador. A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for the Pacific coast of Guatemala.

Julia Strengthens to a Hurricane East of Nicaragua

Former Tropical Storm Julia strengthened to a hurricane over the Southwest Caribbean Sea east of Nicaragua on Saturday night. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Hurricane Julia was located at latitude 12.5°N and longitude 82.7°W which put it about 80 miles (130 km) east-northeast of Bluefields, Nicaragua. Julia was moving toward the west at 16 m.p.h. (26 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 75 m.p.h. (120 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 90 m.p.h. (145 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 988 mb.

A Hurricane Warning was in effect for San Andres, Providencia, and Santa Catalina Islands. A Hurricane Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Bluefields to Puerto Cabezas, Nicaragua. A Hurricane Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Puerto Cabezas, Nicaragua to the border with Honduras. Tropical Storm Warnings were in effect for the portion of the coast from Bluefields, Nicaragua to the border with Costa Rica and from Puerto Cabezas to the border with Honduras. Tropical Storm Warnings were in effect for the Pacific coast of Nicaragua, the Pacific coast of Honduras and the entire coast of El Salvador. A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Punta Patuca, Honduras to the border with Nicaragua.

A circular eye with a diameter of 40 miles (65 km) formed at the center of Hurricane Julia on Saturday night. The eye was surrounded by a ring of strong thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Hurricane Julia. Storms near the core generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the hurricane. Winds to hurricane force extended out 35 miles (55 km) from the center of Julia’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 115 miles (185 km) from the center of circulation.

Hurricane Julia will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next few hours. Julia will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29˚C. It will move under the axis of an upper level ridge over the Caribbean Sea. The upper level winds are weak near the axis of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear. Hurricane Julia could intensify during the next few hours. Julia will being to weaken when it makes landfall in Nicaragua.

Hurricane Julia will move south of a high pressure system over the Caribbean Sea. The high pressure system will steer Julia toward the west during the next 36 hours. On its anticipated track Hurricane Julia will make landfall on the east coast of Nicaragua in a few hours. Julia will bring strong gusty winds and locally heavy rain to Nicaragua on Sunday. Heavy rain will cause flash floods in some locations. Julia could also cause a storm surge of up to 7 feet (2 meters) along the east coast of Nicaragua. Hurricane Julia will also bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to southern Honduras and to El Salvador.

Tropical Storm Julia Strengthens over Southwest Caribbean

Tropical Storm Julia strengthened over the Southwest Caribbean Sea on Saturday morning. At 8:00 a.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Storm Julia was located at latitude 12.8°N and longitude 79.0°W which put it about 165 miles (2705 km) east-southeast of Isla de Providencia, Colombia. Julia was moving toward the west at 21 m.p.h. (33 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 75 m.p.h. (120 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 994 mb.

A Hurricane Warning was in effect for San Andres, Providencia, and Santa Catalina Islands. A Hurricane Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Bluefields to Puerto Cabezas, Nicaragua. A Hurricane Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Puerto Cabezas, Nicaragua to the border with Honduras. Tropical Storm Warning were in effect for the portion of the coast from Bluefields, Nicaragua to the border with Costa Rica and from Puerto Cabezas to the border with Honduras. A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Punta Patuca, Honduras to the border with Nicaragua.

Tropical Storm Julia strengthened over the Southwest Caribbean Sea east of Nicaragua on Saturday morning. More thunderstorms developed near the center of Julia’s circulation and in bands revolving around the center. Storms near the center of circulation generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm. The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 110 miles (175 km) from the center of circulation.

Tropical Storm Julia will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 18 hours. Julia will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29˚C. It will move under the axis of an upper level ridge over the Caribbean Sea. The upper level winds are weak near the axis of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear. Tropical Storm Julia will intensify during the next 36 hours. Julia is likely to strengthen to a hurricane during the the next 12 hours. Tropical Storm Julia could intensify rapidly after an inner core with an eye and an eyewall form.

Tropical Storm Julia will move south of a high pressure system over the Caribbean Sea. The high pressure system will steer Julia toward the west during the next 36 hours. On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Julia will reach San Andres, Providencia and the Santa Catalina Islands by Saturday evening. It could be a hurricane by that time. Julia could reach the coast of Nicaragua early on Sunday. Julia will bring strong gusty winds and locally heavy rain. Heavy rain will cause flash floods in some locations. Julia could also cause a storm surge of up to 7 feet (2 meters).