Tropical Storm Sara has caused potentially deadly floods and mudslides across parts of Central America on Saturday as it approaches the Bay Islands of Honduras on its way to Belize. Its current trajectory is not anticipated to affect the United States, although some residual effects may reach Florida by next week.

As of Saturday morning, the storm’s center was about 5 miles east of Isla Roatan, Honduras, with maximum sustained winds of 45 mph, accompanied by stronger gusts.

Tropical storm warnings were issued Saturday for large areas along the northern coast of Honduras, the Bay Islands, Guatemala’s Caribbean Sea coastline, and the coasts of Belize and Mexico from Puerto Costa Maya to Chetumal.

Some regions could experience between 15 to 25 inches of rain from Sara through next week, with isolated estimates nearing 35 inches in northern Honduras.

Sara is moving westward, expected to approach Belize on Saturday and make landfall there on Sunday. After landfall, the storm is likely to weaken and dissipate by late Sunday or early Monday, according to the National Hurricane Center.

The rainfall from Sara has led to significant flooding along Honduras’ northern coast, prompting the government to declare a national emergency on Friday. Residents have been advised to steer clear of areas at risk of flooding, particularly near rivers.

Severe Flooding in Central America

As of Friday, heavy rains from Sara caused the Arizona River to overflow, flooding roads in Tela, Honduras. A bridge partially collapsed due to the overflowing Cangrejal River in La Ceiba, where homes near the river were inundated.

Government officials reported that around 1,000 Hondurans have sought refuge in shelters as a precaution.

“This rain is expected to cause widespread life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides, particularly in areas close to the Sierra La Esperanza,” the hurricane center warned.

An expected storm surge of 1 to 3 feet along Honduras’ northern coast and near where Sara comes ashore in Belize could generate “large and destructive waves.”

Rainfall amounts could range from 5 to 10 inches, with localized areas seeing up to 15 inches, affecting not only Honduras but also Belize, El Salvador, eastern Guatemala, western Nicaragua, and Quintana Roo in Mexico.