According to the US National Hurricane Center (NHC), tropical storm Cristina is operating off the coast of Central America. The strongest wind near the storm center is 65 km/h.
The storm's center is located near the northwest coast of Nicaragua, about 160km west-northwest of the capital Managua. The storm is moving slowly and has quite erratic developments, currently only reaching a speed of about 5 km/h.
Forecast for the next 24 hours, Cristina will mainly move northwest along the Central American coast. Due to reduced windbreak conditions and continued activity in warm seas, the storm is likely to strengthen slightly in the next 1-2 days.
After that, this weather system is forecast to shift to the Northwest more, may enter the mainland after about 36 hours and gradually weaken. Experts predict that the storm may completely dissipate on the mainland of Central America in the next 60 hours.
Although not too strong, Hurricane Cristina is causing widespread bad weather in Central America. Heavy rain related to the storm's circulation is expected to continue to affect the coastal areas of Central America until the end of June 11, increasing the risk of flash floods and landslides, especially in hilly and steep areas.
Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala are warned of prolonged heavy rain until midweek. Total rainfall is commonly from 100-200mm, some places may exceed 300mm. The NHC warns that flooding and flash floods may threaten people's lives in affected areas.
In addition, strong tropical storm winds are forecast to continue to affect some coastal areas of Nicaragua, Honduras and El Salvador on June 9 and the same night. Nicaragua and El Salvador have now issued tropical storm warnings.
Meanwhile, the NHC said Hurricane Boris has weakened and is gradually dissipating in southern Mexico, causing widespread rain.
People and tourists planning to travel to Central America and Mexico during this time should pay attention to weather forecasts. Regularly check flight schedules and follow local instructions to avoid storms and big waves at sea that are dangerous.
