Tropical Storm Lisa has reached hurricane strength and is now officially known as Hurricane Lisa. The storm, which formed off Jamaica and the Cayman Islands in the western Caribbean Sea, hit Belize on Wednesday and is expected to also hit Guatemala and southern Mexico.

According to Newsweek, Lisa gained hurricane strength on Wednesday morning, and then made landfall in Belize later that day. Storm surges are already expected in the country, as well as parts of the Caribbean. Heavy rains are also expected along the Central American coast.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported that Hurricane Lisa could cause "a life-threatening storm surge" when it hits Belize, as well as the southern portions of the Yucatan peninsula in Mexico. The NHC also added that "Hurricane conditions are expected in the Bay Islands of Honduras early Wednesday."

Belize Bracing for Impact as Hurricane Lisa Hits the Country

The NHC also announced that Hurricane Lisa would have maximum sustained winds of 85 mph at landfall. Meanwhile, Belize's National Emergency Management Organization announced that they are expecting the storm to first hit the beach town of Dangriga, as well as the capital, Belize City. They also reminded residents all over the country to be prepared.

Belize residents have told the Associated Press that light rain has started to fall, but there were still no high winds or storm surges yet. However, one resort manager stated that "All the guests that are in the beachfront units have been relocated" to rooms that are less exposed. Beach furniture have also been secured.

READ MORE: Tropical Storm Lisa Forms in the Caribbean, Hurricane Watch Warnings Issued in Belize and Honduras

Belize is expected to receive 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) of rain. The NHC also warned that there is a danger of flooding and mudslides happening because of the heavy rainfall. The warning is not just for Belize, but also for Honduras's Bay Islands, northern Guatemala, and portions of Mexico's Chiapas State and Tabasco State.

Hurricane warnings have been posted all over the region, including Roatan island and the other Bay Islands of Honduras, northern Belize, and all over Mexico's southern Yucatan Peninsula, from Chetumal to Puerto Costa Maya.

Hurricane Lisa Expected To Weaken as It Moves Over Guatemala

The Weather Channel reported that while Belize will bear the brunt of Hurricane Lisa, the storm is expected to weaken as it moves further inland, into Guatemala and southern Mexico.

Forecasts indicate that the storm could merge over the Bay of Campeche by Friday. It would then "meander for a few days before wind shear rips it apart early next week."

However, the heavy rainfall still posts a great danger, especially for those who live in the coastlines, as well as those living on hills and mountains, which could experience mudslides.

Meanwhile, those living near rivers and other bodies of water could experience heavy flooding, in addition to mudslides from the mountainous areas.

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This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

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