The National Hurricane Center in Miami, FL is advising that tropical Storm Harvey is located 16.3 North, 84.2 West or about 285 miles ESE of Belize City. Harvey is moving toward the west near 10 miles per hour.

Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 40 miles. Additional strengthening is forecasted before the center of Harvey reaches Belize.

Belize has now upgraded from Tropical Storm Watch for the southern coast of Belize to Tropical Storm Warning for the entire coast of Belize.

The Executive Committee with all the CEOs from the Ministries and Committee Chairs met at 10:00 a.m. (Belize Time) on Friday August 19, 2011.

The National Disaster Office has been actively engaging the public via the media.

Area 1
A large tropical wave located about 800 miles east of the Lesser Antilles continues to show signs of organization.  Environmental conditions are expected to gradually become more conducive for development as the disturbance approaches the Lesser Antilles Saturday night and Sunday. Forecast are that Barbados will be affected by significant showers and thunderstorms and strong winds late tomorrow as Area 1 may develop into Tropical Depression 9 for the season.  Other islands of the Lesser Antilles will also be affected.

Area 2
Area 2 is a broad area of low pressure that has become more organized. The system is currently mid way between Cape Verde and the African West Coast. The system is moving at 10 to 50 mph and is producing a large area of showers and thunderstorms. Conditions are expected to become more favourable over the next few days for development.

CDEMA has been in contact with the National Emergency Management Organization of Belize, has shared information on the approaching waves with all Participating States as we approach the weekend and continues to monitor the situation. Regular updates on the systems will be provided as necessary.

The CDEMA 24 hour telephone contact number is 1-246-425-0386