Warning: Potential Flash Floods from Tropical Storm Ida

November 5, 2009

To: All American Citizens
From: American Citizens Services Unit, Consular Section

The U.S. Embassy advises all American citizens that according to the National Hurricane Center, Tropical Storm Ida is approaching the east coast of Honduras and Nicaragua, and is predicted to make landfall mid-day on Friday, November 6.

Heavy rainfall is expected over eastern Honduras. The Honduran disaster relief agency COPECO has declared a flood alert for the whole country. Tropical storms and hurricanes in Honduras often cause significant damage and injury from mudslides and flash flooding. American citizens in low lying areas should seek secure, higher, ground and should not attempt to travel during heavy rains. The U.S. Embassy in Tegucigalpa strongly encourages American citizens in Honduras to closely monitor the path of Tropical Storm Ida. American citizens should monitor local and international media reports, and follow the instructions of local emergency officials.

As in every hurricane season, the U.S. Embassy recommends that you take appropriate measures to ensure your personal safety and well-being, such as having at least two weeks worth of food and water in your home, in case conditions in the country require American citizens to remain in their homes.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) provides accurate, frequently updated weather forecasts, the trajectory of current storm systems, and other extremely valuable information on changing weather patterns that might affect the area you live in or plan to visit in Honduras. Additional information on hurricanes and storm preparedness may be found in the "Hurricane Season - Know Before You Go" pamphlet and on the "Natural Disasters" page of the Bureau of Consular Affairs' website.

In some areas, adequate shelter from a severe storm may not be available to all who may choose to stay. Visitors should review and follow their hotel or cruise ship evacuation plans. American citizens who plan to stay in their homes or hotels should make preparations in the event that communications, power, and transportation systems are affected.

American citizens should carry their travel documents at all times (i.e. U.S. Passport, Birth Certificate, picture ID's, etc.) or secure them in a safe, waterproof location. We also suggest that American citizens contact friends and family in the United States with updates about their whereabouts.

The State Department also has very helpful guides for disaster preparedness available to you online. We urge Americans to review the disaster preparedness materials available at this site in order to be better informed and better prepared for potential emergencies. As always, American citizens can obtain additional information on this issue and other general information of interest to Americans at the Embassy's webpage.

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Internet website, where the current Travel Warnings and Public Announcements, including the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, can be found.

Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

Americans living or traveling in Honduras are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department's travel registration website, and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Honduras. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency.

The U.S. Embassy is located on Avenida La Paz in Tegucigalpa; telephone (504) 238-5114, after hours telephone (504) 236-8497; Consular Section fax (504) 238-4357; E-mail: usahonduras@state.gov; Webpage: http://honduras.usembassy.gov