Tropical Storm Richard

October 21, 2010

To: All U.S. Citizens
From: American Citizens Services Unit, Consular Section

The U.S. Embassy in Tegucigalpa informs U.S. citizens residing in or visiting Honduras that Tropical Storm Richard is projected to cross over Northern Honduras and the Bay Islands in the next 24-72 hours. The Embassy strongly encourages U.S. citizens in Honduras to closely monitor the path of Tropical Storm Richard and to make appropriate emergency preparations.

According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), Tropical Storm Richard may produce high winds and large quantities of rain. Tropical Storm Richard, which currently has maximum sustained winds of 40 miles per hour, is located 205 miles East/Northeast of the Honduran/Nicaraguan border. The projected path of the storm is along the north coast of Honduras. Additional strengthening is forecast and Richard could become a hurricane over the weekend.

The Honduran Comisión Permanente de Contingencias (COPECO) has issued a Green Alert for the Departments of El Paraíso, Olancho, Colón, Atlántida, Islas de la Bahía and Gracias a Dios due to Tropical Storm Richard. U.S. citizens in the path of Tropical Storm Richard are encouraged to seek shelter and move to higher ground. U.S. citizens should also make adequate preparations to have sufficient food and clean water.

Flights into and out of airports may be suspended as the storm approaches. Travelers should contact airlines for the latest updates. The storm could similarly affect access to ferries and cruise ships. Citizens should monitor local and international media reports, and follow the instructions of local emergency officials. In some areas, adequate shelter from a severe hurricane may not be available to all who may choose to stay. Visitors should review and follow their hotel or cruise ship evacuation plans. U.S. citizens who plan to stay in their homes or hotels should make preparations in the event that communications, power, and transportation systems are affected.

U.S. 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 U.S. citizens contact friends and family in the United States with updates about their whereabouts.

For the most-up-to-date information on Tropical Storm Richard, please visit The National Hurricane Center's website at http://www.nhc.noaa.gov

Further information on hurricanes and hurricane preparedness is available on the State Department's website.

Also visit Consular Affairs' website on "Natural Disasters" at this link.

For information from the Honduran Comisión Permanente de Contingencias (COPECO), including the national alerts from the Honduran government, please visit this link.

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

U.S. citizens should consult the Country Specific Information for Honduras and the latest Travel Alerts and Warnings and Worldwide Caution at the State Department's website: http://travel.state.gov

Current information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States, or for callers outside the United States 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).

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