SAN PEDRO SULA, Honduras - Tropical Storm Sara has made a significant impact on Honduras, bringing heavy rainfall and raising concerns of flash floods and landslides along the country’s northern coast. As the storm stalled over the region on Saturday, the National Hurricane Center in Miami warned that life-threatening weather conditions could persist throughout the weekend.

Rainfall began overnight and continued into the morning, particularly affecting the city of San Pedro Sula. While the city has not yet faced major flooding, residents are watching anxiously, haunted by memories of the devastating hurricane season of November 2020. During that time, two powerful storms, Eta and Iota, wreaked havoc, displacing hundreds of thousands and leaving a path of destruction across the region.

Sara made landfall late Thursday about 165 kilometers west-northwest of Cabo Gracias a Dios, which lies on the Honduras-Nicaragua border. Meteorologists anticipate that the storm will skirt near the Bay Islands of Honduras on Saturday before shifting its course toward Belize. Furthermore, looking ahead, Sara is projected to veer north-westward toward Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, although forecasts suggest that it is unlikely to revive in the Gulf after crossing the peninsula.

In spite of the deluge, the storm could not derail sports enthusiasm, as a CONCACAF Nations League match took place on Friday in San Pedro Sula. Interestingly, Honduras triumphed over Mexico with a score of 2-0, showcasing the resilience of the region even amid adversity.

It's important to note the historical context of this storm; in November 2020, Hurricane Eta and Iota, both classified as Category 4 storms, unleashed torrential rains upon northern Honduras, causing catastrophic flooding and displacing numerous individuals. Eta alone brought about an astounding 762 millimeters of rain— a reminder of the disaster that could potentially repeat itself with the arrival of Sara.

With meteorological conditions closely monitored, the region remains on high alert. Authorities are urging citizens to prepare for possible evacuation and stay informed via official channels as the storm's trajectory remains uncertain. Stay tuned for further updates as Honduras braces for what could be another tumultuous episode in its weather history!