Thu, October 09, 2008
MANAGUA, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- Nicaragua is closely watching a dangerous low pressure system in the Caribbean Sea, the national weather authorities said Wednesday.
Tropical wave No. 38, which could possibly hit the country, has a 50 percent chance of upgrading to a depression, an organized area of tropical low pressure with sustained winds at about 69 km per hour, the Nicaraguan institute of Territorial Studies said.
The tropical wave is approaching at 20 kilometers per hour to Nicaragua, according to the official forecast.
Tropical waves, also known as easterly waves, are low air pressure systems yielding widespread showers and thunderstorms, sometimes severe ones.
Nicaragua is located in the affected zone of inter-tropical convergence and the imminent arrival of wave No. 38.
Heavy rains in country over the last few days have killed at least 13 people, leaving thousands of people homeless and highways damaged.
Civil Defense Chief Mario Perezcassar said "green alerts" have been issued, which means winds of Beaufort Force 6-7 are already blowing or winds may reach Beaufort Force 6 in 24 hours.
