U.S. Embassy Advisory: Hurricane Dean

According to a recent AP article "Dean Gains As Winds Slam Mexico, Belize" written by
Mark Stevenson:

Hurricane Dean strengthened into a monstrous Category 5 storm Monday night as its outter bands of wind and rain slammed the coasts of Mexico and Belize. Thousands of tourists fled the beaches of the Mayan Riviera as it roared toward the ancient ruins and modern oil installations of the Yucatan Peninsula. Dean, which has killed at least 12 people across the Caribbean, quickly picked up strength after brushing Jamaica and the Cayman Islands.

Although Dean's path leads it just to the north of Guatemala, the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala sent out the following notice:

Dear American Citizen:

The following is a Public Announcement concerning Hurricane Dean.  According to the National Hurricane Center, Dean is expected to produce storm total rainfall of 5 to 10 inches over the Yucatan Peninsula, Belize, Guatemala, and Northern Honduras, with maximum amounts of up to 20 inches.  These rains could cause life-threatening flash floods and mud slides.  Please contact the American Citizen Services section via e-mail (amcitsguatemala@state.gov), fax (2326-4655), or telephone (2326-4405) if you have any questions. 

Estimado Ciudadano Norteamericano:

El siguiente es un Anuncio Público en relación con Huracán Dean.  De acuerdo al Centro Nacional de Huracanes, se espera que el Huracán Dean produzca una tormenta que provocará un total de 5 a 10 pulgadas de lluvia sobre la Península de Yucatán, Belice, Guatemala y el norte de Honduras, con cantidades máximas de hasta 20 pulgadas.  Estas lluvias podrían causar inundaciones repentinas, peligrosas para las personas y derrumbes.  Por favor comuníquese con la Sección de Servicios a Ciudadanos Americanos vía correo electrónico a (amcitsguatemala@state.gov) fax (2326-4655) ó número telefónico (2326-4405) si tiene alguna pregunta o si necesita mayor información en español. 

For more information, visit the National Hurricane Center's website.

Tags: Guatemala, news, Hurricane, Dean, advisory