Authorities at the National Met Service have confirmed that no significant flood events have been documented in the country, despite 48 hours of heavy weekend rains, particularly along the coastal parts of central and northern Belize.

Hydrological Technician Ellington Cayetano told Amandala that there are no reports of flooding at any of their monitoring stations along the Belize River, New River or other parts of the country, although they are aware of localized flooding in areas such as Belize City and other low-lying areas of the country.

Yesterday, for example, eastern portions of the Philip Goldson Highway were virtually impassible due to flooding, and some vehicular traffic had to use alternate routes to get to their locations.

Forecaster Gordon said that the highest rainfall level, a total of 4 inches over 48 hours, was reported at the Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA) – far lower than the record high 18 inches documented over 24 hours when Hurricane Keith struck in 2000.

Meanwhile, Libertad in the north recorded only 2 inches of rainfall this weekend. Central Farm recorded 1.5 inches and Big Falls 1 inch.

According to Gordon, Belize has really seen a deficit of rain for most of the summer months.

The forecaster said that the heavy rains this weekend were triggered by a moist northeasterly airflow which resulted from a frontal system north of the country.

The last intense rainfall was recorded in May 2012.