Tropical Storm Nadine was a short-lived tropical cyclone that made landfall in Belize in October 2024. The fourteenth named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, Nadine originated from a non-tropical disturbance over the western Caribbean Sea, and underwent tropical cyclogenesis on the same day. After developing a closed circulation, the system was named Nadine by the National Hurricane Center on October 19. After gradually strengthening as it neared the coast, Nadine then made landfall near Belize City with 60 mph (95 km/h) winds. After moving across Belize and Guatemala, it then weakened to a tropical depression before degenerating to a remnant low over southeastern Mexico. Its remnants later contributed to the formation of Hurricane Kristy in the eastern Pacific.
Nadine brought heavy rains to northern Central America, including its landfall location of Belize, and to southern Mexico, where 13 people were killed in the resulting flooding. Total damage caused by the storm was over US$255 million.
Nadine originated from a broad area of low pressure that formed over the southwestern Caribbean Sea on October 15. The system remained broad and weak while producing disorganized showers and thunderstorms over the next couple of days as it moved slowly northwestward, passing offshore of the east coast of Nicaragua. Shower and thunderstorm activity increased later on October 17, and surface observations showed falling surface pressures over the western Caribbean Sea that day. The next day, showers and thunderstorms began showing increased signs of organization. Consequently, the system was designated Potential Tropical Cyclone Fifteen on that afternoon. This marked the formation of Tropical Storm Nadine by 00:00 UTC on October 19, about east of Belize City, Belize.
Nadine moved westward while being steered by a low pressure area and by a ridge over the eastern United States. Initially, the Nadine's convection was displaced to the north and east of the storm. However, Nadine became better organized and intensified later that day over the very warm waters of the northwestern Caribbean Sea in a favorable environment. Convection began to wrap around the center of the storm and the storm contracted as Nadine approached the coast of Belize. Nadine made landfall as a strong tropical storm near Belize City at 16:00 UTC on October 19.
After landfall, Nadine moved westward across northern portions of Belize and Guatemala and weakened to a tropical depression by 00:00 UTC on October 20, when it was located about north-northwest of Flores, Guatemala. Land interaction induced further weakening as convection diminished and the circulation became less defined. As a result, Nadine degenerated to a remnant low and dissipated over southern Mexico later that day. However, remnant moisture from Nadine moved into the eastern Pacific basin later that day and contributed to the formation of Hurricane Kristy on October 21.
On the afternoon of October 18, tropical storm watches were issued from Belize City north to the BelizeâÂÂMexico border and was upgraded to a tropical storm warning the next day. Shelters were opened in Cayo District, Belize District, and in San Pedro Town.
After making landfall near Belize City, Nadine produced rainfall totals of up to in some areas. The heavy rainfall caused the Mollejon Dam and Vaca Reservoir to spill, with the Chalillo Dam nearly spilling after it held back the rain-swollen Macal River. A bridge connecting the villages of San Ignacio and Santa Elena over the river was impassable as a result of it cresting over above normal levels. Several other nearby bridges were not passable for the same reasons; the Mopan River saw its water levels rise as well. In Corozal District, the Hondo River was expected to flood several areas after its water levels also rose, in which a flood warning was in effect for multiple towns along it. Water levels of the river were not seen in some areas since Hurricane Keith, a Category 4 hurricane in 2000. Additionally, several roads in the district impassable due to flooding. Despite flooding, no significant damage was reported in Belize.
On the afternoon of October 18, tropical storm watches were issued from the MexicoâÂÂBelize border to Tulum, Quintana Roo, and was upgraded to a tropical storm warning the next day.
In Veracruz, flooding caused sinkholes, landslides, and overflowing streams in Coatzacoalcos, Cosoleacaque, and Minatitlán. of rain fell in ÃÂngel Rosario Cabada. The town of Zongolica was hit with major flooding, with filters having reached 90% of their capacity as the storm passed over. In Misantla, minor damage was reported, while classes were suspended due to the storm's presence. Overall, 32 communities were impacted by the combination of Nadine and an approaching cold front in the state; livestock and oil refineries were among the most affected in those areas. 3,486 homes were affected by flooding with damage totaling to MX$2.82 billion (US$153 million) statewide. There were also two fatalities: one after his house was overtaken by a mudslide in the Sierra de Zongolica, and another in Santiago Tuxtla as a result of an electrocution; a man also went missing after being swept away by flooding.
In Quintana Roo, about of rain was recorded. Several houses were flooded in Chetumal. Floods, power outages and uprooted trees were reported in Campeche, with strong waves stranding about 300 coastal vessels. Heavy rains and a stream's overflow damaged 15 houses and caused flooding and landslides in Tacotalpa, Tabasco. In Barrio Bravo, a home was damaged due to a falling tree, with authorities determining that there were only minor injuries. A section of the MorocoyâÂÂSan Pedro highway was badly damaged. The government of Quintana Roo allocated MX$11 million (US$553,000) to repair the damage caused by the storm. In Chiapas, floods damaged 14 houses in Rayón, and two more in Rincón Chamula San Pedro. A landslide blocked a section of Federal Highway 190. Overflowing streams led to damage to another 21 homes and three vehicles. Parts of dirt roads collapsed in Ostuacán. Twenty municipalities experienced significant damage, with 1,290 homes being damaged by floodwaters. Up to of rain were reported in some areas, submerging streets. In Cintalpa, seven homes collapsed. Three deaths were reported in Chiapas as a result of the storm. Two people died inside a house in the municipality of Tila that was hit during a landslide; and in San Juan Chamula, a man drowned when his vehicle was swept away by flood waters. Damage across the state from Nadine and a stalled cold front reached MX$2 billion (US$101 million).
In Oaxaca, heavy rainfall led to flooding and landslides. A landslide led to the complete closure of Federal Highway 175 between the cities of Oaxaca and Tuxtepec. Severe flooding occurred in the Isthmus of Tehuantepec region, where streets and avenues were covered in water. However, only minor damage were reported throughout the state.
In Guatemala, several rivers flooded in the Petén Department. Many vehicles were suspended on roads due to fast-flowing floodwaters. A peak rainfall of was reported in Esquipulas and in Poptún. Other areas of the country, including Amatitlán, also suffered from heavy rainfall. Nadine also caused rainfall in parts of Northern Honduras.