# Tropical Storm Nadine (2024)

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 southern Mexico, the latter location of which where thirteen people were killed after flooding was caused as a result. Total damage caused by the storm was over US$103 million.

## Meteorological history

On October 15, a broad area of low pressure formed in the southwestern Caribbean Sea. The disturbance moved slowly northwestward offshore of Central America over the following couple of days. As it continued to move near the coast, the low gradually became better defined on October 17 and 18, and the showers and thunderstorms associated with it become better organized as well. Consequently, the system was designated Potential Tropical Cyclone Fifteen on the afternoon of October 18. The system quickly developed a closed circulation, and was designated Tropical Storm Nadine early the next day, while about 120 mi (190 km) east of Belize City. Nadine then gradually strengthened as it neared the Belize coast, attaining 60 mph (95 km/h) winds before making landfall near Belize City. Several hours later, Nadine weakened to a tropical depression inland over northern Guatemala. While traversing southeastern portions of Mexico on the morning of October 20, the system degenerated into a remnant low. Nadine's remnants ultimately entered the Pacific basin, where they were absorbed by a developing trough of low pressure in the Gulf of Tehuantepec, which led to the formation of Category 5 Hurricane Kristy on October 21.

## Preparations and impact

On the afternoon of October 18, Tropical Storm Watches were issued from Belize City north to the Belize–Mexico border, and from there north to Tulum, Quintana Roo. These were later upgraded to warnings.

### Belize

Wettest tropical cyclones and their remnants in Belize Highest-known totals :
| Precipitation | Precipitation | Precipitation | Storm | Location | Ref. |
| Rank | mm | in | Storm | Location | Ref. |
| 1 | 829.8 | 32.67 | Keith 2000 | Philip Goldson Airport | |
| 2 | 555.2 | 21.86 | Eta 2020 | Baldy Beacon | |
| 3 | 546.6 | 21.52 | Sixteen 2008 | Baldy Beacon | |
| 4 | 299.7 | 11.80 | Amanda 2020 | Belmopan | |
| 5 | 249.2 | 9.81 | Chantal 2001 | Towerhill | |
| 6 | 246.0 | 9.69 | Mitch 1998 | Central Farm Meteorological Station | |
| 7 | 241.0 | 9.49 | Gert 1993 | Hunting Caye | |
| 8 | 240.6 | 9.47 | Nadine 2024 | Ranchito | |
| 9 | 179.0 | 7.05 | Greta 1978 | Central Farm Meteorological Station | |
| 10 | 152.4 | 6.00 | Fifi 1974 | La Placencia | |
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 2 in (51 mm) 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 15 feet (4.6 m) above normal levels. Several other nearby bridges were not passable for the same reasons; the Mopan River also saw its water levels rise as well, including in some areas where levels equaled those during Hurricane Mitch. 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 were flooded, rendering them impassable. Despite the flooding, no significant damages were reported in Belize.

### Mexico

In Veracruz, flooding caused sinkholes, landslides, and overflowing streams in Coatzacoalcos, Cosoleacaque, and Minatitlán. 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, thirty-two 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 and MX$19 million (US$956,000) were allocated to repair the damage caused by the storm. 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 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain was recorded, and several houses were flooded in Chetumal. Floods, power outages and uprooted trees were also reported in Campeche, with strong waves stranding about 300 coastal vessels. Heavy rains and a stream's overflow also 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 Morocoy-San 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 also blocked a section of Federal Highway 190. Overflowing streams led to damage to another 21 homes and an additional 3 vehicles. Parts of dirt roads collapsed in Ostuacán. 20 municipalities experienced significant damage with 1,290 homes being damaged by floodwaters. 19.7 inches of rain were reported in some areas, submerging streets. In Cintalpa, seven homes collapsed. There were three deaths in Chiapas as a result of the storm. Two people died inside a house in the municipality of Tila, which 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. One notable landslide led to the complete closure of Federal Highway 175 between the cities of Oaxaca and Tuxtepec. The most 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.

### Elsewhere

In Guatemala, several rivers flooded in the Petén Department. Many vehicles were suspended on roads due to fast-flowing floodwaters. Other areas of the country, including Amatitlán, also suffered from heavy rainfall. Nadine also caused rainfall in parts of Northern Honduras.