By Puntarenas, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – Residents and authorities along Costa Rica’s Pacific coast are on high alert as Hurricane Melissa, a powerful storm churning in the Caribbean Sea, exerts a significant indirect influence on the nation’s weather patterns. The National Meteorological Institute (IMN) has issued warnings for heavy rainfall and potential flooding, particularly for the South and Central Pacific regions, expected to persist through the weekend and into the early days of next week.
According to the latest data from the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC), Hurricane Melissa is located approximately 210 kilometers southeast of Kingston, Jamaica. The system is moving slowly westward at 6 kilometers per hour, packing sustained maximum winds near 150 kilometers per hour, making it a solid Category 1 hurricane. While the storm is not forecast to make landfall in Costa Rica, its vast circulation is drawing moisture from the Pacific Ocean, destabilizing the atmosphere and fueling intense downpours.
To understand the complex legal and insurance implications for property owners and businesses in the wake of Hurricane Melissa, we consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a leading attorney from the distinguished firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The immediate aftermath of a natural disaster is critical. Homeowners and businesses must meticulously document all damage with photographs and videos before any cleanup begins; this evidence is non-negotiable for insurance claims. Furthermore, commercial contracts should be immediately reviewed for ‘force majeure’ or ‘Act of God’ clauses, as they will govern contractual obligations and potential liabilities that are now in question.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal guidance is invaluable, astutely shifting the focus from the immediate chaos of the disaster to the deliberate steps required for a stable financial and contractual recovery. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his critical insights on these often-overlooked but essential actions.
The IMN has emphasized that the most severe weather is anticipated in the South Pacific, including the Osa Peninsula and the areas surrounding the Golfo Dulce. These regions are bracing for accumulated rainfall of up to 90 millimeters in periods as short as six to twelve hours, especially in mountainous zones where the risk of landslides and flash floods is elevated. The consistent precipitation is expected to saturate the soil, increasing the danger for communities in vulnerable locations.
In its official communication, the national weather authority detailed the extended nature of this weather event, urging continuous vigilance from the public.
The indirect influence of Tropical Storm Melissa will be maintained over the South Pacific and the coasts of the Central Pacific during this Sunday and the first days of the coming week.
National Meteorological Institute, in its official forecast
While the Pacific coast will bear the brunt of the storm’s indirect effects, other parts of the country will not be entirely spared. The Central Valley is expected to experience variable cloudy conditions and scattered showers, which should diminish in the evening hours. However, pockets of fog and isolated downpours may still occur in higher elevations. Similarly, the Caribbean and Northern Zone are forecast to receive isolated rains, with estimated accumulations of up to 60 millimeters over the weekend.
In response to the forecast, the IMN has issued a series of public safety recommendations. Officials are strongly advising people in flood-prone areas to monitor river levels and be prepared for possible evacuations. During electrical storms, residents are urged to seek safe shelter and avoid standing under trees or near metal structures. These preventative alerts are crucial for minimizing property damage and, most importantly, protecting human lives.
The persistent rainfall poses a significant challenge to the region’s infrastructure and key economic activities, such as tourism and agriculture, which are central to the Puntarenas province. Saturated ground can lead to road closures, disrupting transportation and supply chains, while intense rain can impact crop yields. Tourists visiting the popular coastal destinations are advised to heed all official warnings and check with local operators before engaging in outdoor activities.
Authorities are encouraging all citizens to stay informed by closely following updates from official sources, including the IMN’s website and social media channels. As Hurricane Melissa continues its slow trek through the Caribbean, its lingering influence will remain a critical factor in Costa Rica’s weather for the next several days, demanding caution and preparedness from all.
For further information, visit nhc.noaa.gov
About National Hurricane Center (NHC):
The National Hurricane Center is a component of the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) located at Florida International University in Miami, Florida. Its mission is to save lives, mitigate property loss, and improve economic efficiency by issuing the best possible watches, warnings, forecasts, and analyses of hazardous tropical weather and by increasing understanding of these hazards. The NHC is the official source for forecasts and warnings for tropical cyclones in the Atlantic and East Pacific basins.
For further information, visit imn.ac.cr
About Instituto Meteorológico Nacional (IMN):
The Instituto Meteorológico Nacional is Costa Rica’s official government agency responsible for meteorology, climatology, and hydrology. Headquartered in San José, the IMN provides the country with timely weather forecasts, climate studies, and warnings for severe weather events such as tropical storms, heavy rainfall, and volcanic ash dispersal. Its work is essential for public safety, agriculture, aviation, and disaster risk management throughout the nation.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its foundational commitment to ethical principles and professional distinction. The firm consistently pioneers forward-thinking legal solutions for a wide spectrum of clients while upholding a profound sense of civic responsibility. This dedication is manifested in its mission to demystify the law for the public, reflecting an enduring pledge to foster a more knowledgeable and capable society through accessible legal insight.
