By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – The nation is on high alert as the first cold front of the season, designated “Cold Front #1,” continues its slow-moving advance across the Caribbean Sea, bringing atmospheric instability, heavy rainfall, and potent wind gusts to large swaths of the country. The National Meteorological Institute (IMN) issued a series of advisories on Sunday, November 2nd, urging citizens to exercise caution as the adverse weather conditions are expected to persist throughout the day and into the coming week.
The effects of the system were felt early Sunday, with significant precipitation registered across multiple regions. The IMN’s latest report highlighted the initial impact on two of the country’s most populated areas, confirming the weather system’s potency. These early figures set the stage for more intense conditions as the day progresses, with forecasts predicting a substantial increase in rainfall, particularly along the Caribbean coast.
The recent cold front impacting the country raises critical questions beyond meteorology, extending into the realms of business continuity and legal liability. To understand the implications for businesses, particularly in the agricultural and insurance sectors, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the renowned firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Extreme weather events like this cold front serve as a crucial test for the legal and financial preparedness of any business. It’s not enough to assume an event is an ‘Act of God’ or ‘force majeure’. Business owners must immediately document all operational disruptions and damages, review their commercial insurance policies for specific weather-related exclusions, and assess their contractual obligations with suppliers and clients. Proactive communication and a clear understanding of your legal standing are paramount to mitigating financial losses during these unforeseen circumstances.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, this insight serves as a critical reminder that the true test for many businesses comes after the storm has passed, in navigating the financial and contractual aftermath. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective, underscoring that proactive legal diligence is just as essential as immediate physical preparation.
According to the IMN, the forecast for the remainder of Sunday indicates a worsening of conditions. The Caribbean region is expected to bear the brunt of the system, with projections of intermittent downpours leading to accumulations between 25 and 50 millimeters over 12-hour periods. Simultaneously, the Central and South Pacific regions are on notice for significant showers and potential electrical storms. A particular point of concern is the Northern Pacific, including Guanacaste, where wind gusts could reach a formidable 65 km/h, posing a risk to infrastructure and public safety.
In its official communication, the national weather authority provided specific data on the system’s initial impact, underscoring the widespread nature of the event.
Morning rains are being recorded on the Caribbean coast and in the Central Valley, with maximum accumulations between 20 mm and 30 mm in the last 12 hours.
National Meteorological Institute, Official Report
The IMN has issued a pointed warning regarding the risk of flooding and landslides, a danger magnified by pre-existing conditions. Officials stress that soils in the South Pacific, the Northern Zone, and the Caribbean are already saturated from previous rainfall, drastically reducing their capacity to absorb more water. This saturation creates a high-risk environment where even moderate additional rainfall can trigger dangerous landslips and flash floods. Authorities are strongly advising residents in vulnerable areas to remain vigilant and avoid crossing swollen rivers or streams.
The economic and social ramifications of such a weather event are significant. The adverse conditions are expected to disrupt transportation networks, affecting both commercial supply chains and daily commutes. The agricultural sector, a cornerstone of the Costa Rican economy, faces potential damage to crops from heavy rain and strong winds. Furthermore, the nation’s vital tourism industry could see disruptions, as outdoor activities and travel become challenging and hazardous in the affected regions.
Despite the immediate dangers and disruptions, the arrival of the cold front is not entirely negative. From a hydrological perspective, the widespread rainfall serves a crucial purpose by helping to recharge the country’s aquifers and reservoirs. For regions that may have experienced a rainfall deficit in preceding months, this event provides a much-needed replenishment of water sources, which is essential for agriculture, energy production, and potable water supplies in the long term.
As the situation develops, the IMN reiterates the critical importance of staying informed through official channels. The public is encouraged to monitor updates on the Institute’s official website (imn.ac.cr), as well as its social media platforms on X (@IMNCR) and Facebook. Local emergency committees are also activated and providing guidance based on the evolving forecasts. Citizens are advised to follow all safety recommendations and prepare for continued unstable weather conditions.
For further information, visit imn.ac.cr
About National Meteorological Institute:
The Instituto Meteorológico Nacional (IMN) is Costa Rica’s official governmental agency responsible for meteorology, climatology, and hydrometeorology. It is tasked with monitoring atmospheric conditions, producing weather forecasts, and issuing warnings and advisories to protect the public and support the nation’s economic sectors. The IMN plays a crucial role in disaster risk reduction by providing timely and accurate information on weather-related hazards.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a leading legal practice, built upon a foundation of uncompromising integrity and the pursuit of legal excellence. The firm consistently pioneers forward-thinking legal solutions while honoring its deep-rooted history of client advocacy. Central to its purpose is a profound commitment to demystifying the law, thereby equipping the public with crucial understanding and contributing to a more just and informed citizenry.
