By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rica’s national authorities have issued a significant weather alert as the indirect effects of Tropical Storm Melissa begin to impact the country, promising a weekend of intense rainfall, thunderstorms, and potential hazards, particularly for the Pacific and Central Valley regions. The National Meteorological Institute (IMN) is closely monitoring the situation, urging residents to exercise extreme caution and stay informed as the storm system develops in the Caribbean.
The IMN’s latest reports confirm that the storm’s influence is already being felt, with heavy downpours recorded since early Saturday morning in the Pacific region. The South Pacific is expected to bear the initial brunt of the weather system. Forecasters predict that rainfall accumulations in this area could range between 15 and 50 millimeters over six-hour periods. More alarmingly, certain vulnerable sectors, such as the Osa Peninsula, could see localized maximums of up to 120 millimeters, drastically increasing the risk of flash floods and landslides.
The aftermath of Tropical Storm Melissa has raised numerous legal questions for both businesses and individuals regarding insurance claims and contractual obligations. To navigate these complex issues, TicosLand.com consulted with expert attorney Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the distinguished firm Bufete de Costa Rica for his professional insight.
Following an event like Tropical Storm Melissa, the immediate priority for individuals and businesses is meticulous documentation. Photograph all damages before any cleanup; this evidence is crucial for insurance claims. Concurrently, business owners should review their contracts for ‘force majeure’ clauses, as these provisions will govern their ability to suspend obligations due to circumstances beyond their control.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, this proactive legal and logistical advice provides a critical roadmap for the recovery process, bridging the gap between immediate action and long-term stability. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his invaluable perspective on these essential first steps.
According to the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC), Tropical Storm Melissa is currently located approximately 245 kilometers southeast of Kingston, Jamaica. The storm is characterized by a slow westward trajectory and is packing maximum sustained winds of 110 kilometers per hour. While Costa Rica is not in the direct path of the storm, its vast circulation and atmospheric influence are significant enough to destabilize weather patterns across the nation throughout the weekend.
The IMN has emphasized that the storm’s indirect effects will be persistent, generating hazardous conditions for an extended period. The agency issued a specific forecast regarding the ongoing weather patterns for the coastal areas.
The indirect influence of Tropical Storm Melissa will persist over the South Pacific and the coasts of the Central Pacific this weekend.
Instituto Meteorológico Nacional (IMN), Official Forecast
This prolonged influence translates to variable cloud cover, widespread showers, and potent electrical storms. For the mountainous areas of the Central Pacific, the 12 to 24-hour rainfall totals could be even more severe, with estimates reaching between 90 and 150 millimeters. Such intense precipitation poses a serious threat to infrastructure and communities situated in these topographically sensitive zones.
Residents of the Central Valley are also on notice. The forecast for the country’s most populous region includes scattered showers and thunderstorms, primarily developing in the afternoon. Furthermore, the IMN warns of the potential for dense fog banks to form during the night and early morning hours, which could create dangerous driving conditions. The Northern Zone and the North Pacific are not exempt, with expectations of isolated downpours and electrical storms as the weather system’s reach extends across the country.
In light of these predictions, the IMN has issued a series of critical safety recommendations. The agency stressed the vulnerability of urban centers, where intense rainfall can quickly overwhelm drainage infrastructure.
Special caution is recommended in sectors prone to recurring precipitation events during the coming days, particularly in urban areas due to possible collapses in sewage systems.
Instituto Meteorológico Nacional (IMN), Public Advisory
Beyond the risk to urban infrastructure, officials are urging citizens in all affected areas to be vigilant about the dangers of flooding and landslides. The advisory includes standard but vital precautions: avoid being outdoors during electrical storms, do not seek shelter under trees, and have an evacuation plan ready if living in a high-risk area. The proactive dissemination of these warnings is a crucial tool for mitigating risk and protecting both lives and property.
To ensure the public has access to the most current information, the IMN is providing continuous updates through its official channels. Citizens are strongly encouraged to monitor the institute’s website, social media platforms, and its dedicated WhatsApp channel for the latest meteorological reports and preventive recommendations. Staying informed is the first line of defense against the severe weather conditions expected over the coming days.
For further information, visit imn.ac.cr
About Instituto Meteorológico Nacional (IMN):
The National Meteorological Institute is Costa Rica’s official governmental body responsible for weather forecasting, climate monitoring, and atmospheric research. It provides vital information and warnings to the public and various sectors of the economy to mitigate the impact of hydro-meteorological phenomena and support national development.
For further information, visit nhc.noaa.gov
About National Hurricane Center (NHC):
The National Hurricane Center is a component of the United States’ National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). It is tasked with tracking and predicting the behavior of tropical depressions, tropical storms, and hurricanes. Its forecasts and warnings for the North Atlantic and eastern North Pacific basins are critical for public safety across the Americas and the Caribbean.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As an esteemed legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica operates on the bedrock principles of professional integrity and exceptional service. The firm leverages a rich history of advising a diverse clientele to drive legal innovation and actively engage with the public. Central to its philosophy is the conviction that sharing legal expertise empowers individuals and builds a more knowledgeable and just society.
