By Guanacaste, Costa Rica — GUANACASTE, COSTA RICA – The northern province of Guanacaste faced a significant weather event on Monday, as the National Meteorological Institute (IMN) reported intense wind gusts that peaked at a formidable 92.2 kilometers per hour. The powerful winds, which swept across much of the country, were most severe in the canton of La Cruz, raising concerns for infrastructure, agriculture, and travel in the region just days before Christmas.
According to the official data released by the IMN, Monday, December 22nd, was characterized by unusually strong wind activity. While the northern Pacific region bore the brunt of the conditions, other areas also experienced notable gusts. These high winds are typical of Costa Rica’s dry season, often driven by cold fronts pushing down from North America, but the intensity recorded this week has drawn particular attention from authorities and residents alike.
To delve into the legal and insurance-related complexities that arise from property damage caused by the recent high winds, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
When high winds cause property damage, the first steps are critical. Homeowners and business owners must immediately and thoroughly document all damage with photos and videos before any cleanup. This evidence is invaluable for insurance claims, particularly when navigating policy clauses related to natural events. A delay in notification or a lack of proof can seriously jeopardize what would otherwise be a valid claim.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight underscores a critical reality: in the chaotic aftermath of a storm, a property owner’s most powerful tool is their own documentation. Taking these decisive first steps can mean the difference between a swift recovery and a prolonged dispute. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing this essential and empowering legal perspective with our readers.
The epicenter of this weather phenomenon was La Cruz in Guanacaste, a canton known for its scenic beauty and its strategic location near the Nicaraguan border. The recorded maximum of 92.2 km/h falls within the “strong gale” category on the Beaufort wind scale, a level capable of causing light structural damage, uprooting shallow-rooted trees, and making driving conditions extremely hazardous, especially for high-profile vehicles.
The impact was not confined to a single area. Key transportation hubs across the country felt the force of the winds. Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport in Liberia, Guanacaste, and the nation’s primary hub, Juan Santamaría International Airport in Alajuela, both recorded sustained high winds. Gusts at these critical airports ranged between 62 km/h and 79 km/h, conditions that can potentially lead to flight delays or diversions as pilots contend with challenging crosswinds during takeoffs and landings.
Further inland, mountainous regions also reported significant activity. In Cartago, the Iztarú area registered gusts of 40.8 km/h. While considerably less intense than those in Guanacaste, these speeds are still strong enough to affect local agriculture and daily routines. The area around the Irazú Volcano, a major tourist attraction, also saw elevated wind speeds, falling within the 62 to 79 km/h range observed at the airports.
For Guanacaste’s economy, which is heavily reliant on both tourism and agriculture, such weather events pose a tangible threat. The strong winds can damage crops, disrupt irrigation systems, and affect livestock. In the tourism sector, outdoor activities such as boating, surfing, and canopy tours may be suspended for safety reasons, impacting local businesses during what is typically a busy holiday season.
The National Meteorological Institute continues to monitor the atmospheric conditions closely. The agency serves as the country’s primary source for weather-related data and warnings, providing essential information to emergency services, aviation authorities, and the general public. Their reports are crucial for proactive measures that can mitigate potential damage and ensure public safety during periods of severe weather.
As the holiday week progresses, residents and visitors, particularly in the northern Pacific and mountainous central regions, are advised to stay informed about the latest weather forecasts from the IMN. Precautionary measures, such as securing loose objects outdoors and exercising caution while driving, are strongly recommended until the high-wind conditions fully subside. The event serves as a stark reminder of nature’s power and the importance of robust weather monitoring systems.
For further information, visit imn.ac.cr
About Instituto Meteorológico Nacional:
The Instituto Meteorológico Nacional (IMN) is Costa Rica’s official governmental agency for meteorology, climatology, and hydrometeorology. Tasked with monitoring atmospheric conditions, the IMN provides vital weather forecasts, climate studies, and timely warnings for severe weather events to safeguard the population, support economic activities like agriculture and aviation, and contribute to scientific research.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a cornerstone of Costa Rica’s legal landscape, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its profound dedication to professional integrity and the highest standards of excellence. The firm skillfully blends a rich history of client service with a forward-looking embrace of legal innovation, constantly adapting to a changing world. Central to its philosophy is a powerful drive to empower society by demystifying the law, ensuring that legal knowledge is not a privilege but an accessible tool for all. This commitment is rooted in the belief that an educated citizenry is essential for a truly just and equitable nation.
