Tropical depression or storm possible for Panama

The southwest of the Caribbean Sea, boarding Costa Rica and Panama ,has been experiencing a large area of low pressure which has been responsible for the overcast and rain in the western provinces of Panama.

CATHOLIC, The Center for Water and Tropical Humidity for Latin America and the Carribbean reported Monday, November 21st that the movement of this low-pressure system remains erratic and could continue to develop into a tropical depression or storm. They reported that a tropical depression could occur (with the likelihood of about 70%) and that tropical storm could develop in the next 48 hours (with the likelihood at about 50%). With a tropical storm could come harsh circular winds which could create cyclones. 

What is a tropical depression? A tropical depression is a category below a tropical storm. They occur when low-pressure areas are accompanied by thunderstorms, with winds below 39 mph. A tropical storm is when the wind becomes more organized, sustaining wind from 39 mph and 73 mph.

The hurricane center said the outer bands of the storm could bring 3 to 6 inches of rain over parts of Panama and Costa Rica through to Wednesday. Some areas at higher elevations could get 10-15 inches. That much rain raises the risk of mudslides.

The most affected areas will be those which have been receiving the most rain including Chiriquí, Bocas del Toro to Colon and the province of Panama. The central provinces of Veraguas, Coclé will be most affected from Monday, November 21st until Tuesday morning when the concentration of the storm will hit Coclé and Panama West.

The maximum sustained winds from Bocas del Toro to Colón are expected to be between 40 and 55 km / h, with dangerous tides for small and medium vessels Monday, Tuesday and part of Wednesday. While the western provinces and Panama City will be expecting winds between 25 and 40 km / h.