Hurricane Julia (2022)

While a tropical depression, the system brought heavy rain and flooding to much of the Venezuelan Caribbean.[1] As a result of additional rainfall after the storm passed through, at least 54 people died and dozens went missing when mud and debris inundated Las Tejerías, Aragua, on October 8.[11][12]

The center of Julia passed just south of San Andrés Island while it was reaching hurricane strength east of Nicaragua. At least 174 homes were destroyed by Julia, and 5,247 homes and a health center were damaged.[13]

The hurricane left at least 1 million people without power and forced the evacuation of 13,000 families.[14] Of the nation's 143 municipalities, 96 reported varying degrees of damage. Overall, Julia left at least $400 million in damage and five deaths in Nicaragua.[9][15]

The Government of Honduras opened more than 1,137 shelters nationwide, with 9,200 people utilizing them by October 10. A red alert, the highest level of warning, was issued for 10 of Honduras's 18 departments. Many homes were flooded along the Chamelecón River, which continued to rise as of October 10.[16] Heavy rains brought water levels at several dams to above or near maximum capacity. The Ulúa River rose to 22.3 ft (6.79 m) near Santiago, exceeding the red alert stage for flooding. The most significant effects were felt in Yoro Department. Throughout Honduras, Julia killed four people and left two others missing as of October 11. A total of 103,960 people were affected, 3,412 of whom required evacuation. A total of 278 homes were destroyed and a further 397 suffered varying degrees of damage.[17]

On October 8, the Government of El Salvador declared an orange alert for the entire territory due to the approaching storm.[18] Fishing and recreational activities in rivers, beaches, and lakes were suspended until October 11.[18] Shelters for 3,000 people were prepared.[18] A state of national emergency was declared due to the hurricane.[19] The Government ended up declaring a red alert for civil protection due to the winds throughout the national territory.[20] Tree falls were reported in different municipalities, impeding traffic and damaging cars.[21] Falling branches blocked several major highways; roads were also damaged by landslides.[21] Five soldiers died and another was injured in Comasagua when the home they were seeking refuge in collapsed.[22] In all, Julia was responsible for ten deaths in El Salvador.[14]

In Guatemala, a total of 457,300 people were affected throughout Guatemala, 1,165 of whom required evacuation.[23] At least 14 people died throughout Guatemala: nine in Huehuetenango Department and five in Alta Verapaz Department.[22]

Flooding was reported throughout Costa Rica. 470 people were transported to temporary hospitals, mostly in the South Pacific. Red alerts were issued throughout the country.[24]

Two people died in Panama near the border with Costa Rica and around 300 people required evacuation.[14] The Ministry of Education of Panama suspended classes on October 10.[25] A total of two landslides were reported.[26] Due to heavy rains, nearly 868 people were affected.[26] The Tierras Altas District saw significant damage, particularly to road infrastructure. Approximately 70 percent of roads in the district were damaged or blocked by debris, rendering some communities inaccessible. Roughly 240 hectares (590 acres) of crops valued at $6–7 million, half of which were potatoes, were lost.[10]

On October 5, the precursor tropical wave brought heavy thunderstorms to several southern Windward Islands. More than 2.0 in (51 mm) of rain fell in Trinidad and Tobago in less than a half-hour, causing significant flash flooding.[27] Significant flooding was also reported in extreme southern Mexico as the system's remnants dissipated.[1]