Central America on high alert for tropical storm Cristina
June 9 (UPI) -- Tropical Storm Cristina has placed Central America on high alert after forming in the Pacific Ocean, bringing heavy rainfall and evacuation warnings and leaving at least five people missing because of rough seas and flooding.
Cristina strengthened Monday from a tropical depression into the third named tropical storm of the eastern Pacific season. However, forecasters said it could weaken back into a tropical depression Wednesday and dissipate Thursday after moving along the coasts of Nicaragua and Honduras.
According to the U.S. National Hurricane Center, tropical storm conditions are still expected Tuesday, and the system is now forecast to approach the coast of El Salvador near the southern Gulf of Fonseca.
El Salvador remains under an orange alert ahead of the storm's expected arrival.
Civil Protection authorities and the Ministry of Environment warned that more than 6 inches of rainfall could fall over three days, accompanied by winds of up to 43 mph, creating the risk of flooding and landslides in several coastal departments, according to local reports.
During an interview with Noticiero El Salvador, Environment Minister Fernando López said Cristina's effects would intensify in the coming hours.
"Tropical Storm Cristina is near our country and approaching the southern area of the Gulf of Fonseca. We are already experiencing some effects and will continue to see more rain through Thursday," López said.
In Costa Rica, the National Emergency Commission reported that five people remain missing after two small boats capsized because of rough seas generated by the storm. Much of the country remains under a yellow alert.
Authorities also ordered the temporary closure of schools in several communities in Guanacaste province because of flood risks and access problems, local media reported. Officials urged small-scale fishermen and tourism operators to stay out of the water because of hazardous conditions.
In Nicaragua, Cristina has already caused property damage, flooding and suspension of maritime activities because of high waves and persistent rainfall. Rough seas and strong wind gusts left several small boats and fishing vessels stranded on beaches or damaged.
Authorities reported coastal flooding caused by dangerous wave activity associated with the storm and advised small vessels to remain in port because of hazardous maritime conditions.
Although forecasts indicate the storm could weaken into a tropical depression Wednesday, heavy rainfall will remain a threat across the region. Rainfall totals of 4 to 8 inches, with isolated amounts reaching nearly 12 inches, are expected between Tuesday and Thursday.
Those rainfall levels pose a significant threat across Central America's mountainous terrain, increasing the risk of deadly landslides and the closure of key transportation routes.
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This story was originally published June 9, 2026 at 10:37 AM.