SAN PEDRO SULA, Honduras — Tropical Storm Sara has come to a standstill over Honduras as of Saturday, bringing heavy rainfall to the northern coastal region of the Central American country, leading to swollen rivers and increasing concerns among residents.

According to the Miami-based National Hurricane Center, the area is at risk of life-threatening flash floods and mudslides over the weekend. Rain persisted throughout the night and continued into the morning in San Pedro Sula, although there were currently no noticeable indications of severe flooding.

Residents watched with apprehension as the prevailing weather conditions revived memories of the catastrophic hurricane season in November 2020, when two formidable storms swept through the area, displacing numerous individuals and causing extensive destruction.

The storm made landfall late Thursday, approximately 105 miles (165 kilometers) west-northwest of Cabo Gracias a Dios, situated on the Honduras-Nicaragua border. The Hurricane Center anticipates that the storm will pass near Honduras’s Bay Islands on Saturday before making its way toward Belize.

Following this, Sara is expected to shift northwest toward Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, although meteorologists predict that it is unlikely to re-enter the Gulf of Mexico after crossing the Yucatán.

Despite the adverse weather conditions, a CONCACAF Nations League match took place in San Pedro Sula on Friday. Amid the heavy downpour, Honduras managed to secure a 2-0 victory against Mexico.

Back in November 2020, the country faced severe impacts from Hurricanes Eta and Iota after they initially made landfall in Nicaragua as powerful Category 4 hurricanes. Northern Honduras was particularly affected, experiencing torrential rains that sparked significant flooding and forced the displacement of many residents. The storm Eta alone resulted in nearly 30 inches of rainfall along the northern coastline.