BELMOPAN, Belize — On Sunday, Tropical Storm Sara approached the shores of Belize, prompting forecasts of severe rainfall that could lead to dangerous flash flooding and mudslides.

The storm was anticipated to reach land within the late morning to noon, as indicated by the National Hurricane Center located in Miami. Sara had previously lingered over the northern coast of Honduras, where it saturated the region since Friday, resulting in swollen rivers and leaving some residents stranded.

As of Sunday, a tropical storm warning was in effect for the Bay Islands of Honduras and the northern coastline from Punta Castilla to the Guatemalan border. The warning also extended to the Caribbean coast of Guatemala, Belize’s coastline, and northern parts of Mexico’s Quintana Roo state, spanning from Chetumal to Puerto Costa Maya.

Forecasters project that the storm could unleash as much as 10 inches (25 cm) of rain in some areas, with isolated spots possibly receiving up to 15 inches (38 cm) by early next week. The Hurricane Center cautioned that these conditions could lead to flash flooding, potentially severe, in addition to the risk of mudslides.

The storm surge is expected to elevate water levels by 1 to 3 feet near the coast, particularly north of where Sara makes landfall in Belize. This surge will likely be accompanied by large and destructive waves along the coastal regions.

Residents are advised to take precautions and remain vigilant as the storm progresses, given the threat of significant weather-related hazards in the coming days.