Tropical Storm Cristina threatens Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala with heavy rainfall

Tropical Storm Cristina remained near the Pacific coast of Central America at 06:00 UTC on June 9, with maximum sustained winds of 75 km/h (45 mph) and a slow north-northeast motion of 4 km/h (2 mph).

Tropical storm warnings remained in effect from Puerto Sandino, Nicaragua, to the Guatemala–El Salvador border as the NHC warned that heavy rainfall, flooding, and mudslides would be the storm’s primary hazards.

The center of Cristina was located approximately 150 km (95 miles) west-northwest of Managua, Nicaragua, and 210 km (130 miles) southeast of San Salvador, El Salvador. The cyclone’s minimum central pressure was estimated at 1 005 mb. Tropical-storm-force winds extended outward up to 110 km (70 miles) from the center.

Cristina was designated a tropical storm at 18:00 UTC on June 8 by the NHC, becoming the third named storm of the 2026 Eastern Pacific hurricane season. At the time, the center was located about 160 km (100 miles) west-southwest of Managua and 275 km (171 miles) southeast of San Salvador.

Satellite imagery analyzed by the NHC showed repeated bursts of deep convection developing near and south of the circulation center. Forecasters reported that the storm remained poorly organized due to persistent northerly vertical wind shear, which continued to disrupt the cyclone’s structure despite periodic convective redevelopment.

Forecast confidence remains low because model guidance continues to diverge on Cristina’s future track. After moving northward earlier on June 8, the cyclone slowed considerably as deep convection redeveloped over the center.

The NHC forecast favors little short-term motion followed by a gradual turn toward the north and northwest, eventually bringing Cristina inland near the coast of El Salvador between 36 and 48 hours.

Little change in intensity is forecast during the next 24 to 36 hours. Although environmental wind shear is expected to gradually decrease, Cristina’s proximity to land and the mountainous terrain of Central America are expected to limit strengthening. The official forecast keeps the cyclone near tropical-storm intensity before weakening begins after inland movement.

The primary threat from Cristina continues to be heavy rainfall. The NHC forecasts widespread totals of 100 to 200 mm (4 to 8 inches) across portions of Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala, with isolated maximum accumulations reaching 300 mm (12 inches). The agency warned that this rainfall may produce flooding and mudslides, particularly in mountainous terrain.

References:

¹ Tropical Storm Cristina Discussion Number 4 – NHC – June 8, 2026

² Tropical Storm Cristina Intermediate Advisory Number 4A – NHC – June 9, 2026

Rishav Kothari

I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.

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