Tropical Storm Richard is moving slowly westward toward northeastern Honduras.
A hurricane watch is in effect for Honduras from the Nicaragua border westward to Limon and the Bay Islands, and the east coast of Mexico from Punta Gruesa to Chetumal.
Interests elsewhere in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico should monitor the progress of Richard.
At 7 p.m., the center of Tropical Storm Richard was located near latitude 15.8 north, longitude 82.3 west. Richard is moving toward the west near 5 mph. A west to west- northwest motion at an increasing forward speed is expected over the next couple of days.
On the forecast track, Richard should approach northeastern Honduras late Saturday, and could approach the coasts of Belize and southeastern Mexico late on Sunday.
Maximum sustained winds remain near 45 mph with higher gusts. Strengthening is forecast during the next 48 hours and Richard is expected to become a hurricane during the weekend.
Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 105 miles, mainly to the north of the center.
The minimum central pressure reported by an Air Force Reserve unit aircraft is 1007 mb, 29.74 inches.
Hazards affecting land:
Rainfall: Richard is expected to produce rainfall accumulations of 3 to 5 inches over northern Honduras and the Bay Islands with maximum storm total amounts around 7 inches. These rains could produce life-threatening flash floods and mud slides, especially in mountainous terrain.
Wind: Tropical storm conditions are expected to move over northeastern Honduras within the warning area on Saturday, with hurricane conditions possible in that area on Saturday night. Hurricane conditions are possible along the coasts of Belize and southeastern Mexico by late Sunday.