Tropical Storm Alex Moves North

In this handout satellite image provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Tropical storm Alex is seen gaining speed off the coast of the Yucatan peninsula on June 25, 2010 from space in the Gulf of Mexico. Reports of maximum sustained winds of about 40 mph from Tropical storm Alex, the first named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season this year, has been a cause of concern if the storm will disrupt BP cleanup efforts of the massive oil spill that has been gushing since the Deepwater Horizon rig exploded on April 20. (NOAA via Getty Images)

Tropical Storm Alex is slowly making its way across Central America, creating concern for citizens in various countries including Mexico and the U.S.

AccuWeather.com has predicted “life-threatening floods and mudslides” will affect the countries of Honduras, Guatemala, and Belize. All of these are under severe thunderstorm warnings for the remainder of the weekend.

Certain areas will receive up to six inches of rain over the weekend that will cause mud to move from high altitudes to lower more populated regions. Meteorologists are predicting that the storm will lessen in severity as it approaches land.

Recent flooding in Brazil killed more than 56 people and 51 people are reported missing. No reports have surfaced in Central America but as the weekend approaches, more flooding could come.

The U.S. Coast Guard is preparing for the effects of the storm and there are concerns that the ongoing efforts to stop the oil spill in the Gulf Of Mexico will be slowed because of the storm.

“Well obviously this is [going to] be a very negative affect on it because at some point we’re gonna have to break production and get those production units to a safer locale,” Admiral Thad Allen told The Associated Press.

The AP report added that Tropical Storm Alex could develop into Hurricane Alex, while other weather reports are saying that it is not likely.

Weather experts in Houston believe that the tropical storm will not reach the Gulf Of Mexico and will die down after hitting land.

“This should have a very minimal effect on the cleanup,” said Jim Hassling from the Weather Research Center in Houston to Business Week.

Only time will tell as to what will become of Tropical Storm Alex. The storm is moving at 13 miles-per-hour and will undoubtedly cause heavy rain in Mexico. The rain will disperse to surrounding areas throughout the weekend.