<p>Hurricane Milton is expected to hit the US state of&nbsp;Florida, bringing strong winds that will likely result in catastrophic damage. The state was hit with another powerful storm Hurricane Helene 12 days ago, which resulted in debris that the residents are still clearing.</p>

<p>According to the National Hurricane Center, "Milton has the potential to be one of the most destructive hurricanes on record for west-central Florida.”</p>

<h2><strong>When and where will Milton make landfall?</strong></h2>

<p>Hurricane Milton is expected to make landfall in Manatee County and the Sarasota County area in Florida. It will hit the Gulf coasts of the state including the Tampa Bay area, Fort Myers, Orlando, Cape Canaveral and Daytona Beach. Nearby regions also remain on tropical storm alert.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/monstrous-hurricane-milton-could-permanently-alter-floridas-entire-coastline-experts-warn-766022">Monstrous Hurricane Milton could permanently alter Florida's entire coastline, experts warn</a></strong></p>

<p>As the storm is growing larger, Rick Davis, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Tampa told USA Today, "We're telling people not to focus on the exact centre because as the system makes landfall, the eye is going to be getting larger, and the wind field is going to be expanding.”</p>

<p>The storm is expected to reach the Florida coasts by Wednesday night or early Thursday morning.</p>

<p>The south-west and west-central Florida are already starting to experience the effects of the storm as heavy rains are lashing the area.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As the storm nears, authorities have ordered a mandatory evacuation for millions in the region. The evacuation zone includes Charlotte County, Citrus County, Collier County, Hernando County, Hillsborough County, Lee County, Levy County, Manatee County, Pasco County, Pinellas County, Sarasota County, St&nbsp;Johns County, and Volusia County.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/milton-turning-out-to-be-eerily-similar-to-hypothetical-cat-5-hurricane-scenario-765884">Hurricane Milton is eerily similar to a 2020 hypothetical Cat 5 scenario</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>What is the intensity of Milton?</strong></h2>

<p>Hurricane Milton is classified as a Category 5 storm, according to meteorologists. This is the maximum category as per the Saffir–Simpson hurricane wind scale, which ranges from 1 to 5.</p>

<p>According to the National Weather Server, a Category 5 hurricane is described as a storm with wind speeds 157 mph or higher (252 km/hr or higher). During this storm, “catastrophic damage will occur: a high percentage of framed homes will be destroyed, with total roof failure and wall collapse. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last for weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.”</p>

<p>Late Tuesday (Oct 8) the storm sustained winds of 165 mph (270 km/hr). The forecasters have warned of a storm surge of 10 to 15 feet (3 to 4.5 metres) in Tampa Bay, much worse than Helene’s which was 5 to 8 feet (1.5 to 2.5 metres).</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Hurricane Milton is expected to hit the US state of Florida, bringing strong winds that will likely result in catastrophic damage. The state was hit with another powerful storm Hurricane Helene 12 days ago, which resulted in debris that the residents are still clearing.

Hurricane Milton is expected to hit the US state of Florida, bringing strong winds that will likely result in catastrophic damage. The state was hit with another powerful storm Hurricane Helene 12 days ago, which resulted in debris that the residents are still clearing. According to the National Hurricane Center, "Milton has the potential to be one of the most destructive hurricanes on record for west-central Florida.” When and where will Milton make landfall? Hurricane Milton is expected to make landfall in Manatee County and the Sarasota County area in Florida. It will hit the Gulf coasts of the state including the Tampa Bay area, Fort Myers, Orlando, Cape Canaveral and Daytona Beach. Nearby regions also remain on tropical storm alert. Also read | Monstrous Hurricane Milton could permanently alter Florida's entire coastline, experts warn As the storm is growing larger, Rick Davis, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Tampa told USA Today, "We're telling people not to focus on the exact centre because as the system makes landfall, the eye is going to be getting larger, and the wind field is going to be expanding.” The storm is expected to reach the Florida coasts by Wednesday night or early Thursday morning. The south-west and west-central Florida are already starting to experience the effects of the storm as heavy rains are lashing the area. As the storm nears, authorities have ordered a mandatory evacuation for millions in the region. The evacuation zone includes Charlotte County, Citrus County, Collier County, Hernando County, Hillsborough County, Lee County, Levy County, Manatee County, Pasco County, Pinellas County, Sarasota County, St Johns County, and Volusia County. Also Read | Hurricane Milton is eerily similar to a 2020 hypothetical Cat 5 scenario What is the intensity of Milton? Hurricane Milton is classified as a Category 5 storm, according to meteorologists. This is the maximum category as per the Saffir–Simpson hurricane wind scale, which ranges from 1 to 5. According to the National Weather Server, a Category 5 hurricane is described as a storm with wind speeds 157 mph or higher (252 km/hr or higher). During this storm, “catastrophic damage will occur: a high percentage of framed homes will be destroyed, with total roof failure and wall collapse. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last for weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.” Late Tuesday (Oct 8) the storm sustained winds of 165 mph (270 km/hr). The forecasters have warned of a storm surge of 10 to 15 feet (3 to 4.5 metres) in Tampa Bay, much worse than Helene’s which was 5 to 8 feet (1.5 to 2.5 metres). (With inputs from agencies)

Hurricane Milton to hit Florida: Timing, areas at risk, wind speeds, and what to expect

<p>As Hurricane Milton took over Florida, meteorologist John Morales became emotional while reporting updates about the storm. The storm has now been classified as Category 5, the NBC6 reporter says as he struggles to hold back tears.</p>

<p>“It’s just an incredible, incredible, incredible Hurricane,” says Morales in the video while tearing up. “It has dropped 50 millibars in 10 hours. I apologise, this is just horrific.”</p>

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<p>Morales tries to stop himself from breaking down on the live reporting as he gives the updates on the massive storm heading towards Florida.</p>

<p>“The seas are just so incredibly, incredibly hot,” the meteorologist said. “Record hot as you might imagine. You know what’s driving that, I don’t need to tell you. Global warming, climate change leading to this and becoming an increasing threat.”</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hurricane-milton-strongest-of-2024-might-have-breached-cat-6-cutoff-expert-says-765514">Hurricane Milton, 'strongest of 2024', might have breached 'Cat 6' cutoff, expert says</a></strong></p>

<h2>Hurricane Milton: Strongest in the Gulf of Mexico</h2>

<p>The hurricane was earlier classed as Category 3, however, it was updated to a Category 5 storm within hours on Monday. According to the scale, in a Category 5 storm, "a high percentage of framed homes will be destroyed, with total roof failure and wall collapse."</p>

<p>"Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last for weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months," the description reads.</p>

<p>The powerful tropical storm in the Gulf of Mexico is likely to make landfall on Florida’s western coast by mid-week. It will impact those in the Yucatán Peninsula and is expected to make catastrophic damage to people living along the coast.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hurricane-milton-largest-evacuation-drive-in-nearly-a-decade-in-florida-as-category-5-storm-nears-765306">Hurricane Milton: Largest evacuation in a decade ordered in Florida as Category 5 storm nears</a></strong></p>

<p>Morales explained that the wind speeds could lead up to 160 mph with a 12-foot storm surge. According to reports, the storm is likely to weaken to a Category 3 when it is expected to hit Tampa Bay.</p>

<p>The massive hurricane is recorded as the strongest to originate in the Gulf of Mexico and is being fueled by the warm waters of the Gulf.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


As Hurricane Milton took over Florida, meteorologist John Morales became emotional while reporting updates about the storm. The storm has now been classified as Category 5, the NBC6 reporter says as he struggles to hold back tears.

As Hurricane Milton took over Florida, meteorologist John Morales became emotional while reporting updates about the storm. The storm has now been classified as Category 5, the NBC6 reporter says as he struggles to hold back tears. “It’s just an incredible, incredible, incredible Hurricane,” says Morales in the video while tearing up. “It has dropped 50 millibars in 10 hours. I apologise, this is just horrific.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by NBC 6 South Florida (@nbc6) × Morales tries to stop himself from breaking down on the live reporting as he gives the updates on the massive storm heading towards Florida. “The seas are just so incredibly, incredibly hot,” the meteorologist said. “Record hot as you might imagine. You know what’s driving that, I don’t need to tell you. Global warming, climate change leading to this and becoming an increasing threat.” Also read | Hurricane Milton, 'strongest of 2024', might have breached 'Cat 6' cutoff, expert says Hurricane Milton: Strongest in the Gulf of Mexico The hurricane was earlier classed as Category 3, however, it was updated to a Category 5 storm within hours on Monday. According to the scale, in a Category 5 storm, "a high percentage of framed homes will be destroyed, with total roof failure and wall collapse." "Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last for weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months," the description reads. The powerful tropical storm in the Gulf of Mexico is likely to make landfall on Florida’s western coast by mid-week. It will impact those in the Yucatán Peninsula and is expected to make catastrophic damage to people living along the coast. Also read | Hurricane Milton: Largest evacuation in a decade ordered in Florida as Category 5 storm nears Morales explained that the wind speeds could lead up to 160 mph with a 12-foot storm surge. According to reports, the storm is likely to weaken to a Category 3 when it is expected to hit Tampa Bay. The massive hurricane is recorded as the strongest to originate in the Gulf of Mexico and is being fueled by the warm waters of the Gulf. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: Meteorologist fights back tears while reporting Hurricane Milton update

<p>Hurricane Otis hit the beach resort of Mexico's Acapulco early on Wednesday. The storm, which happens to be one of the strongest storms ever to hit Mexico's Pacific Coast, smashed buildings and vital infrastructure, leaving the city disconnected and without power. It&nbsp;claimed the lives of at least 27 people.</p>

<h2><strong>The destruction wrought massive destruction</strong></h2>

<p>In the southern state of Guerrero the category 5 storm, Otis, as per videos and photos on social media, wrought widespread destruction, wrecking hotels, ripping open walls and ceilings, shattering windows, and leaving cars partly submerged in floodwaters.</p>

<p>Videos from Acapulco show debris strewn around lobbies, patios, streets and hotel balconies, and remnants of mangled trees littering the city's downtown area.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="es">A más de 20 horas del impacto de <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Otis?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Otis</a>:<br />
<br />
-<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Acapulco?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Acapulco</a> sigue incomunicado<br />
-Aún no hay luz al 100%<br />
-El aeropuerto está cerrado<br />
-Autopista del Sol, abierta solo para vehículos oficiales<br />
-No hemos visto a la gobernadora<br />
-La alcaldesa del Puerto no ha dado la cara <a href="https://t.co/b3NZZtZ0sV">pic.twitter.com/b3NZZtZ0sV</a></p>
— Manuel Lopez San Martin (@MLopezSanMartin) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLopezSanMartin/status/1717383357233758657?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 26, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Whoahhh! Jeeeze!! This video really shows how bad the situation is in Acapulco 😭💔<br />
<br />
📹 Jorge Martíne<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HurricaneOtis?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HurricaneOtis</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HurracanOtis?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HurracanOtis</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Otis?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Otis</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Acapulco?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Acapulco</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Mexico?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Mexico</a> <a href="https://t.co/XboA3EYoCM">pic.twitter.com/XboA3EYoCM</a></p>
— Volcaholic 🌋 (@volcaholic1) <a href="https://twitter.com/volcaholic1/status/1717286069924671618?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 25, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/hurricane-otis-mexicos-most-powerful-storm-makes-landfall-near-acapulco-on-pacific-coast-651094">Hurricane Otis: Mexico's most powerful storm ever makes landfall near Acapulco resort</a></strong></p>

<p>Furthermore, downed telecommunication lines&nbsp;and damage to infrastructure left the city's residents disconnected from the outside world.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The power loss also led to the closure of the city's airport. Furthermore, as per the government, the airport suffered significant damage — with storm Otis smashing the control tower's windows.</p>

<p>While there were no immediate reports of fatalities, as per a Reuters report, this could be because&nbsp;power outages have made it hard for officials to assess the extent of the destruction.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Hurricane Otis slams Mexican coast as a category 5 storm</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hurricane-otis-slams-mexican-coast-as-a-category-5-storm-651285/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Some officials have reportedly expressed concern that there would likely have been some loss of life.</p>

<h2><strong>President lends support</strong></h2>

<p>As per Reuters, Mexico President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador tried to reach Acapulco by car to lend his support. However, he was held up due to road closures caused by the storm.</p>

<p>Otis roared into the coast with winds of 165 miles per hour (266 kph), reaching the shore as a Category 5 storm - the strongest level on the five-step Saffir-Simpson hurricane wind scale. However, it quickly weakened to a Category 4 storm.</p>

<p>It further lost its power as it moved inland, reducing to a tropical storm and finally dissipating over southern Mexico mountains. As per Reuters, the&nbsp;main highway connecting Acapulco to Mexico City will not be fully open until Thursday. The nation has mobilised the military&nbsp;to help clear up the mess left behind by Otis.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Hurricane Otis hit the beach resort of Mexico's Acapulco early on Wednesday. The storm, which happens to be one of the strongest storms ever to hit Mexico's Pacific Coast, smashed buildings and vital infrastructure, leaving the city disconnected and without power.

Hurricane Otis hit the beach resort of Mexico's Acapulco early on Wednesday. The storm, which happens to be one of the strongest storms ever to hit Mexico's Pacific Coast, smashed buildings and vital infrastructure, leaving the city disconnected and without power. It claimed the lives of at least 27 people. The destruction wrought massive destruction In the southern state of Guerrero the category 5 storm, Otis, as per videos and photos on social media, wrought widespread destruction, wrecking hotels, ripping open walls and ceilings, shattering windows, and leaving cars partly submerged in floodwaters. Videos from Acapulco show debris strewn around lobbies, patios, streets and hotel balconies, and remnants of mangled trees littering the city's downtown area. A más de 20 horas del impacto de #Otis: -#Acapulco sigue incomunicado -Aún no hay luz al 100% -El aeropuerto está cerrado -Autopista del Sol, abierta solo para vehículos oficiales -No hemos visto a la gobernadora -La alcaldesa del Puerto no ha dado la cara pic.twitter.com/b3NZZtZ0sV — Manuel Lopez San Martin (@MLopezSanMartin) October 26, 2023 × Whoahhh! Jeeeze!! This video really shows how bad the situation is in Acapulco 😭💔 📹 Jorge Martíne#HurricaneOtis #HurracanOtis #Otis #Acapulco #Mexico pic.twitter.com/XboA3EYoCM — Volcaholic 🌋 (@volcaholic1) October 25, 2023 × Also read | Hurricane Otis: Mexico's most powerful storm ever makes landfall near Acapulco resort Furthermore, downed telecommunication lines and damage to infrastructure left the city's residents disconnected from the outside world. The power loss also led to the closure of the city's airport. Furthermore, as per the government, the airport suffered significant damage — with storm Otis smashing the control tower's windows. While there were no immediate reports of fatalities, as per a Reuters report, this could be because power outages have made it hard for officials to assess the extent of the destruction. Watch | Hurricane Otis slams Mexican coast as a category 5 storm Some officials have reportedly expressed concern that there would likely have been some loss of life. President lends support As per Reuters, Mexico President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador tried to reach Acapulco by car to lend his support. However, he was held up due to road closures caused by the storm. Otis roared into the coast with winds of 165 miles per hour (266 kph), reaching the shore as a Category 5 storm - the strongest level on the five-step Saffir-Simpson hurricane wind scale. However, it quickly weakened to a Category 4 storm. It further lost its power as it moved inland, reducing to a tropical storm and finally dissipating over southern Mexico mountains. As per Reuters, the main highway connecting Acapulco to Mexico City will not be fully open until Thursday. The nation has mobilised the military to help clear up the mess left behind by Otis. (With inputs from agencies)

Category 5 Hurricane Otis roars into Mexico, causing widespread destruction

After destroying houses and damaging power grids in Cuba, Hurricane Ian is nearing Florida, U.S. Reports say the Hurricane has gained speed and is now just shy of category 5. Priyanka Sharma brings you a report.

Gravitas: Hurricane Ian nears Florida

How hurricane categories forecast the scale of destruction

<p>Iota made landfall Monday on Nicaragua's northern Caribbean coast as a maximum Category 5 hurricane, accompanied by catastrophic winds, rain and storm surge.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As of 10:40 pm (0340 GMT Tuesday), it had dropped slightly to a Category 4, packing maximum sustained winds of 155 miles (250 kilometers) per hour.</p>

<p>Authorities had been rushing to evacuate thousands of people from coastal areas of Nicaragua and Honduras, in the immediate path of the maximum-level hurricane.</p>

<p>The storm had already left one person dead as it swept the Colombian Caribbean island territory of Providencia, where it caused widespread damage.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This powerful hurricane Iota is already on the front line, it's already on land. At the moment, the eye of the hurricane is already touching the border of the Haulover coast in the Caribbean," the director of meteorology at the Nicaraguan Institute of Territorial Studies (INETER), told a press conference.</p>

<p>The NHC forecast that Iota would weaken rapidly as it moved further inland and would dissipate over Central America by Wednesday.</p>

<p>Colonel John Fredy Sepulveda, the police chief on Providencia, said the local hospital had lost part of its roof and the territory of around 6,000 people was without power.</p>

<p>Central America and southern Mexico are still reeling from Hurricane Eta, which devastated crops and washed away hillsides after landing near Puerto Cabezas two weeks ago, killing dozens. Many towns are still partially flooded, and the land is waterlogged from the earlier storm.</p>

<p>The unprecedented 2020 hurricane season comes as Central America is facing an economic crisis linked to the coronavirus pandemic, with experts warning the compounding hardship could worsen infections, spread hunger, and fuel a new round of migration from the region.</p>

<p>Iota is the ninth letter of the Greek alphabet.</p>

<p>Warmer seas caused by climate change are making hurricanes stronger for longer after landfall, scientists say.</p>

<p>Along with the wind, Iota will raise sea levels as much as 20 feet (6 meters) above normal tides. It is expected to quickly weaken inland, but will dump as much as 30 inches (76 cm) of rain over the next few days.</p>

<p>Shelters in Nicaragua, already stretched by those made homeless by Eta, were being overwhelmed by new arrivals, Eufemia Hernandez, coordinator of a center at Uraccan University, told AFP.</p>

<p>In Bilwi, residents spent the day desperately trying to secure roofs of flimsy wooden homes with the same zinc sheets ripped off by Eta.</p>

<p>Many people were wrapping their belongings in plastic bags to protect them from the coming rains.</p>

<p>Earlier in the day, governments from Panama to Guatemala rushed to move people away from hillsides, volcanoes and bodies of water. The World Food Programme said millions of people already urgently needed food aid in the wake of Eta.</p>

<p>The Miskito region straddling Honduras and Nicaragua raced to get people to safety before a forecast direct hit from Iota. Its eye was about 35 miles (55 km) east-southeast of Puerto Cabezas after clipping the Colombian islands of San Andres and Providencia before dawn, cutting off electricity.</p>

<p>Many of the people of Miskito are descendants of indigenous groups along with Africans who escaped from slavery and those castaways believed to have survived a 17th-century slave shipwreck.</p>

<p>Local media reported that more than 175,000 people had been evacuated since Saturday, especially in areas previously flooded by Eta, including the industrial Sula Valley, north of the capital Tegucigalpa.</p>

<p>The NHC warned that Iota would deposit 10 to 20 inches (250 to 500 mm) of rain on Honduras, northern Nicaragua, southeast Guatemala and southern Belize, with isolated totals of up to 30 inches.</p>

<p><em><strong>(with inputs from agencies)</strong></em></p>


Iota made landfall Monday on Nicaragua's northern Caribbean coast as a maximum Category 5 hurricane, accompanied by catastrophic winds, rain and storm surge. As of 10:40 pm (0340 GMT Tuesday), it had dropped slightly to a Category 4, packing maximum sustained winds of 155 miles (250 kilometers) per hour.

Iota made landfall Monday on Nicaragua's northern Caribbean coast as a maximum Category 5 hurricane, accompanied by catastrophic winds, rain and storm surge. As of 10:40 pm (0340 GMT Tuesday), it had dropped slightly to a Category 4, packing maximum sustained winds of 155 miles (250 kilometers) per hour. Authorities had been rushing to evacuate thousands of people from coastal areas of Nicaragua and Honduras, in the immediate path of the maximum-level hurricane. The storm had already left one person dead as it swept the Colombian Caribbean island territory of Providencia, where it caused widespread damage. "This powerful hurricane Iota is already on the front line, it's already on land. At the moment, the eye of the hurricane is already touching the border of the Haulover coast in the Caribbean," the director of meteorology at the Nicaraguan Institute of Territorial Studies (INETER), told a press conference. The NHC forecast that Iota would weaken rapidly as it moved further inland and would dissipate over Central America by Wednesday. Colonel John Fredy Sepulveda, the police chief on Providencia, said the local hospital had lost part of its roof and the territory of around 6,000 people was without power. Central America and southern Mexico are still reeling from Hurricane Eta, which devastated crops and washed away hillsides after landing near Puerto Cabezas two weeks ago, killing dozens. Many towns are still partially flooded, and the land is waterlogged from the earlier storm. The unprecedented 2020 hurricane season comes as Central America is facing an economic crisis linked to the coronavirus pandemic, with experts warning the compounding hardship could worsen infections, spread hunger, and fuel a new round of migration from the region. Iota is the ninth letter of the Greek alphabet. Warmer seas caused by climate change are making hurricanes stronger for longer after landfall, scientists say. Along with the wind, Iota will raise sea levels as much as 20 feet (6 meters) above normal tides. It is expected to quickly weaken inland, but will dump as much as 30 inches (76 cm) of rain over the next few days. Shelters in Nicaragua, already stretched by those made homeless by Eta, were being overwhelmed by new arrivals, Eufemia Hernandez, coordinator of a center at Uraccan University, told AFP. In Bilwi, residents spent the day desperately trying to secure roofs of flimsy wooden homes with the same zinc sheets ripped off by Eta. Many people were wrapping their belongings in plastic bags to protect them from the coming rains. Earlier in the day, governments from Panama to Guatemala rushed to move people away from hillsides, volcanoes and bodies of water. The World Food Programme said millions of people already urgently needed food aid in the wake of Eta. The Miskito region straddling Honduras and Nicaragua raced to get people to safety before a forecast direct hit from Iota. Its eye was about 35 miles (55 km) east-southeast of Puerto Cabezas after clipping the Colombian islands of San Andres and Providencia before dawn, cutting off electricity. Many of the people of Miskito are descendants of indigenous groups along with Africans who escaped from slavery and those castaways believed to have survived a 17th-century slave shipwreck. Local media reported that more than 175,000 people had been evacuated since Saturday, especially in areas previously flooded by Eta, including the industrial Sula Valley, north of the capital Tegucigalpa. The NHC warned that Iota would deposit 10 to 20 inches (250 to 500 mm) of rain on Honduras, northern Nicaragua, southeast Guatemala and southern Belize, with isolated totals of up to 30 inches. (with inputs from agencies)

Hurricane Iota weakens after making landfall in Nicaragua

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Thousands are feared missing in the Bahamas in the wake of devastating Hurricane Dorian, as residents continue to recount tales of terror more than a week after the top-of-scale Category 5 hurricane ravaged Great Abaco Island, Freeport and other parts of the tourism-dependent country.

Bahamian officials say 2,500 people registered as missing in Dorian's wake

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