The death toll from Eta in Central America has leapt to over 100. On Friday, the Guatemalan military reached a remote mountain village where torrential rains caused mudslides that killed the estimated 100 people.

Many of the dead were buried in their homes in the remote village of Queja in the central region of Alta Verapaz, where around 150 houses were swallowed by mudslides.

The devastating weather front brought destruction from Panama to Honduras and Mexico, which between them have registered more than 50 flood-related deaths -- tally crossing 150.

It was not the first time disaster had struck the remote corner of Alta Verapaz. The area around Queja appeared to be the site of a huge landslide on a road pass a decade ago, which killed dozens

Photos of the Queja landslide showed a lengthy strip of brown mud peeled from the lush green hillside. A video shared by the army showed soldiers trying to get to Queja having to haul themselves through a morass of mud with the aid of a guide rope.

Footage from another part of Guatemala showed boats ferrying villagers in flooded regions and rescue workers carrying children on their backs, wading through water up to their hips.

The army said about 100 people are believed to have died in Queja alone, though searches for survivors continue.

Guatemalan President Alejandro Giammattei hinted the death toll could jump higher, with the number of dead and missing in Queja estimated at about 150.

One of the fiercest storms to hit Central America in years, Eta on Friday dumped more torrential rain across swathes of Central America and the US National Hurricane Centre (NHC) warned "catastrophic flooding" in the region would continue.

Rescue operations across Honduras and Guatemala have been slowed by destroyed roads and bridges, forcing authorities to draft in the military and use helicopters and speedboats to rescue people stranded on top of their houses by flooding.

In Honduras, about 16,000 people were rescued in the northern Valle Sula region, authorities said. Over 5,000 people were evacuated in Guatemala, officials said.

Eta has wrought chaos since plowing into Nicaragua as a Category 4 hurricane on Tuesday with winds of 150 miles per hour (241 kph). It weakened to a tropical depression inland but unleashed torrents of rain on regions of Honduras and Guatemala.

Mark Connolly, UNICEF Representative in Honduras, has estimated about 1.5 million children there will be impacted by Eta.

Eta's devastation harked back to Hurricane Mitch, which killed some 10,000 people in Central America in 1998. Bad weather is hampering rescue efforts.

At least 23 people have been killed and two are missing in Honduras, the government said on Friday evening. Many people remained trapped on their roofs, the National Risk Management System (SINAGER) said.

High winds and heavy rain have damaged thousands of homes in Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala and Costa Rica, forcing people to take cover in shelters.

Two miners were reported killed in Nicaragua, while in southern Costa Rica, a landslide killed two people in a house, a Costa Rican woman and an American man. Eight others, including at least three children, died in flooding near the Costa Rican border in Panama's Chiriqui province, authorities said.

On Friday evening, Eta was off Belize's coast in the Caribbean, churning towards Cuba and Florida, the NHC said.

Flash flooding was also possible across Jamaica, southeast Mexico, the Cayman Islands and Cuba.

(with inputs)

The death toll from Eta in Central America has leapt to over 100. On Friday, the Guatemalan military reached a remote mountain village where torrential rains caused mudslides that killed the estimated 100 people.

The death toll from Eta in Central America has leapt to over 100. On Friday, the Guatemalan military reached a remote mountain village where torrential rains caused mudslides that killed the estimated 100 people. Many of the dead were buried in their homes in the remote village of Queja in the central region of Alta Verapaz, where around 150 houses were swallowed by mudslides. The devastating weather front brought destruction from Panama to Honduras and Mexico, which between them have registered more than 50 flood-related deaths -- tally crossing 150. It was not the first time disaster had struck the remote corner of Alta Verapaz. The area around Queja appeared to be the site of a huge landslide on a road pass a decade ago, which killed dozens Photos of the Queja landslide showed a lengthy strip of brown mud peeled from the lush green hillside. A video shared by the army showed soldiers trying to get to Queja having to haul themselves through a morass of mud with the aid of a guide rope. Footage from another part of Guatemala showed boats ferrying villagers in flooded regions and rescue workers carrying children on their backs, wading through water up to their hips. The army said about 100 people are believed to have died in Queja alone, though searches for survivors continue. Guatemalan President Alejandro Giammattei hinted the death toll could jump higher, with the number of dead and missing in Queja estimated at about 150. One of the fiercest storms to hit Central America in years, Eta on Friday dumped more torrential rain across swathes of Central America and the US National Hurricane Centre (NHC) warned "catastrophic flooding" in the region would continue. Rescue operations across Honduras and Guatemala have been slowed by destroyed roads and bridges, forcing authorities to draft in the military and use helicopters and speedboats to rescue people stranded on top of their houses by flooding. In Honduras, about 16,000 people were rescued in the northern Valle Sula region, authorities said. Over 5,000 people were evacuated in Guatemala, officials said. Eta has wrought chaos since plowing into Nicaragua as a Category 4 hurricane on Tuesday with winds of 150 miles per hour (241 kph). It weakened to a tropical depression inland but unleashed torrents of rain on regions of Honduras and Guatemala. Mark Connolly, UNICEF Representative in Honduras, has estimated about 1.5 million children there will be impacted by Eta. Eta's devastation harked back to Hurricane Mitch, which killed some 10,000 people in Central America in 1998. Bad weather is hampering rescue efforts. At least 23 people have been killed and two are missing in Honduras, the government said on Friday evening. Many people remained trapped on their roofs, the National Risk Management System (SINAGER) said. High winds and heavy rain have damaged thousands of homes in Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala and Costa Rica, forcing people to take cover in shelters. Two miners were reported killed in Nicaragua, while in southern Costa Rica, a landslide killed two people in a house, a Costa Rican woman and an American man. Eight others, including at least three children, died in flooding near the Costa Rican border in Panama's Chiriqui province, authorities said. On Friday evening, Eta was off Belize's coast in the Caribbean, churning towards Cuba and Florida, the NHC said. Flash flooding was also possible across Jamaica, southeast Mexico, the Cayman Islands and Cuba. (with inputs)

Guatemalan mudslides push storm Eta death toll near 150

More than 50 people in Guatemala were killed in landslides unleashed by hurricane Eta, according to President Alejandro Giammattei, who said mudslides around the town of San Cristobal Verapaz had swallowed about 25 homes.

The hurricane also inflicted devastation in parts of neighbouring Central American countries.

"In the morning we had four dead, now the figure is over 50 dead," President Alejandro Giammattei said at an impromptu press conference.

Hurricane Eta unleashed torrential rains and catastrophic flooding on Central America, with fatalities sharply up on Thursday as streets turned into rivers and dozens more were feared to be buried in their homes by mudslides.

In Honduras, families waded through flooded streets of the northern city of San Pedro Sula, while cars sat almost submerged in parts of the central Guatemalan city of San Pedro Carcha, television footage and images posted on social media showed.

Hundreds of people were left stranded on roofs in Honduras as frantic rescue efforts played out, which were credited with taking around 500 people to safety.

Damage and destruction had spread across the "vast majority" of Honduras and speedboats and helicopters would be sent to rescue people in inaccessible areas, Hernandez added.

One of the fiercest storms to hit Central America in years, Eta struck Nicaragua as a Category 4 hurricane on Tuesday with winds of 150 miles per hour (241 kph) before weakening to a tropical depression as it moved inland and into neighboring Honduras.

By Thursday, authorities confirmed seven deaths in Honduras. Media in Nicaragua also reported two miners had died in a mudslide.

Guatemala's disaster relief agency Conred had earlier said about 15 homes were likely covered by mudslides, possibly affecting around 75 people.

Giammattei had already declared a state of emergency in nearly half of the country's 22 departments.

In both Guatemala and Panama, several people have been reported missing as water levels continue to rise.

In southern Costa Rica, a landslide killed two people in a house, a Costa Rican woman and an American man, officials said. Meanwhile, five people, including three children, died in flooding in Panama`s Chiriqui province, near the Costa Rica border.

There was better news in Honduras, where 60 fishermen who disappeared at sea on Tuesday returned after taking shelter on cays until they were rescued, said community leader Robin Morales.

Across swaths of Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala and Costa Rica, high winds and heavy rain have damaged homes, roads and bridges, forcing thousands to take cover in shelters.

Eta was moving northwest through Honduras toward the Caribbean, at eight miles per hour (13 kph) on Thursday, the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) said. Heavy rains continued and the storm`s top winds edged up to 35 mph (56 kph).

Eta is forecast to return to sea and regain momentum as a tropical storm, possibly reaching the Cayman Islands, Cuba and southern Florida in the coming days, the NHC said.

(with inputs from agencies)

More than 50 people in Guatemala were killed in landslides unleashed by hurricane Eta, according to President Alejandro Giammattei, who said mudslides around the town of San Cristobal Verapaz had swallowed about 25 homes.

More than 50 people in Guatemala were killed in landslides unleashed by hurricane Eta, according to President Alejandro Giammattei, who said mudslides around the town of San Cristobal Verapaz had swallowed about 25 homes. The hurricane also inflicted devastation in parts of neighbouring Central American countries. "In the morning we had four dead, now the figure is over 50 dead," President Alejandro Giammattei said at an impromptu press conference. Hurricane Eta unleashed torrential rains and catastrophic flooding on Central America, with fatalities sharply up on Thursday as streets turned into rivers and dozens more were feared to be buried in their homes by mudslides. In Honduras, families waded through flooded streets of the northern city of San Pedro Sula, while cars sat almost submerged in parts of the central Guatemalan city of San Pedro Carcha, television footage and images posted on social media showed. Hundreds of people were left stranded on roofs in Honduras as frantic rescue efforts played out, which were credited with taking around 500 people to safety. Damage and destruction had spread across the "vast majority" of Honduras and speedboats and helicopters would be sent to rescue people in inaccessible areas, Hernandez added. One of the fiercest storms to hit Central America in years, Eta struck Nicaragua as a Category 4 hurricane on Tuesday with winds of 150 miles per hour (241 kph) before weakening to a tropical depression as it moved inland and into neighboring Honduras. By Thursday, authorities confirmed seven deaths in Honduras. Media in Nicaragua also reported two miners had died in a mudslide. Guatemala's disaster relief agency Conred had earlier said about 15 homes were likely covered by mudslides, possibly affecting around 75 people. Giammattei had already declared a state of emergency in nearly half of the country's 22 departments. In both Guatemala and Panama, several people have been reported missing as water levels continue to rise. In southern Costa Rica, a landslide killed two people in a house, a Costa Rican woman and an American man, officials said. Meanwhile, five people, including three children, died in flooding in Panama`s Chiriqui province, near the Costa Rica border. There was better news in Honduras, where 60 fishermen who disappeared at sea on Tuesday returned after taking shelter on cays until they were rescued, said community leader Robin Morales. Across swaths of Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala and Costa Rica, high winds and heavy rain have damaged homes, roads and bridges, forcing thousands to take cover in shelters. Eta was moving northwest through Honduras toward the Caribbean, at eight miles per hour (13 kph) on Thursday, the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) said. Heavy rains continued and the storm`s top winds edged up to 35 mph (56 kph). Eta is forecast to return to sea and regain momentum as a tropical storm, possibly reaching the Cayman Islands, Cuba and southern Florida in the coming days, the NHC said. (with inputs from agencies)

Eta wreaks devastation in Central America, kills 50 in Gautemala

Eta was downgraded to a Category 2 hurricane Tuesday even as it continued to pummel Nicaragua, killing two people there and one in neighboring Honduras as it unleashed fierce winds and heavy downpours.

The hurricane, which dropped from a Category 4 storm earlier in the day as it moved inland, hammered impoverished indigenous communities along the coast and caused heavy rains throughout much of Central America.&nbsp;

"Quite a lot of trees have fallen and traffic has been badly affected" in the region, said Nicaraguan infrastructure minister Oscar Mojica.

Packing 110 mile (175 kilometer) an hour winds, Eta tore up trees and ripped roofs off homes in Bilwi, the biggest town on the northeastern coast, also known as Puerto Cabezas.

"We spent the whole night with strong gusts of wind, accompanied by rain," Kenny Lisby, head of a local radio station, told AFP. "It's possible there will be quite a lot of destruction."

Winds tore down the concrete perimeter walls of the town's baseball stadium, and left a trail of fallen trees as dazed cattle and domestic animals wandered through the streets, AFP reporters said.

Giovany Nelson, 34, said his family was "locked in a room listening to the wind destroying the roof."

Two Nicaraguans died after they were buried in a landslide while working in a mine in the municipality of Bonanza, the director of the local Red Cross, Auner Garcia, told Channel 10 television.

Authorities in Honduras said that a child died in a collapsed house, bringing the death toll in the region to three so far.

The US National Hurricane Center warned the effects of Eta could be catastrophic for the region.

"Life-threatening storm surge, catastrophic winds, flash flooding, and landslides expected across portions of Central America," it said, including Jamaica, southeast Mexico, El Salvador, southern Haiti and the Cayman Islands.

The Wawa river that connects Bilwi to the rest of the country broke its banks.

Eta is forecast to continue moving inland over northern Nicaragua and central Honduras through Wednesday and into Thursday.

- Devastation -

At the request of the government, the UN World Food Programme (WFP) said it had sent 80 tonnes of food for distribution in the region.

Some 100,000 people live in Bilwi and adjacent communities along the coast, mostly inhabited by indigenous Miskito and Mayagna people who are among the poorest in Nicaragua.&nbsp;

"Bilwi has been badly affected, there are surrounding neighborhoods and bridges that are flooded, many houses are without roofs and the situation is continuing because the hurricane is very slowly continuing on its path into the territory," said Kevin Gonzalez, a community volunteer helping with the relief effort.

"It was a terrifying night because the strong gusts of wind generated a sound like a tractor demolishing everything in its way," Joel Quin, 35, a Bilwi resident, told AFP.

The hurricane is likely to have a devastating effect on the communities' main livelihoods of fishing and agriculture, the WFP said.

As the surface layer of oceans warms due to climate change, hurricanes are becoming more powerful and carrying more water, posing an increasing threat to the world's coastal communities, scientists say.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Storm surges amplified by rising seas can be especially devastating.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

In the coastal community of Prinzapolka, winds tore the zinc roofs from simple wood-framed dwellings, local teacher Kevin Lacwood told AFP.

The government said it had evacuated 20,000 people from the coast to shelters inland.

The governments in Nicaragua, with more than six million people, and neighboring Honduras, with more than nine million, had warned populations in the path of the hurricane to prepare as best they could.

In Honduras, a small girl died when a house collapsed in the El Carmen slum in northern San Pedro Sula, the country's second-largest city, where Eta caused flooding that forced hundreds of people to evacuate their homes, relief agencies said.

Heavy rains lashed the Caribbean ports of La Ceiba and Tela, where authorities evacuated more than 100 people, as water levels rose dangerously in local rivers.

In El Salvador, President Nayib Bukele said on national radio and television that more than 100,000 people from the government, relief organizations, the police and army were ready to help the population during and after the hurricane.&nbsp;

Eta was downgraded to a Category 2 hurricane Tuesday even as it continued to pummel Nicaragua, killing two people there and one in neighboring Honduras as it unleashed fierce winds and heavy downpours.

Eta was downgraded to a Category 2 hurricane Tuesday even as it continued to pummel Nicaragua, killing two people there and one in neighboring Honduras as it unleashed fierce winds and heavy downpours. The hurricane, which dropped from a Category 4 storm earlier in the day as it moved inland, hammered impoverished indigenous communities along the coast and caused heavy rains throughout much of Central America. "Quite a lot of trees have fallen and traffic has been badly affected" in the region, said Nicaraguan infrastructure minister Oscar Mojica. Packing 110 mile (175 kilometer) an hour winds, Eta tore up trees and ripped roofs off homes in Bilwi, the biggest town on the northeastern coast, also known as Puerto Cabezas. "We spent the whole night with strong gusts of wind, accompanied by rain," Kenny Lisby, head of a local radio station, told AFP. "It's possible there will be quite a lot of destruction." Winds tore down the concrete perimeter walls of the town's baseball stadium, and left a trail of fallen trees as dazed cattle and domestic animals wandered through the streets, AFP reporters said. Giovany Nelson, 34, said his family was "locked in a room listening to the wind destroying the roof." Two Nicaraguans died after they were buried in a landslide while working in a mine in the municipality of Bonanza, the director of the local Red Cross, Auner Garcia, told Channel 10 television. Authorities in Honduras said that a child died in a collapsed house, bringing the death toll in the region to three so far. The US National Hurricane Center warned the effects of Eta could be catastrophic for the region. "Life-threatening storm surge, catastrophic winds, flash flooding, and landslides expected across portions of Central America," it said, including Jamaica, southeast Mexico, El Salvador, southern Haiti and the Cayman Islands. The Wawa river that connects Bilwi to the rest of the country broke its banks. Eta is forecast to continue moving inland over northern Nicaragua and central Honduras through Wednesday and into Thursday. - Devastation - At the request of the government, the UN World Food Programme (WFP) said it had sent 80 tonnes of food for distribution in the region. Some 100,000 people live in Bilwi and adjacent communities along the coast, mostly inhabited by indigenous Miskito and Mayagna people who are among the poorest in Nicaragua. "Bilwi has been badly affected, there are surrounding neighborhoods and bridges that are flooded, many houses are without roofs and the situation is continuing because the hurricane is very slowly continuing on its path into the territory," said Kevin Gonzalez, a community volunteer helping with the relief effort. "It was a terrifying night because the strong gusts of wind generated a sound like a tractor demolishing everything in its way," Joel Quin, 35, a Bilwi resident, told AFP. The hurricane is likely to have a devastating effect on the communities' main livelihoods of fishing and agriculture, the WFP said. As the surface layer of oceans warms due to climate change, hurricanes are becoming more powerful and carrying more water, posing an increasing threat to the world's coastal communities, scientists say. Storm surges amplified by rising seas can be especially devastating. In the coastal community of Prinzapolka, winds tore the zinc roofs from simple wood-framed dwellings, local teacher Kevin Lacwood told AFP. The government said it had evacuated 20,000 people from the coast to shelters inland. The governments in Nicaragua, with more than six million people, and neighboring Honduras, with more than nine million, had warned populations in the path of the hurricane to prepare as best they could. In Honduras, a small girl died when a house collapsed in the El Carmen slum in northern San Pedro Sula, the country's second-largest city, where Eta caused flooding that forced hundreds of people to evacuate their homes, relief agencies said. Heavy rains lashed the Caribbean ports of La Ceiba and Tela, where authorities evacuated more than 100 people, as water levels rose dangerously in local rivers. In El Salvador, President Nayib Bukele said on national radio and television that more than 100,000 people from the government, relief organizations, the police and army were ready to help the population during and after the hurricane.

Three dead as Category 2 hurricane Eta batters Nicaragua

Tropical Storm Eta has formed in the Caribbean, tying the historic 2005 season for total number of storms in a season.

Eta is the 28th named Atlantic storm this Atlantic hurricane season.

The system reached maximum sustained winds of 40 mph (65 kph) late Saturday, the National Hurricane Centre said in an advisory.&nbsp;

Eta has formed about 270 miles southeast of Kingston, Jamaica, the Miami-based National Hurricane Center (NHC) said on Saturday.

By early Tuesday, the storm is forecast to hit the northeast coast of Nicaragua near the Honduran border, the NHC said. By then, Eta is due to have strengthened into a hurricane and could be packing winds of up to 90 miles per hour (145 kph).

The Miami-based NHC said that through Thursday evening, Eta`s rains may lead to flooding across parts of Jamaica, the Cayman Islands and Central America. That in turn could spark landslides in areas of higher terrain, it added.

The southern fringe of the island of Hispaniola could also face floods, depending the storm`s progress, the center said.

A hurricane watch has been issued for portions of the northeastern coasts of Nicaragua and Honduras, the forecaster said.

This is the first time the Greek letter Eta is being used as a storm name because in 2005, after the season ended meteorologists went back and determined there was a storm that should have gotten a name, but didn't.

In 2005, Zeta formed in the end of December.&nbsp;

Hurricane season still has a month to go, ending November 30.

Tropical Storm Eta has formed in the Caribbean, tying the historic 2005 season for total number of storms in a season. Eta is the 28th named Atlantic storm this Atlantic hurricane season.

Tropical Storm Eta has formed in the Caribbean, tying the historic 2005 season for total number of storms in a season. Eta is the 28th named Atlantic storm this Atlantic hurricane season. The system reached maximum sustained winds of 40 mph (65 kph) late Saturday, the National Hurricane Centre said in an advisory. Eta has formed about 270 miles southeast of Kingston, Jamaica, the Miami-based National Hurricane Center (NHC) said on Saturday. By early Tuesday, the storm is forecast to hit the northeast coast of Nicaragua near the Honduran border, the NHC said. By then, Eta is due to have strengthened into a hurricane and could be packing winds of up to 90 miles per hour (145 kph). The Miami-based NHC said that through Thursday evening, Eta`s rains may lead to flooding across parts of Jamaica, the Cayman Islands and Central America. That in turn could spark landslides in areas of higher terrain, it added. The southern fringe of the island of Hispaniola could also face floods, depending the storm`s progress, the center said. A hurricane watch has been issued for portions of the northeastern coasts of Nicaragua and Honduras, the forecaster said. This is the first time the Greek letter Eta is being used as a storm name because in 2005, after the season ended meteorologists went back and determined there was a storm that should have gotten a name, but didn't. In 2005, Zeta formed in the end of December. Hurricane season still has a month to go, ending November 30.

Tropical Storm Eta becomes record-tying 28th storm of the season

At least six people were killed in the southeast of the United States and more than two million people were without power on Thursday after Hurricane Zeta slammed into the Gulf Coast and moved northeast.

The first confirmed death from Zeta was a 55-year-old man in New Orleans, who was electrocuted by a downed power line, the Louisiana Department of Health told Reuters.

This was followed by four deaths in Alabama and Georgia from trees crashing down on homes, according to Gwinnett County fire officials. A 58-year-old man in Mississippi drowned when he was trapped in rising seawater after taking video of the storm.

Zeta spun up in the Caribbean Sea and went from a tropical storm to a damaging, Category 2 hurricane in less than four days. It struck Mexico`s Yucatan Peninsula and raced across the Gulf of Mexico to hit the U.S. coast late on Wednesday.

It is the fifth named storm to strike Louisiana this year and the 27th named storm this season, one less than the record set in 2005.

Hurricanes are getting stronger and spinning slower, as they pick up energy from heat in the oceans due to climate change.

The eight named storms that have entered the Gulf of Mexico since June have caused repeated offshore evacuations and cut millions of barrels of U.S. oil and gas output.

Crews began returning to Gulf of Mexico offshore facilities on Thursday. Chevron Corp&nbsp;and Royal Dutch Shell Plc&nbsp;said they were redeploying personnel and ramping up and restoring production at their platforms.

The hurricane Zeta cut 4 million barrels over four days this week, halting up to 85% of daily offshore Gulf of Mexico oil production and nearly 58% of its natural gas output.

At least six people were killed in the southeast of the United States and more than two million people were without power on Thursday after Hurricane Zeta slammed into the Gulf Coast and moved northeast.

At least six people were killed in the southeast of the United States and more than two million people were without power on Thursday after Hurricane Zeta slammed into the Gulf Coast and moved northeast. The first confirmed death from Zeta was a 55-year-old man in New Orleans, who was electrocuted by a downed power line, the Louisiana Department of Health told Reuters. This was followed by four deaths in Alabama and Georgia from trees crashing down on homes, according to Gwinnett County fire officials. A 58-year-old man in Mississippi drowned when he was trapped in rising seawater after taking video of the storm. Zeta spun up in the Caribbean Sea and went from a tropical storm to a damaging, Category 2 hurricane in less than four days. It struck Mexico`s Yucatan Peninsula and raced across the Gulf of Mexico to hit the U.S. coast late on Wednesday. It is the fifth named storm to strike Louisiana this year and the 27th named storm this season, one less than the record set in 2005. Hurricanes are getting stronger and spinning slower, as they pick up energy from heat in the oceans due to climate change. The eight named storms that have entered the Gulf of Mexico since June have caused repeated offshore evacuations and cut millions of barrels of U.S. oil and gas output. Crews began returning to Gulf of Mexico offshore facilities on Thursday. Chevron Corp and Royal Dutch Shell Plc said they were redeploying personnel and ramping up and restoring production at their platforms. The hurricane Zeta cut 4 million barrels over four days this week, halting up to 85% of daily offshore Gulf of Mexico oil production and nearly 58% of its natural gas output.

US death toll from Hurricane Zeta rises to six, millions without power

Hurricane Zeta, the 11th of the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season, has made landfall in Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, bringing with it maximum sustained winds of 80 mph.

It made landfall late Monday night after strengthening into a hurricane earlier in the day.

According to forecasters, Zeta is expected to hit the already-battered US Gulf Coast later this week as a Category 1 hurricane.

Zeta is likely to re-strengthen as it moves over the southern Gulf of Mexico on Tuesday and the northern Gulf Coast on Wednesday.

Zeta is the 27th named storm of an already historic hurricane season. This year's season has so many storms that the hurricane center has turned to the Greek alphabet after running out of official names.

Zeta is the furthest into the Greek alphabet the Atlantic season has gone.

There was also a Tropical Storm Zeta in 2005. 
&nbsp;

Hurricane Zeta, the 11th of the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season, has made landfall in Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, bringing with it maximum sustained winds of 80 mph.

Hurricane Zeta, the 11th of the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season, has made landfall in Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, bringing with it maximum sustained winds of 80 mph. It made landfall late Monday night after strengthening into a hurricane earlier in the day. According to forecasters, Zeta is expected to hit the already-battered US Gulf Coast later this week as a Category 1 hurricane. Zeta is likely to re-strengthen as it moves over the southern Gulf of Mexico on Tuesday and the northern Gulf Coast on Wednesday. Zeta is the 27th named storm of an already historic hurricane season. This year's season has so many storms that the hurricane center has turned to the Greek alphabet after running out of official names. Zeta is the furthest into the Greek alphabet the Atlantic season has gone. There was also a Tropical Storm Zeta in 2005.

Hurricane Zeta makes landfall in Mexico; expected to hit US as Category 1 hurricane

Tropical Storm Zeta, which strengthened Sunday morning in the Caribbean Sea, is set to enter the Gulf of Mexico in a few days.

It is forecast to strengthen and to become a hurricane by early Tuesday. It is expected to come ashore in Louisiana by the middle of the week.

It is the 27th named storm of the 2020 Atlantic Hurricane season -- even with 2005 as the most active hurricane season on record, according to the National Weather Service.

It will make another record if it makes landfall in Louisiana -- it would become the fifth named storm to do so this year. The previous landfalls were Cristobal, Laura, Marco, and Delta.

Also, it would tie the record for most landfalls in any state for a season (Florida in 2005).

Zeta currently has sustained winds of 40 mph and is moving north at only 1 mph. The storm is about 295 miles southeast of Cozumel.

"While the current NHC forecast indicates that the system should weaken below hurricane strength before landfall, users are reminded that strong tropical storms can still produce significant storm surge, rainfall, and wind impacts along the northern Gulf Coast" the National Hurricane Center said Sunday.

Zeta also would be the 11th named storm to make landfall in the continental US this season, which is the most in one year.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Tropical Storm Zeta, which strengthened Sunday morning in the Caribbean Sea, is set to enter the Gulf of Mexico in a few days. It is forecast to strengthen and to become a hurricane by early Tuesday.

Tropical Storm Zeta, which strengthened Sunday morning in the Caribbean Sea, is set to enter the Gulf of Mexico in a few days. It is forecast to strengthen and to become a hurricane by early Tuesday. It is expected to come ashore in Louisiana by the middle of the week. It is the 27th named storm of the 2020 Atlantic Hurricane season -- even with 2005 as the most active hurricane season on record, according to the National Weather Service. It will make another record if it makes landfall in Louisiana -- it would become the fifth named storm to do so this year. The previous landfalls were Cristobal, Laura, Marco, and Delta. Also, it would tie the record for most landfalls in any state for a season (Florida in 2005). Zeta currently has sustained winds of 40 mph and is moving north at only 1 mph. The storm is about 295 miles southeast of Cozumel. "While the current NHC forecast indicates that the system should weaken below hurricane strength before landfall, users are reminded that strong tropical storms can still produce significant storm surge, rainfall, and wind impacts along the northern Gulf Coast" the National Hurricane Center said Sunday. Zeta also would be the 11th named storm to make landfall in the continental US this season, which is the most in one year.

Tropical Storm Zeta forms, expected to be hurricane by Tuesday

The effects of the hurricane Delta are beginning to be felt in southwestern Louisiana. Watch report.

Hurricane Delta: Locals survey damage inflicted by Delta

Hurricane Delta is bearing down on Louisiana after sweeping over western part of Gulf of Mexico. US national guard has been mobilised and people on Louisiana coast have been evacuated from their homes. Officials say that Hurricane Delta will cause a deadly storm surge and flash flooding in Louisiana. On Friday, Hurricane Delta packed sustained winds of 120 mph.

"I don't even know if we'll have a house when we come back," Kimberly Hester, a resident of Louisiana told AFP.

"I just pray to God every night we can at least have a house to come home to," she said.

Hurricane Delta is a category 3 storm now. National Hurricane Center (NHC) said that Hurricane Delta was still able to cause a "devastating damage". It warned of a "life-threatening storm surge" along parts of northern Gulf Coast.

The hurricane earlier barreled into Mexico's Yucatan region, which escaped major destruction, with no reports of deaths.

Battered US Gulf

Many along the Louisiana coastline have yet to recover from Hurricane Laura, which struck near the end of August as a strong Category 4 storm on the five-level Saffir-Simpson scale.

Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards urged residents to be extremely careful with Delta, and announced that 2,400 National Guard personnel had been mobilized to aid locals.

Hurricane Delta would hit "in the area of our state that is least prepared to take it," Edwards said late Thursday.&nbsp;

"To the people of Southwest Louisiana, I know you are strong. I also know you are about to be tested again. Please finish making preparations now We will get through this."&nbsp;

In the city of Lake Charles, where torn planks of wood, uprooted trees and debris from Hurricane Laura still litter the streets, Shannon Fuselier drilled plywood over the windows of a friend's home as protection from flying debris.

Many neighborhood houses are covered with tarps from previous hurricane damage, and the home Fuselier was working on had already suffered roof damage from a fallen tree and smashed windows during Laura.

"The branches and leaves don't do that much damage," said Fuselier, 56. "It's pieces of metal, steel, frames of other peoples windows, signs from people's stores, nails."

Fuselier said that she was staying because she didn't think the storm was strong enough for her to flee.&nbsp; 
Edwards has already warned that Delta could sweep up old debris and hurl it like missiles.

On Thursday there was a traffic jam in both directions on the highway out of Lake Charles as people left the city.

Terry Lebine had already evacuated to the town of Alexandria, some 100 miles (150 kilometers) to the north, during the previous hurricane, and was ready to head out again.

"It's exhausting," she told AFP. "...I've got my mother, she's 81 years old and not in the best of health. Right after we went back home after Laura, we have to leave again for Delta. We were home a good two to three weeks."

Delta is the 26th named storm of an unusually active Atlantic hurricane season.

In September, meteorologists were forced to break out the Greek alphabet to name Atlantic storms for only the second time ever, after the 2020 hurricane season blew through their usual list, ending on Tropical Storm Wilfred.

As the ocean surface warms due to climate change hurricanes become more powerful -- and scientists say there will likely be an increase in powerful Category 4 and 5 storms.

 
&nbsp;

Hurricane Delta is bearing down on Louisiana after sweeping over western part of Gulf of Mexico. US national guard has been mobilised and people on Louisiana coast have been evacuated from their homes.

Hurricane Delta is bearing down on Louisiana after sweeping over western part of Gulf of Mexico. US national guard has been mobilised and people on Louisiana coast have been evacuated from their homes. Officials say that Hurricane Delta will cause a deadly storm surge and flash flooding in Louisiana. On Friday, Hurricane Delta packed sustained winds of 120 mph. "I don't even know if we'll have a house when we come back," Kimberly Hester, a resident of Louisiana told AFP. "I just pray to God every night we can at least have a house to come home to," she said. Hurricane Delta is a category 3 storm now. National Hurricane Center (NHC) said that Hurricane Delta was still able to cause a "devastating damage". It warned of a "life-threatening storm surge" along parts of northern Gulf Coast. The hurricane earlier barreled into Mexico's Yucatan region, which escaped major destruction, with no reports of deaths. Battered US Gulf Many along the Louisiana coastline have yet to recover from Hurricane Laura, which struck near the end of August as a strong Category 4 storm on the five-level Saffir-Simpson scale. Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards urged residents to be extremely careful with Delta, and announced that 2,400 National Guard personnel had been mobilized to aid locals. Hurricane Delta would hit "in the area of our state that is least prepared to take it," Edwards said late Thursday. "To the people of Southwest Louisiana, I know you are strong. I also know you are about to be tested again. Please finish making preparations now We will get through this." In the city of Lake Charles, where torn planks of wood, uprooted trees and debris from Hurricane Laura still litter the streets, Shannon Fuselier drilled plywood over the windows of a friend's home as protection from flying debris. Many neighborhood houses are covered with tarps from previous hurricane damage, and the home Fuselier was working on had already suffered roof damage from a fallen tree and smashed windows during Laura. "The branches and leaves don't do that much damage," said Fuselier, 56. "It's pieces of metal, steel, frames of other peoples windows, signs from people's stores, nails." Fuselier said that she was staying because she didn't think the storm was strong enough for her to flee. Edwards has already warned that Delta could sweep up old debris and hurl it like missiles. On Thursday there was a traffic jam in both directions on the highway out of Lake Charles as people left the city. Terry Lebine had already evacuated to the town of Alexandria, some 100 miles (150 kilometers) to the north, during the previous hurricane, and was ready to head out again. "It's exhausting," she told AFP. "...I've got my mother, she's 81 years old and not in the best of health. Right after we went back home after Laura, we have to leave again for Delta. We were home a good two to three weeks." Delta is the 26th named storm of an unusually active Atlantic hurricane season. In September, meteorologists were forced to break out the Greek alphabet to name Atlantic storms for only the second time ever, after the 2020 hurricane season blew through their usual list, ending on Tropical Storm Wilfred. As the ocean surface warms due to climate change hurricanes become more powerful -- and scientists say there will likely be an increase in powerful Category 4 and 5 storms.

Hurricane Delta heads towards Louisiana

Mexico braces for category-3 Hurricane Delta. Governor urges the residents to stock up food and supplies. Meanwhile, panic buying leaves shelves empty in Cancun city.

Hurricane Delta to hit Mexican Coast, resident & tourists evacuated

Hurricane Delta weakened to a Category 3 storm ahead of its expected landfall Wednesday on the Yucatan peninsula.

Mexico braces for 'catastrophic' hurricane Delta

Even as it moved to hit Cancun in Mexico, Hurricane Delta weakened to a category 3 hurricane on Wednesday. The US National Hurricane Center released the information. The hurricane is about 130 km east-south east of Cozumel, Mexico. In spite of its weakening, Hurricane Delta still packs a punch at maximum sustained winds of 195 kph. It is expected to strenthen again when it moves over the southern Gulf of Mexico Wednesday night and Thursday, the NHC said.

As authorities in Cancun prepared for the onslaught of Delta, shops were closed and tourists were evacuated from beach hotels.

One of the strongest hurricanes to threaten Cancun in years, Delta's arrival is a blow to Mexican efforts to revive tourism in the surrounding beach-lined state of Quintana Roo, where the industry has been battered by the coronavirus pandemic.

"I want to go home, this is crazy," said Dee Harris, a 29-year-old from Michigan who came to Cancun with his partner and had been due to leave before the storm led to the cancellation of their flight. "The vacation was good before this."

Delta is also disrupting the oil industry, with companies shutting down offshore production platforms and withdrawing workers.

Late on Tuesday, Delta was about 135 miles (217 km) east-southeast of the island of Cozumel, blowing maximum sustained winds of 130 miles per hour (209 kph), the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) said.

Barreling northwest relatively briskly at 16 mph (26 kph), Delta was expected to pass through Quintana Roo in 10-14 hours, state governor Carlos Joaquin said.

"Hopefully, that speed means it won't do us so much damage," Joaquin told Mexican radio.

Slow-moving hurricanes often do more destruction than those with faster lateral movement because they have more time to unleash their force on structures.

Delta is expected to lose some wind power over the peninsula before gathering strength again in the Gulf of Mexico.

On Tuesday, residents queued at supermarkets to stock up on provisions in anticipation of disruptions, while the state government readied shelters that need extra space due to coronavirus social-distancing requirements.

Officials ordered the evacuation of Cancun's hotel zone and other coastal areas, while shop workers boarded up windows.

A hurricane watch was in place from the beach town of Tulum westwards, including Cozumel.

Water levels could rise by up to 13 feet (4 m) over normal tide conditions due to Delta, the NHC said.

The Yucatan peninsula had already taken a hit at the weekend from Hurricane Gamma, a smaller storm that damaged property and forced restaurants and other attractions to close.

(With Reuters inputs)

Even as it moved to hit Cancun in Mexico, Hurricane Delta weakened to a category 3 hurricane on Wednesday. The US National Hurricane Center released the information.

Even as it moved to hit Cancun in Mexico, Hurricane Delta weakened to a category 3 hurricane on Wednesday. The US National Hurricane Center released the information. The hurricane is about 130 km east-south east of Cozumel, Mexico. In spite of its weakening, Hurricane Delta still packs a punch at maximum sustained winds of 195 kph. It is expected to strenthen again when it moves over the southern Gulf of Mexico Wednesday night and Thursday, the NHC said. As authorities in Cancun prepared for the onslaught of Delta, shops were closed and tourists were evacuated from beach hotels. One of the strongest hurricanes to threaten Cancun in years, Delta's arrival is a blow to Mexican efforts to revive tourism in the surrounding beach-lined state of Quintana Roo, where the industry has been battered by the coronavirus pandemic. "I want to go home, this is crazy," said Dee Harris, a 29-year-old from Michigan who came to Cancun with his partner and had been due to leave before the storm led to the cancellation of their flight. "The vacation was good before this." Delta is also disrupting the oil industry, with companies shutting down offshore production platforms and withdrawing workers. Late on Tuesday, Delta was about 135 miles (217 km) east-southeast of the island of Cozumel, blowing maximum sustained winds of 130 miles per hour (209 kph), the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) said. Barreling northwest relatively briskly at 16 mph (26 kph), Delta was expected to pass through Quintana Roo in 10-14 hours, state governor Carlos Joaquin said. "Hopefully, that speed means it won't do us so much damage," Joaquin told Mexican radio. Slow-moving hurricanes often do more destruction than those with faster lateral movement because they have more time to unleash their force on structures. Delta is expected to lose some wind power over the peninsula before gathering strength again in the Gulf of Mexico. On Tuesday, residents queued at supermarkets to stock up on provisions in anticipation of disruptions, while the state government readied shelters that need extra space due to coronavirus social-distancing requirements. Officials ordered the evacuation of Cancun's hotel zone and other coastal areas, while shop workers boarded up windows. A hurricane watch was in place from the beach town of Tulum westwards, including Cozumel. Water levels could rise by up to 13 feet (4 m) over normal tide conditions due to Delta, the NHC said. The Yucatan peninsula had already taken a hit at the weekend from Hurricane Gamma, a smaller storm that damaged property and forced restaurants and other attractions to close. (With Reuters inputs)

Hurricane Delta weakens into a category 3 hurricane

Hurricane Delta strengthened on Tuesday and was forecast to make landfall overnight as a major storm near Mexico`s Caribbean resorts of Cancun and Tulum, threatening "extremely dangerous" sea surges, the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) said.

The hurricane was about 125 miles (200 km) south of Grand Cayman in the Caribbean, packing maximum sustained winds of 100 mph (155 kph), the NHC said.

"Some strengthening is forecast during the next 48 hours, and Delta is expected to be a major hurricane over the Yucatan Peninsula Wednesday and over the Gulf of Mexico through Thursday," the center said in an advisory.

Chevron Corp. has begun evacuating all personnel from its platforms in the Gulf of Mexico and is shutting in the facilities in preparation for the hurricane, it said on Monday.

Water levels could rise by as much as 9 feet (3 meters) over normal tide levels near where Delta makes landfall. The surge will be accompanied by large and dangerous waves within the hurricane warning area - from Tulum to the west of Cancun, the NHC said.

The Yucatan peninsula, including the chic destination of Tulum, famed for Mayan ruins and beach parties, was hit at the weekend by Hurricane Gamma, a smaller storm that nonetheless damaged some property.

The region at the heart of Mexico`s tourist industry has suffered a series of setbacks in recent years, most recently the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on global tourism.

Prior to that, the coast known as the Riviera Maya was affected by large quantities of Sargasso seaweed washing up on its pristine beaches.

As Gamma passed the peninsula, restaurants and attractions, including the Mayan pyramids of Chichen Itza, were closed.

Hurricane Delta strengthened on Tuesday and was forecast to make landfall overnight as a major storm near Mexico`s Caribbean resorts of Cancun and Tulum, threatening "extremely dangerous" sea surges, the U.

Hurricane Delta strengthened on Tuesday and was forecast to make landfall overnight as a major storm near Mexico`s Caribbean resorts of Cancun and Tulum, threatening "extremely dangerous" sea surges, the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) said. The hurricane was about 125 miles (200 km) south of Grand Cayman in the Caribbean, packing maximum sustained winds of 100 mph (155 kph), the NHC said. "Some strengthening is forecast during the next 48 hours, and Delta is expected to be a major hurricane over the Yucatan Peninsula Wednesday and over the Gulf of Mexico through Thursday," the center said in an advisory. Chevron Corp. has begun evacuating all personnel from its platforms in the Gulf of Mexico and is shutting in the facilities in preparation for the hurricane, it said on Monday. Water levels could rise by as much as 9 feet (3 meters) over normal tide levels near where Delta makes landfall. The surge will be accompanied by large and dangerous waves within the hurricane warning area - from Tulum to the west of Cancun, the NHC said. The Yucatan peninsula, including the chic destination of Tulum, famed for Mayan ruins and beach parties, was hit at the weekend by Hurricane Gamma, a smaller storm that nonetheless damaged some property. The region at the heart of Mexico`s tourist industry has suffered a series of setbacks in recent years, most recently the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on global tourism. Prior to that, the coast known as the Riviera Maya was affected by large quantities of Sargasso seaweed washing up on its pristine beaches. As Gamma passed the peninsula, restaurants and attractions, including the Mayan pyramids of Chichen Itza, were closed.

Hurricane Delta threatens Cancun, Tulum with dangerous sea surges

At least eight people were missing in France after a storm passed through the southeastern part of the country, causing strong floods around the city of Nice.

Meteo France said that 450mm (17.7 inches) of rain was recorded over 24 hours in some areas, which is the equivalent of close to four months of rain at this time of the year.

The department of Alpes-Maritimes, on the border with Italy, was on red alert on Friday as the storm was approaching. The storm, dubbed Alex, had already caused heavy winds of more than 180 km per hour (112 miles per hour) in Brittany between Thursday and Friday.

Authorities downgraded the alert to the orange level on Saturday, the rains having moved towards Italy.

Five years ago -- on October 3, 2015, floods caused the death of 20 people in and around the city of Cannes on the French Riviera.

At least eight people were missing in France after a storm passed through the southeastern part of the country, causing strong floods around the city of Nice. Meteo France said that 450mm (17.

At least eight people were missing in France after a storm passed through the southeastern part of the country, causing strong floods around the city of Nice. Meteo France said that 450mm (17.7 inches) of rain was recorded over 24 hours in some areas, which is the equivalent of close to four months of rain at this time of the year. The department of Alpes-Maritimes, on the border with Italy, was on red alert on Friday as the storm was approaching. The storm, dubbed Alex, had already caused heavy winds of more than 180 km per hour (112 miles per hour) in Brittany between Thursday and Friday. Authorities downgraded the alert to the orange level on Saturday, the rains having moved towards Italy. Five years ago -- on October 3, 2015, floods caused the death of 20 people in and around the city of Cannes on the French Riviera.

Storm Alex batters southeastern France, several go missing

North Korean regime which is known for its propagandas videos is now come up with a new video and it shows, believe it or not, residents holding a ceremony to mark the handover of the new houses after a recent hurricane.

North Korea: Storm stricken locals get new houses

By early afternoon, Sally had weakened into a tropical storm, with winds down to 110 kmph.

Hurricane Sally makes landfall as category 2 storm in Alabama

Hurricane Sally picked up strength as it edged towards the US Gulf Coast early Wednesday, with forecasts of drenching rains that could provoke "historic" and potentially deadly flash floods.

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) said coastal areas in Alabama, Mississippi and Florida were in the sights of the storm, that was packing maximum sustained winds of around 105 miles (165 kilometers) per hour by midnight local time (0500 GMT).

The storm — previously downgraded to Category 1 — had strengthened again to Category 2, it said.

"Historic life-threatening flooding likely along portions of the northern Gulf coast," the Miami-based center had warned late Tuesday, adding the hurricane could dump up to 20 inches (50 centimeters) of rain in some areas.

About 75,000 homes in Alabama and Florida were already without power Tuesday evening, according to the Weather Channel, and video posted to social media appeared to show some areas had started to flood.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-mandatory-evacuations-ordered-as-hurricane-sally-is-expected-to-hit-mississippi-louisiana-327655/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

At 0500 GMT, Sally was about 65 miles south of Mobile, Alabama and heading north at a crawling pace of two miles per hour in the Gulf of Mexico, though the storm was expected to pick up speed through Wednesday.

Sally is one of five tropical cyclones in the Atlantic Ocean — a phenomenon only recorded once before, in September 1971, according to meteorologists.

Alabama governor Kay Ivey told a press conference: "We are looking at record flooding, perhaps breaking historic levels. And with rising water comes a greater risk for loss of property and life.

"I urge you in the strongest way possible to evacuate if conditions permit and seek shelter elsewhere as possible today."

Ivey had declared a state of emergency Monday ahead of Sally's arrival.

President Donald Trump, speaking on "Fox &amp; Friends," compared Sally to Hurricane Laura, which battered Texas and Louisiana, as well as the Caribbean, just a few weeks ago.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sally-strengthens-to-hurricane-bears-down-on-us-gulf-coast-327583">Also read:&nbsp;Sally strengthens to hurricane, bears down on US Gulf Coast</a>

Record year

"This one is smaller but it's a little bit more direct, but we have it under control," he said. "We have it under watch very strongly."

Earlier, he tweeted: "We are fully engaged with State &amp; Local Leaders to assist the great people of Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi."&nbsp;

He urged people in the storm's path to "listen to State and Local Leaders."

Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves had also declared a state of emergency ahead of the approaching storm.

He said the storm surge projections were "worrisome with anywhere from five to eight feet of coastal surge."

Governor John Bel Edwards of Louisiana, which is still recovering after Hurricane Laura made landfall in the state as a Category 4 storm, told residents Monday to be prepared.

"Be smart and be safe," he tweeted.

At a hurricane refuge in Pascagoula, a coastal town in eastern Mississippi, 50-year-old evacuee Cliton Shepherd was hoping the area could avoid the worst.

"I don't think the wind is going to hurt anything, hopefully. I pray that it doesn't. But that's the main thing, you know, hoping and praying for the best, that's all we can do."

There have been so many tropical storms in the Atlantic this year that the UN's World Meteorological Organization, which names the tempests, is about to run out of names for only the second time in history.

The last time was in 2005, the year Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans.

The latest Atlantic storm, Hurricane Paulette, pounded the island of Bermuda on Monday with Category 2 winds and heavy rains, according to the NHC.

The center also said Tropical Storm Teddy, currently positioned in the mid-Atlantic, was expected to become a hurricane.

Hurricane Sally picked up strength as it edged towards the US Gulf Coast early Wednesday, with forecasts of drenching rains that could provoke "historic" and potentially deadly flash floods.

Hurricane Sally picked up strength as it edged towards the US Gulf Coast early Wednesday, with forecasts of drenching rains that could provoke "historic" and potentially deadly flash floods. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) said coastal areas in Alabama, Mississippi and Florida were in the sights of the storm, that was packing maximum sustained winds of around 105 miles (165 kilometers) per hour by midnight local time (0500 GMT). The storm — previously downgraded to Category 1 — had strengthened again to Category 2, it said. "Historic life-threatening flooding likely along portions of the northern Gulf coast," the Miami-based center had warned late Tuesday, adding the hurricane could dump up to 20 inches (50 centimeters) of rain in some areas. About 75,000 homes in Alabama and Florida were already without power Tuesday evening, according to the Weather Channel, and video posted to social media appeared to show some areas had started to flood. × At 0500 GMT, Sally was about 65 miles south of Mobile, Alabama and heading north at a crawling pace of two miles per hour in the Gulf of Mexico, though the storm was expected to pick up speed through Wednesday. Sally is one of five tropical cyclones in the Atlantic Ocean — a phenomenon only recorded once before, in September 1971, according to meteorologists. Alabama governor Kay Ivey told a press conference: "We are looking at record flooding, perhaps breaking historic levels. And with rising water comes a greater risk for loss of property and life. "I urge you in the strongest way possible to evacuate if conditions permit and seek shelter elsewhere as possible today." Ivey had declared a state of emergency Monday ahead of Sally's arrival. President Donald Trump, speaking on "Fox & Friends," compared Sally to Hurricane Laura, which battered Texas and Louisiana, as well as the Caribbean, just a few weeks ago. Also read: Sally strengthens to hurricane, bears down on US Gulf Coast Record year "This one is smaller but it's a little bit more direct, but we have it under control," he said. "We have it under watch very strongly." Earlier, he tweeted: "We are fully engaged with State & Local Leaders to assist the great people of Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi." He urged people in the storm's path to "listen to State and Local Leaders." Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves had also declared a state of emergency ahead of the approaching storm. He said the storm surge projections were "worrisome with anywhere from five to eight feet of coastal surge." Governor John Bel Edwards of Louisiana, which is still recovering after Hurricane Laura made landfall in the state as a Category 4 storm, told residents Monday to be prepared. "Be smart and be safe," he tweeted. At a hurricane refuge in Pascagoula, a coastal town in eastern Mississippi, 50-year-old evacuee Cliton Shepherd was hoping the area could avoid the worst. "I don't think the wind is going to hurt anything, hopefully. I pray that it doesn't. But that's the main thing, you know, hoping and praying for the best, that's all we can do." There have been so many tropical storms in the Atlantic this year that the UN's World Meteorological Organization, which names the tempests, is about to run out of names for only the second time in history. The last time was in 2005, the year Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans. The latest Atlantic storm, Hurricane Paulette, pounded the island of Bermuda on Monday with Category 2 winds and heavy rains, according to the NHC. The center also said Tropical Storm Teddy, currently positioned in the mid-Atlantic, was expected to become a hurricane.

Hurricane Sally gains strength as it nears southern US

Hurricane Sally made landfall on Alabama's Gulf Coast on Wednesday (September 16) morning as a Category Two hurricane, after winds intensified overnight.

US: Hurricane Sally makes landfall on Alabama's Gulf Coast

Evacuation orders were issued for the residents of Louisiana and Mississippi on Monday as Hurricane Sally strengthened to a hurricane ahead of expected landfall on Tuesday.

Sally is the second storm in less than a month to threaten the region. Churning across the Gulf of Mexico, Sally was headed toward a slow-motion landfall on the US Gulf Coast.

Residents from Louisiana to Florida were told to expect heavy rain, storm surge and high winds.

Sally is the 18th named storm in the Atlantic this year and will be the eighth of tropical storm or hurricane strength to hit the United States.

Mississippi and Louisiana issued mandatory evacuation orders to residents of low-lying areas.

The US Coast Guard was limiting traffic from the Port of New Orleans, while energy companies slowed or cut refinery output and scrambled to pull workers from offshore oil and gas production platforms.

At 1 pm CDT (1800 GMT), Sally was 125 miles (210 km) east-southeast of the mouth of the Mississippi River, packing sustained winds of 90 miles (145 km) per hour, according to the NHC.

The storm will approach southeastern Louisiana on Monday night but not make landfall until sometime on Tuesday, the NHC said. Its slow movement is expected to dump 8 to 16 inches (20 to 40 cm) on the coast and cause widespread river flooding.

A expected turn to the north is "going to be critical for the New Orleans area," said Jim Foerster, chief meteorologist at DTN, an energy, agriculture and weather data provider. Mississippi appears more likely for landfall, but Sally's biggest threat is that it will be a "rainmaker" across a wide swath of the Gulf Coast and drop much as 3 to 4 inches (7.62 to 10.2 cm) in areas as far inland as Atlanta, Foerster said.

Residents of southwestern Louisiana are still clearing debris and tens of thousands of homes are without power after Hurricane Laura left a trail of destruction. Sally's path remains east of that hard-hit area.

Damage from Sally is expected to reach $2 billion to $3 billion, but could exceed that if the storm's heaviest rainfall happens over land instead of in the Gulf, said Chuck Watson of Enki Research, which models and tracks tropical storms.

Evacuation orders were issued for the residents of Louisiana and Mississippi on Monday as Hurricane Sally strengthened to a hurricane ahead of expected landfall on Tuesday.

Evacuation orders were issued for the residents of Louisiana and Mississippi on Monday as Hurricane Sally strengthened to a hurricane ahead of expected landfall on Tuesday. Sally is the second storm in less than a month to threaten the region. Churning across the Gulf of Mexico, Sally was headed toward a slow-motion landfall on the US Gulf Coast. Residents from Louisiana to Florida were told to expect heavy rain, storm surge and high winds. Sally is the 18th named storm in the Atlantic this year and will be the eighth of tropical storm or hurricane strength to hit the United States. Mississippi and Louisiana issued mandatory evacuation orders to residents of low-lying areas. The US Coast Guard was limiting traffic from the Port of New Orleans, while energy companies slowed or cut refinery output and scrambled to pull workers from offshore oil and gas production platforms. At 1 pm CDT (1800 GMT), Sally was 125 miles (210 km) east-southeast of the mouth of the Mississippi River, packing sustained winds of 90 miles (145 km) per hour, according to the NHC. The storm will approach southeastern Louisiana on Monday night but not make landfall until sometime on Tuesday, the NHC said. Its slow movement is expected to dump 8 to 16 inches (20 to 40 cm) on the coast and cause widespread river flooding. A expected turn to the north is "going to be critical for the New Orleans area," said Jim Foerster, chief meteorologist at DTN, an energy, agriculture and weather data provider. Mississippi appears more likely for landfall, but Sally's biggest threat is that it will be a "rainmaker" across a wide swath of the Gulf Coast and drop much as 3 to 4 inches (7.62 to 10.2 cm) in areas as far inland as Atlanta, Foerster said. Residents of southwestern Louisiana are still clearing debris and tens of thousands of homes are without power after Hurricane Laura left a trail of destruction. Sally's path remains east of that hard-hit area. Damage from Sally is expected to reach $2 billion to $3 billion, but could exceed that if the storm's heaviest rainfall happens over land instead of in the Gulf, said Chuck Watson of Enki Research, which models and tracks tropical storms.

Sally strengthens to hurricane, bears down on US Gulf Coast

Oil companies began shutting offshore drilling operations on Sunday as part of preparations in the wake of tropical storm Sally. The storm which is predicted to turn into a hurricane in next two days is currently off the coast of Florida in the Atlantic Ocean.&nbsp;

The landfall of Sally is expected in next two days

Royal Dutch Shell began shutting some of its offshore drilling operations on Sunday.

Tropical Storm Sally is not projected to approach the size or intensity of Hurricane Laura in August, but it will cause up to 12-foot (4.2m) swells offshore, said Jim Foerster, chief meteorologist for DTN, an energy, agriculture and weather data provider.

The storm strengthened as it crept up the warm waters of the U.S. Gulf of Mexico on Sunday, carrying winds that could reach 100 miles per hour (160 kph) ahead of landfall on Tuesday, forecasters said.

Sally was upgraded to an "extremely dangerous" potential Category 2 hurricane. It was about 300 miles (482 km) from the mouth of the Mississippi River and moving at 13 mph, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center. At 8 a.m. EDT, its sustained winds had increased to 50 mph, the NHC said.

Chevron Corp. and Murphy Oil Corp on Saturday began evacuations from offshore production platforms, spokespeople said. Chevron`s Pascagoula, Mississippi, refinery was implementing storm preparedness procedures, the company said.

Other oil producers with drilling rigs and platforms in the area said they were monitoring the storm and prepared to take action as needed.

Oil companies began shutting offshore drilling operations on Sunday as part of preparations in the wake of tropical storm Sally. The storm which is predicted to turn into a hurricane in next two days is currently off the coast of Florida in the Atlantic Ocean.

Oil companies began shutting offshore drilling operations on Sunday as part of preparations in the wake of tropical storm Sally. The storm which is predicted to turn into a hurricane in next two days is currently off the coast of Florida in the Atlantic Ocean. The landfall of Sally is expected in next two days Royal Dutch Shell began shutting some of its offshore drilling operations on Sunday. Tropical Storm Sally is not projected to approach the size or intensity of Hurricane Laura in August, but it will cause up to 12-foot (4.2m) swells offshore, said Jim Foerster, chief meteorologist for DTN, an energy, agriculture and weather data provider. The storm strengthened as it crept up the warm waters of the U.S. Gulf of Mexico on Sunday, carrying winds that could reach 100 miles per hour (160 kph) ahead of landfall on Tuesday, forecasters said. Sally was upgraded to an "extremely dangerous" potential Category 2 hurricane. It was about 300 miles (482 km) from the mouth of the Mississippi River and moving at 13 mph, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center. At 8 a.m. EDT, its sustained winds had increased to 50 mph, the NHC said. Chevron Corp. and Murphy Oil Corp on Saturday began evacuations from offshore production platforms, spokespeople said. Chevron`s Pascagoula, Mississippi, refinery was implementing storm preparedness procedures, the company said. Other oil producers with drilling rigs and platforms in the area said they were monitoring the storm and prepared to take action as needed.

Oil companies begin halting US offshore drilling as 'Sally' approaches

Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards on Thursday asked residents in three southwestern communities to stay indoors with windows and doors shut as a plume rose from a chemical fire at a chlorine plant in an area hit by Hurricane Laura.

Tracking Hurricane Laura: Fire erupts at hurricane-hit Louisiana chemical plant

Heavy rain, floods: Dominican Republic and Haiti affected as twin storms threaten US

Haiti was hammered by heavy rain on Sunday from Tropical Storm Laura, as a second tropical storm, named Marco, was forecast to strengthen into a hurricane and hit the US state of Louisiana on Monday.

The US National Hurricane Center said Storm Laura was "bringing torrential rainfall and life-threatening flooding" to Haiti, which shares Hispaniola island with the Dominican Republic.

It added that Storm Marco in the central Gulf of Mexico was "forecast to become a hurricane later today and be at hurricane strength when it approaches the northern Gulf Coast on Monday."

A 10-year-old girl died on Sunday morning in Haiti when a tree fell on a house, according to authorities, who added some homes were flooded and evacuations were underway. The storm earlier passed over Puerto Rico.

The Atlantic storm season, which runs through November, could be one of the busiest ever this year, with the Hurricane Center predicting as many as 25 named storms.&nbsp;Laura is the 12th so far.

Haiti, a country of 11 million, has seen a relatively low incidence of COVID-19 -- with just over 8,000 cases and around 200 deaths to date -- but authorities urged caution to prevent further spread in the aftermath of Storm Laura.

"Wear your masks and respect distances, especially in temporary shelters," Interior Minister Audain Fils Bernadel said at a briefing. "With COVID, we have considerably less capacity in our shelters."

Storms pose a serious risk to Haiti every year from June to November. Even a heavy rainfall can threaten the country's poorest residents, many of them living in at-risk zones, near canals or ravines that can be obstructed by debris and quickly overflow.

After reaching hurricane-strength, Storm Marco is predicted to weaken rapidly after moving inland across Louisiana on Monday and Tuesday.

Haiti was hammered by heavy rain on Sunday from Tropical Storm Laura, as a second tropical storm, named Marco, was forecast to strengthen into a hurricane and hit the US state of Louisiana on Monday.

Haiti was hammered by heavy rain on Sunday from Tropical Storm Laura, as a second tropical storm, named Marco, was forecast to strengthen into a hurricane and hit the US state of Louisiana on Monday. The US National Hurricane Center said Storm Laura was "bringing torrential rainfall and life-threatening flooding" to Haiti, which shares Hispaniola island with the Dominican Republic. It added that Storm Marco in the central Gulf of Mexico was "forecast to become a hurricane later today and be at hurricane strength when it approaches the northern Gulf Coast on Monday." A 10-year-old girl died on Sunday morning in Haiti when a tree fell on a house, according to authorities, who added some homes were flooded and evacuations were underway. The storm earlier passed over Puerto Rico. The Atlantic storm season, which runs through November, could be one of the busiest ever this year, with the Hurricane Center predicting as many as 25 named storms. Laura is the 12th so far. Haiti, a country of 11 million, has seen a relatively low incidence of COVID-19 -- with just over 8,000 cases and around 200 deaths to date -- but authorities urged caution to prevent further spread in the aftermath of Storm Laura. "Wear your masks and respect distances, especially in temporary shelters," Interior Minister Audain Fils Bernadel said at a briefing. "With COVID, we have considerably less capacity in our shelters." Storms pose a serious risk to Haiti every year from June to November. Even a heavy rainfall can threaten the country's poorest residents, many of them living in at-risk zones, near canals or ravines that can be obstructed by debris and quickly overflow. After reaching hurricane-strength, Storm Marco is predicted to weaken rapidly after moving inland across Louisiana on Monday and Tuesday.

Storm Laura hits Haiti, with Marco forecast to slam US as hurricane

Isaias grazed the Florida coast Sunday, threatening to bring strong winds and flash flooding but no longer expected to regain hurricane strength.

The tropical storm was packing sustained winds of 70 miles (110 kilometres) per hour Sunday evening as it moved northwest off the state's east coast, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) said.

The Florida coast hence looked set to avoid major damage -- although it could strengthen to a hurricane by the time it reaches the Carolinas on Monday packing heavy winds and rain.

After passing the Florida coast overnight, the storm is expected to keep offshore while grazing Georgia and southern South Carolina before heading inland over eastern South Carolina or southern North Carolina on Monday night.

Storm surges, when a storm pushes tidal levels above normal, of up to 4 feet (1.22 m), and flooding also threatened some of the areas in Isaia' path, forecasters said.

Isaias, which was downgraded from a hurricane on Saturday, is expected to move upward along the East Coast and reach Washington, Philadelphia and New York City on Tuesday before moving into New England.

The storm earlier dumped torrential rain on the Bahamas, felling trees and flooding some streets, before emergency management officials on Sunday gave the "all clear" for the entire country. But Isaias claimed at least one life in Puerto Rico.

Tropical storm warnings were in effect from central-eastern Florida to North Carolina, and the NHC warned on Twitter that Isaias could "bring a storm surge of up to 4 feet to coastal parts of South and North Carolina."

As Florida battened down, it was also battling its coronavirus outbreak, which has complicated preparations.

It has the second-highest caseload of all states except California -- which has double the population.

On Sunday, Florida reported 62 COVID-19 deaths, down from a record 179 the day before, bringing its total to 7,206.

Isaias on Thursday unleashed destruction in Puerto Rico, downing trees and electrical lines and inundating houses as it cut a path through the island.

Authorities recovered the body of a 56-year-old woman whose car had been swept away by storm waters.

In the Bahamas, the deputy director of the country's meteorology department, Jeffrey Simmons, told The Nassau Guardian "the worst part" of the storm came to New Providence, the most populous island, early Saturday.

It was the archipelago's first hurricane since Dorian, a Category 5 storm last year that devastated two islands, pummeling them for three days.

(with inputs from agencies)

Isaias grazed the Florida coast Sunday, threatening to bring strong winds and flash flooding but no longer expected to regain hurricane strength. The tropical storm was packing sustained winds of 70 miles (110 kilometres) per hour Sunday evening as it moved northwest off the state's east coast, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) said.

Isaias grazed the Florida coast Sunday, threatening to bring strong winds and flash flooding but no longer expected to regain hurricane strength. The tropical storm was packing sustained winds of 70 miles (110 kilometres) per hour Sunday evening as it moved northwest off the state's east coast, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) said. The Florida coast hence looked set to avoid major damage -- although it could strengthen to a hurricane by the time it reaches the Carolinas on Monday packing heavy winds and rain. After passing the Florida coast overnight, the storm is expected to keep offshore while grazing Georgia and southern South Carolina before heading inland over eastern South Carolina or southern North Carolina on Monday night. Storm surges, when a storm pushes tidal levels above normal, of up to 4 feet (1.22 m), and flooding also threatened some of the areas in Isaia' path, forecasters said. Isaias, which was downgraded from a hurricane on Saturday, is expected to move upward along the East Coast and reach Washington, Philadelphia and New York City on Tuesday before moving into New England. The storm earlier dumped torrential rain on the Bahamas, felling trees and flooding some streets, before emergency management officials on Sunday gave the "all clear" for the entire country. But Isaias claimed at least one life in Puerto Rico. Tropical storm warnings were in effect from central-eastern Florida to North Carolina, and the NHC warned on Twitter that Isaias could "bring a storm surge of up to 4 feet to coastal parts of South and North Carolina." As Florida battened down, it was also battling its coronavirus outbreak, which has complicated preparations. It has the second-highest caseload of all states except California -- which has double the population. On Sunday, Florida reported 62 COVID-19 deaths, down from a record 179 the day before, bringing its total to 7,206. Isaias on Thursday unleashed destruction in Puerto Rico, downing trees and electrical lines and inundating houses as it cut a path through the island. Authorities recovered the body of a 56-year-old woman whose car had been swept away by storm waters. In the Bahamas, the deputy director of the country's meteorology department, Jeffrey Simmons, told The Nassau Guardian "the worst part" of the storm came to New Providence, the most populous island, early Saturday. It was the archipelago's first hurricane since Dorian, a Category 5 storm last year that devastated two islands, pummeling them for three days. (with inputs from agencies)

Isaias grazes Florida as tropical storm, heads up East Coast

Isaias weakened slightly to a tropical storm on Saturday after lashing the Bahamas, but forecasters warned it would likely grow into a hurricane again overnight as it approaches coronavirus-stricken eastern Florida.

The deadly storm was expected to unleash up to eight inches (20 centimeters) of rain on the Bahamas before directing its fury at the United States.

As of 5 pm (2100 GMT), Isaias was packing maximum sustained winds of up to 70 miles (110 kilometers) an hour, and was emerging over the Straits of Florida between the Florida Keys and Cuba.

Isaias is, however, expected to re-strengthen into a hurricane overnight as it approaches southeastern Florida, said the Miami-based National Hurricane Center.&nbsp;

The area was already receiving gusty showers late Saturday afternoon, and President Donald Trump declared an emergency ahead of the storm's arrival to free up federal funds.

The emergency operations center in Miami, usually a beehive of activity ahead of a storm, was mostly empty with plastic dividers set up between work stations and fans with ultraviolet lights hung around the room in the hope of eradicating any floating virus particles. Many emergency officials are instead working remotely.

Florida residents rushed to stock up on essentials as Isaias -- the ninth named storm of the Atlantic season -- began to be felt on the southeastern coast.

The storm's slight turn offshore could spare the state the worst.

Isaias is seen as a major test for emergency systems in Florida, one of the US states hardest hit by the coronavirus crisis.&nbsp;

Only California, with almost double Florida's population of about 21 million people, has registered more cases.

On Saturday, Florida reported another 179 deaths, setting a new state record and pushing its virus death toll to 6,843.

Florida's coronavirus testing centers were closed Thursday and will not reopen until they get the all-clear after the storm.

(with inputs from agencies)

Isaias weakened slightly to a tropical storm on Saturday after lashing the Bahamas, but forecasters warned it would likely grow into a hurricane again overnight as it approaches coronavirus-stricken eastern Florida.

Isaias weakened slightly to a tropical storm on Saturday after lashing the Bahamas, but forecasters warned it would likely grow into a hurricane again overnight as it approaches coronavirus-stricken eastern Florida. The deadly storm was expected to unleash up to eight inches (20 centimeters) of rain on the Bahamas before directing its fury at the United States. As of 5 pm (2100 GMT), Isaias was packing maximum sustained winds of up to 70 miles (110 kilometers) an hour, and was emerging over the Straits of Florida between the Florida Keys and Cuba. Isaias is, however, expected to re-strengthen into a hurricane overnight as it approaches southeastern Florida, said the Miami-based National Hurricane Center. The area was already receiving gusty showers late Saturday afternoon, and President Donald Trump declared an emergency ahead of the storm's arrival to free up federal funds. The emergency operations center in Miami, usually a beehive of activity ahead of a storm, was mostly empty with plastic dividers set up between work stations and fans with ultraviolet lights hung around the room in the hope of eradicating any floating virus particles. Many emergency officials are instead working remotely. Florida residents rushed to stock up on essentials as Isaias -- the ninth named storm of the Atlantic season -- began to be felt on the southeastern coast. The storm's slight turn offshore could spare the state the worst. Isaias is seen as a major test for emergency systems in Florida, one of the US states hardest hit by the coronavirus crisis. Only California, with almost double Florida's population of about 21 million people, has registered more cases. On Saturday, Florida reported another 179 deaths, setting a new state record and pushing its virus death toll to 6,843. Florida's coronavirus testing centers were closed Thursday and will not reopen until they get the all-clear after the storm. (with inputs from agencies)

Isaias weakens, heads to coronavirus-hit Florida as tropical storm

Hurricane Hanna lashed the Texas gulf coast and northern Mexico with high winds and drenching rains. Destroying boats, flooding streets and knocking out power across residential areas. Watch report.

Hurricane Hanna lashes Texas gulf coast: Residential areas flooded in Mexico

Hurricane Hanna battered the south Texas coast with blistering winds and crashing waves into the early hours of Sunday (July 26), leaving a large area badly hit by COVID-19 bracing for potential torrential rain and flash floods.

Hurricane Hanna makes landfall on Padre Island in Texas

Hurricane Hanna has officially made landfall in Texas on Saturday. The category one hurricane with 145 Km/h wind speed hit south of Corpus Christi, Texas, on Padre Island at 6 PM ET (3:30 AM IST) and holds the potential for damaging winds and severe flooding.

Hurricane Hanna has officially made landfall in Texas on Saturday. The category one hurricane with 145 Km/h wind speed hit south of Corpus Christi, Texas, on Padre Island at 6 PM ET (3:30 AM IST) and holds the potential for damaging winds and severe flooding. Also read: Virus-hit Texas braces as 2020's first hurricane, Hanna, takes aim "Hanna is expected to produce heavy rains across portions of southern Texas and northeastern Mexico. These rains will result in life-threatening flash flooding," and some river flooding, the meteorologists said. "Life-threatening storm surge will continue along portions of the Texas coast," it said, with the surge potentially reaching 6 feet (1.8 meters) in some areas. According to the National Hurricane Center, Hanna upgraded from tropical storm to hurricane, becoming the first one for 2020 Atlantic hurricane season. Almost all commercial flights flying into Corpus Christi have been cancelled due to the storm, however, the flight schedule for depart or arrive on Sunday were still on as of Saturday evening. But the city could change it depending on the severity of the storm. This year's Atlantic hurricane season is predicted to be one of the most active in recorded history because of abnormally warm water and other climate conditions. Hanna is eighth named in this year's season so far, breaking 2005's pace-record by 10 days. According to the hurricane hunters, Hanna's force winds and a pressure that was dropping quickly on Saturday morning which is a sign of an intensifying storm. Warnings and storm surge warnings are in effect for the South Texas coast for the Hurricane. (Inputs from AFP)

Hurricane Hanna makes landfall on Padre Island, Texas; predicted to trigger flash floods

Texas, already struggling with a surge in coronavirus cases, was bracing &nbsp;Saturday after storm Hanna strengthened into the first Atlantic hurricane of 2020, with meteorologists warning of heavy rain, storm surge and potentially life-threatening flash flooding.

The storm, with wind speeds of around 80 miles per hour (130 kilometers per hour), strengthened to a Category 1 hurricane overnight and is expected to make landfall by afternoon or early evening, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) said.

It could bring storm surges of up to five feet and drop up to 18 inches of rain on parts of south Texas, the NHC said, warning of dangerous flash flooding.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/strongest-storm-on-earth-expected-to-weaken-as-it-approaches-hawaii-315853">Also read:&nbsp;Strongest storm on Earth expected to weaken as it approaches Hawaii</a>

Hanna was about 85 miles southeast of Corpus Christi, Texas, at 10:00 am local time (1500 GMT), and was moving west at about seven miles per hour, an NHC advisory said.

Expected to make a slight turn later in the day, it "should make landfall along the Texas coast within the hurricane warning area this afternoon or early this evening," the advisory continued.

Storm warnings were already in effect along Texas's Gulf Coast early Saturday. In Corpus Christi, a city of 325,000, officials closed libraries and museums as residents braced for the storm, local media reported.

Hanna will roar ashore as Texas is already facing a huge surge in coronavirus infections, with officials instituting a state-wide mask mandate to try to curb the spread of the disease.

Two other storm systems were churning Saturday: Pacific Hurricane Douglas, bearing down on the Hawaiian islands, and Tropical Storm Gonzalo in the Atlantic, near the Windward Islands.

Douglas -- at one point a powerful Category 4 hurricane -- has weakened to a Category 2 storm with wind speeds of 105 miles per hour.&nbsp;

The NHC said Saturday the storm would continue to weaken as it approaches Hawaii, "potentially passing dangerously close to, or over, the islands late tonight through Sunday night," bringing high winds and heavy surf.&nbsp;

Hurricane warnings were in effect Saturday in Hawaii and Maui counties as well as Oahu.

Meanwhile, Gonzalo was pouring heavy rain on the Windward Islands, but the tropical storm was expected to weaken and dissipate by Sunday night.

Texas, already struggling with a surge in coronavirus cases, was bracing Saturday after storm Hanna strengthened into the first Atlantic hurricane of 2020, with meteorologists warning of heavy rain, storm surge and potentially life-threatening flash flooding.

Texas, already struggling with a surge in coronavirus cases, was bracing Saturday after storm Hanna strengthened into the first Atlantic hurricane of 2020, with meteorologists warning of heavy rain, storm surge and potentially life-threatening flash flooding. The storm, with wind speeds of around 80 miles per hour (130 kilometers per hour), strengthened to a Category 1 hurricane overnight and is expected to make landfall by afternoon or early evening, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) said. It could bring storm surges of up to five feet and drop up to 18 inches of rain on parts of south Texas, the NHC said, warning of dangerous flash flooding. Also read: Strongest storm on Earth expected to weaken as it approaches Hawaii Hanna was about 85 miles southeast of Corpus Christi, Texas, at 10:00 am local time (1500 GMT), and was moving west at about seven miles per hour, an NHC advisory said. Expected to make a slight turn later in the day, it "should make landfall along the Texas coast within the hurricane warning area this afternoon or early this evening," the advisory continued. Storm warnings were already in effect along Texas's Gulf Coast early Saturday. In Corpus Christi, a city of 325,000, officials closed libraries and museums as residents braced for the storm, local media reported. Hanna will roar ashore as Texas is already facing a huge surge in coronavirus infections, with officials instituting a state-wide mask mandate to try to curb the spread of the disease. Two other storm systems were churning Saturday: Pacific Hurricane Douglas, bearing down on the Hawaiian islands, and Tropical Storm Gonzalo in the Atlantic, near the Windward Islands. Douglas -- at one point a powerful Category 4 hurricane -- has weakened to a Category 2 storm with wind speeds of 105 miles per hour. The NHC said Saturday the storm would continue to weaken as it approaches Hawaii, "potentially passing dangerously close to, or over, the islands late tonight through Sunday night," bringing high winds and heavy surf. Hurricane warnings were in effect Saturday in Hawaii and Maui counties as well as Oahu. Meanwhile, Gonzalo was pouring heavy rain on the Windward Islands, but the tropical storm was expected to weaken and dissipate by Sunday night.

Virus-hit Texas braces as 2020's first hurricane, Hanna, takes aim

Hurricane Douglas, the strongest storm on Earth, is approaching Hawaii but is forecast to weaken before it reaches the island chain this weekend.

Douglas currently is 725 miles east-southeast of Hilo, Hawaii, and is moving west-northwest directly toward the island chain. The storm peaked as a Category 4 storm on Friday, but began to weaken as the day progressed.

Douglas could be the first hurricane to hit the United States amid the coronavirus pandemic, complicating security plans for officials in the state.

According to the Central Pacific Hurricane Center in Honolulu, steady weakening is expected to continue for the next two days as the storm approaches Hawaii.

Douglas is currently a Category 3 hurricane with sustained winds of 115 mph that extend 25 miles from the center of the storm. When it reaches the island chain on Saturday evening or Sunday morning, it will likely be a Category 1 hurricane or strong tropical storm, forecasters said.

A hurricane watch has been issued for the Big Island of Hawaii and for Maui County, which includes the islands of Maui, Lanai, Molokai and Kahoolawe,.

Tropical storm-force winds are forecast to arrive on the island of Hawaii as early as Saturday evening local time.

Hurricane Douglas, the strongest storm on Earth, is approaching Hawaii but is forecast to weaken before it reaches the island chain this weekend. Douglas currently is 725 miles east-southeast of Hilo, Hawaii, and is moving west-northwest directly toward the island chain.

Hurricane Douglas, the strongest storm on Earth, is approaching Hawaii but is forecast to weaken before it reaches the island chain this weekend. Douglas currently is 725 miles east-southeast of Hilo, Hawaii, and is moving west-northwest directly toward the island chain. The storm peaked as a Category 4 storm on Friday, but began to weaken as the day progressed. Douglas could be the first hurricane to hit the United States amid the coronavirus pandemic, complicating security plans for officials in the state. According to the Central Pacific Hurricane Center in Honolulu, steady weakening is expected to continue for the next two days as the storm approaches Hawaii. Douglas is currently a Category 3 hurricane with sustained winds of 115 mph that extend 25 miles from the center of the storm. When it reaches the island chain on Saturday evening or Sunday morning, it will likely be a Category 1 hurricane or strong tropical storm, forecasters said. A hurricane watch has been issued for the Big Island of Hawaii and for Maui County, which includes the islands of Maui, Lanai, Molokai and Kahoolawe,. Tropical storm-force winds are forecast to arrive on the island of Hawaii as early as Saturday evening local time.

Strongest storm on Earth expected to weaken as it approaches Hawaii

A hurricane warning has been issued for parts of the Texas coast in the US as Tropical Storm Hanna threatened to bring heavy rain, rough waters and strong winds.

Hanna was centered about 195 miles (350 kilometres) east of Corpus Christi, Texas, the US National Hurricane Centre said. The storm had maximum sustained winds around 50 mph (85 kph) and was moving west at 10 mph (17 kph).

Hanna was forecast to make landfall on Saturday afternoon or early evening.

Forecasters said Hanna could bring 5 to 10 inches (13 to 25 centimeters) of rain and coastal swells that could cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.

Hanna broke the record as the earliest eighth Atlantic named storm, according to Colorado State University hurricane researcher Phil Klotzbach.

Officials said that those in the Windward Islands should monitor the storm as it is expected to approach the islands Saturday. Some strengthening was possible but the storm is expected to weaken as it moves into the Caribbean Sea.

A hurricane warning has been issued for parts of the Texas coast in the US as Tropical Storm Hanna threatened to bring heavy rain, rough waters and strong winds.

A hurricane warning has been issued for parts of the Texas coast in the US as Tropical Storm Hanna threatened to bring heavy rain, rough waters and strong winds. Hanna was centered about 195 miles (350 kilometres) east of Corpus Christi, Texas, the US National Hurricane Centre said. The storm had maximum sustained winds around 50 mph (85 kph) and was moving west at 10 mph (17 kph). Hanna was forecast to make landfall on Saturday afternoon or early evening. Forecasters said Hanna could bring 5 to 10 inches (13 to 25 centimeters) of rain and coastal swells that could cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions. Hanna broke the record as the earliest eighth Atlantic named storm, according to Colorado State University hurricane researcher Phil Klotzbach. Officials said that those in the Windward Islands should monitor the storm as it is expected to approach the islands Saturday. Some strengthening was possible but the storm is expected to weaken as it moves into the Caribbean Sea.

Hurricane warning issued as Hanna approaches US coast

hurricane

Hurricane, News on Hurricane, stories on Hurricane, articles on Hurricane, Hurricane stories at Wion, Hurricane news, Hurricane latest news