Tropical storm grace ravaged Haiti hampering rescue efforts as the country struggle to get on its feet in the aftermath of a massive earthquake, measuring 7.2 on the Richter scale, that hit the Caribbean nation on Saturday.

Tropical storm hits Haiti after earthquake, rains hamper rescue efforts

Haiti is caught in a series of unfortunate events. First, the country's president was assassinated. Then, a 7.2 magnitude earthquake killed 1400+ people. Now, a tropical storm is battering the island nation. Molly Gambhir gets you a report.

Gravitas: A series of tragedies in Haiti

A tropical storm is forecast to hit Tokyo on the last day of the Olympics, organisers said Friday, but did not announce any changes to the competition.

Japan's weather agency warned of strong winds, high waves and the risk of landslides and floods along the eastern coastline from Saturday afternoon to Sunday, when Tropical Storm Mirinae is expected to pass over the capital.

The Olympics closing ceremony is on Sunday evening, with medal events including water polo and rhythmic gymnastics taking place at indoor venues in the city during the day.

Cycling track races are also scheduled in Shizuoka, southwest of Tokyo, while the men's marathon will kick off early Sunday in the far northern city of Sapporo.

"We are firmly and calmly paying attention" to the path of the storm, Tokyo 2020 organising committee spokesman Masa Takaya told reporters.

"It is necessary to inform you objectively so that we can avoid excessive overreaction," he said.

A separate storm hit Japan last week, forcing Games organisers to reschedule some rowing and archery events, although they brought forward the surfing finals to take advantage of strong waves.

On Friday, Mirinae was around 100 kilometres (62 miles) north of Minamidaito island, near the southern archipelago of Okinawa.

It was moving east, packing gusts of up to 108 kilometres per hour (67 miles per hour).

Another tropical storm is hovering in the Taiwan Strait, moving towards Japan.

Japan's typhoon season runs from around May to October, peaking in August and September.

In 2019, Typhoon Hagibis smashed into Japan as it hosted the Rugby World Cup, killing more than 100 people. 
&nbsp;

A tropical storm is forecast to hit Tokyo on the last day of the Olympics, organisers said Friday, but did not announce any changes to the competition. Japan's weather agency warned of strong winds, high waves and the risk of landslides and floods along the eastern coastline from Saturday afternoon to Sunday, when Tropical Storm Mirinae is expected to pass over the capital.

A tropical storm is forecast to hit Tokyo on the last day of the Olympics, organisers said Friday, but did not announce any changes to the competition. Japan's weather agency warned of strong winds, high waves and the risk of landslides and floods along the eastern coastline from Saturday afternoon to Sunday, when Tropical Storm Mirinae is expected to pass over the capital. The Olympics closing ceremony is on Sunday evening, with medal events including water polo and rhythmic gymnastics taking place at indoor venues in the city during the day. Cycling track races are also scheduled in Shizuoka, southwest of Tokyo, while the men's marathon will kick off early Sunday in the far northern city of Sapporo. "We are firmly and calmly paying attention" to the path of the storm, Tokyo 2020 organising committee spokesman Masa Takaya told reporters. "It is necessary to inform you objectively so that we can avoid excessive overreaction," he said. A separate storm hit Japan last week, forcing Games organisers to reschedule some rowing and archery events, although they brought forward the surfing finals to take advantage of strong waves. On Friday, Mirinae was around 100 kilometres (62 miles) north of Minamidaito island, near the southern archipelago of Okinawa. It was moving east, packing gusts of up to 108 kilometres per hour (67 miles per hour). Another tropical storm is hovering in the Taiwan Strait, moving towards Japan. Japan's typhoon season runs from around May to October, peaking in August and September. In 2019, Typhoon Hagibis smashed into Japan as it hosted the Rugby World Cup, killing more than 100 people.

Tropical storm Mirinae heads to Tokyo on last day of Olympics

Tropical Storm Nepartak made landfall in northern Japan on Wednesday. There were no immediate reports of damage and Olympic football matches in the region were due to go ahead.

The storm made landfall in Japan's Miyagi region in the north shortly before 6 am local time (2100 GMT)&nbsp;

The storm is passing south of Morioka city in Iwate prefecture, bringing "strong" but not "violent" winds of 90 kilometres (56 miles) per hour, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.

Football matches are being held in Miyagi on Wednesday. Organisers said that they would not be affected.

Heavy rain prompted some towns in Iwate to issue landslide warnings and a number of local train services were suspended, but not bullet trains.

The storm is projected to weaken as it travels northwest and out into the Sea of Japan by early evening.

On Tuesday, wind and rain to parts of Japan's east coast made conditions challenging at women's triathlon in Tokyo.

Organisers rescheduled some rowing and archery events over concerns about high winds and brought forward the final rounds of the surfing competitions to take advantage of the waves.

Japan's typhoon season runs from around May to October, peaking in August and September.

In 2019, Typhoon Hagibis smashed into Japan as it hosted the Rugby World Cup, killing more than 100 people.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Tropical Storm Nepartak made landfall in northern Japan on Wednesday. There were no immediate reports of damage and Olympic football matches in the region were due to go ahead.

Tropical Storm Nepartak made landfall in northern Japan on Wednesday. There were no immediate reports of damage and Olympic football matches in the region were due to go ahead. The storm made landfall in Japan's Miyagi region in the north shortly before 6 am local time (2100 GMT) The storm is passing south of Morioka city in Iwate prefecture, bringing "strong" but not "violent" winds of 90 kilometres (56 miles) per hour, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. Football matches are being held in Miyagi on Wednesday. Organisers said that they would not be affected. Heavy rain prompted some towns in Iwate to issue landslide warnings and a number of local train services were suspended, but not bullet trains. The storm is projected to weaken as it travels northwest and out into the Sea of Japan by early evening. On Tuesday, wind and rain to parts of Japan's east coast made conditions challenging at women's triathlon in Tokyo. Organisers rescheduled some rowing and archery events over concerns about high winds and brought forward the final rounds of the surfing competitions to take advantage of the waves. Japan's typhoon season runs from around May to October, peaking in August and September. In 2019, Typhoon Hagibis smashed into Japan as it hosted the Rugby World Cup, killing more than 100 people. (With inputs from agencies)

Tropical Storm Nepartak makes landfall in Japan

A strong tropical storm is approaching Japan and is expected to make landfall on Tuesday, Japan's meteorological agency said.

Tropical Storm Nepartak, with a wind speed of 108 kilometres per hour, has forced the organisers of Tokyo Olympics 2020 to change rowing and archery events.&nbsp;

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"In line with the current weather forecast, the schedule for the rowing and archery events due to take place on the 27th have already been changed," Tokyo 2020 said.

"At this time, there are no plans to change the schedule for any of the other events due to be held on Tuesday."

Nepartak is shifting its course from the Tokyo area to northeastern regions, including Fukushima.

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Fukushima suffered a nuclear disaster in 2011 during a tsunami that left thousands of people dead. Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant went into meltdown when the massive quake and tsunami struck on March 11, 2011.

Around 18,500 people were left dead or missing, most of them victims of the devastating tsunami.&nbsp;

Tens of thousands were forced to flee their homes, with radiation making some areas uninhabitable for years.

The area's recovery is not complete even now.&nbsp;

According to the meteorological agency, Nepartak is referred to as a typhoon, whereas, the US Navy still calls it a tropical storm.&nbsp;

A strong tropical storm is approaching Japan and is expected to make landfall on Tuesday, Japan's meteorological agency said. Tropical Storm Nepartak, with a wind speed of 108 kilometres per hour, has forced the organisers of Tokyo Olympics 2020 to change rowing and archery events.

A strong tropical storm is approaching Japan and is expected to make landfall on Tuesday, Japan's meteorological agency said. Tropical Storm Nepartak, with a wind speed of 108 kilometres per hour, has forced the organisers of Tokyo Olympics 2020 to change rowing and archery events. ALSO READ: Condoms and sex at Olympics: Awareness creation, restrictions and pushback "In line with the current weather forecast, the schedule for the rowing and archery events due to take place on the 27th have already been changed," Tokyo 2020 said. "At this time, there are no plans to change the schedule for any of the other events due to be held on Tuesday." Nepartak is shifting its course from the Tokyo area to northeastern regions, including Fukushima. ALSO READ: Virat Kohli and Rahul Dravid's special message for Indian contingent at Tokyo Olympics 2020 - Watch Fukushima suffered a nuclear disaster in 2011 during a tsunami that left thousands of people dead. Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant went into meltdown when the massive quake and tsunami struck on March 11, 2011. Around 18,500 people were left dead or missing, most of them victims of the devastating tsunami. Tens of thousands were forced to flee their homes, with radiation making some areas uninhabitable for years. The area's recovery is not complete even now. According to the meteorological agency, Nepartak is referred to as a typhoon, whereas, the US Navy still calls it a tropical storm.

Tokyo Olympics: As tropical storm approaches, organisers forced to reschedule several events

Tropical Storm Elsa churned late Saturday off the southwestern coast of Haiti, headed toward Jamaica and eastern Cuba as forecasters warned of heavy rains, flash flooding and mudslides.

The weather system brought maximum sustained winds of 65 miles (100 kilometres) per hour and was moving northwest at 17 miles per hour, the US National Hurricane Center (NHC) said.

"There are fairly intense gusts of wind and light rain, but so far we have not recorded any damage," said Jerry Chandler, director of the Haitian Civil Protection Agency.

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Elsa was the Atlantic's first hurricane of the season on Friday, when it was a Category 1 storm, until being downgraded on Saturday afternoon.&nbsp;

The storm was not expected to change in strength overnight, with "some slight strengthening possible Sunday afternoon as Elsa approaches the south-central coast of Cuba," the NHC said in its 11 pm (0300 GMT Sunday) update.

Forecasters had warned of rainfall of 4 to 8 inches (10 to 20 centimetres) across portions of southern Hispaniola and Jamaica, with isolated areas receiving 15 inches.

"This rain may lead to scattered flash flooding and mudslides, some of which may be significant in nature," the NHC said.

Cuba is Elsa's next target, with hurricane conditions expected on the eastern part of the island Sunday, while the southern coast could see a storm surge of 3 to 5 feet.

From Sunday into Monday, parts of Cuba could get 5 to 10 inches of rain, with isolated incidents of 15 inches resulting in "significant flash flooding and mudslides," the NHC said.

Haiti on alert

In Haiti, authorities raised the alert level to the maximum red on Saturday morning, warning the entire country to remain vigilant.

Officials in the impoverished nation have voiced fears that they lack emergency supplies such as food and water.

The government recently used a good part of its emergency resources in another crisis: the evacuation of thousands of people from their homes in Port-au-Prince because of raging gang violence.

Many of the displaced are staying in gyms, schools, or other public buildings, and some supplies originally earmarked for hurricane season have been diverted to support them, Chandler said.

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Authorities want to ship emergency supplies to the southern coast, but heavily armed gangs control part of the only road leading from the capital to the south and are allowing nothing through.

To reach these threatened areas, Chandler said, "we have to go through red zones," referring to gang-held territory.

In 2016, Category 4 Hurricane Matthew killed more than 500 people in southern Haiti and caused nearly $2 billion in damage.

Preparations in Florida

In the United States, parts of the Florida Keys were placed under a tropical storm watch on Saturday evening with forecasters expecting rain, storm surges, and strong winds from Elsa to affect the area and the Florida peninsula early next week.

Hurricane-related weather would be bad news for the Florida town of Surfside, near Miami, where rescuers are trying to dig out a collapsed condo building in search of survivors and bodies.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis told reporters Saturday that the part of the building still standing could be demolished before Elsa's arrival to protect the safety of the hundreds of search and rescue workers at the site.

The work could be completed within 36 hours, entailing "minimal work stoppage from the search and rescue teams," he said.

Meanwhile, the state expects to have 2.6 million drivers on the roads during the July 4 holiday weekend, according to South Florida's Sun-Sentinel newspaper, citing the AAA auto club.

"It isn't unreasonable for South Floridians to be ready for the potential of a Category 1 hurricane knocking on our door early next week," said Robert Garcia, a meteorologist with the National Hurricane Center, according to the paper.

"It is something that can't be ruled out, and folks should be aware that's something we may have to prepare for here during the holiday weekend."

Tropical Storm Elsa churned late Saturday off the southwestern coast of Haiti, headed toward Jamaica and eastern Cuba as forecasters warned of heavy rains, flash flooding and mudslides.

Tropical Storm Elsa churned late Saturday off the southwestern coast of Haiti, headed toward Jamaica and eastern Cuba as forecasters warned of heavy rains, flash flooding and mudslides. The weather system brought maximum sustained winds of 65 miles (100 kilometres) per hour and was moving northwest at 17 miles per hour, the US National Hurricane Center (NHC) said. "There are fairly intense gusts of wind and light rain, but so far we have not recorded any damage," said Jerry Chandler, director of the Haitian Civil Protection Agency. Also read | Australia faces AstraZeneca vaccine chaos over PM Morrison's statement Elsa was the Atlantic's first hurricane of the season on Friday, when it was a Category 1 storm, until being downgraded on Saturday afternoon. The storm was not expected to change in strength overnight, with "some slight strengthening possible Sunday afternoon as Elsa approaches the south-central coast of Cuba," the NHC said in its 11 pm (0300 GMT Sunday) update. Forecasters had warned of rainfall of 4 to 8 inches (10 to 20 centimetres) across portions of southern Hispaniola and Jamaica, with isolated areas receiving 15 inches. "This rain may lead to scattered flash flooding and mudslides, some of which may be significant in nature," the NHC said. Cuba is Elsa's next target, with hurricane conditions expected on the eastern part of the island Sunday, while the southern coast could see a storm surge of 3 to 5 feet. From Sunday into Monday, parts of Cuba could get 5 to 10 inches of rain, with isolated incidents of 15 inches resulting in "significant flash flooding and mudslides," the NHC said. Haiti on alert In Haiti, authorities raised the alert level to the maximum red on Saturday morning, warning the entire country to remain vigilant. Officials in the impoverished nation have voiced fears that they lack emergency supplies such as food and water. The government recently used a good part of its emergency resources in another crisis: the evacuation of thousands of people from their homes in Port-au-Prince because of raging gang violence. Many of the displaced are staying in gyms, schools, or other public buildings, and some supplies originally earmarked for hurricane season have been diverted to support them, Chandler said. Also read | Joe Biden orders investigation into ransomware attack that targetted 1,000 businesses Authorities want to ship emergency supplies to the southern coast, but heavily armed gangs control part of the only road leading from the capital to the south and are allowing nothing through. To reach these threatened areas, Chandler said, "we have to go through red zones," referring to gang-held territory. In 2016, Category 4 Hurricane Matthew killed more than 500 people in southern Haiti and caused nearly $2 billion in damage. Preparations in Florida In the United States, parts of the Florida Keys were placed under a tropical storm watch on Saturday evening with forecasters expecting rain, storm surges, and strong winds from Elsa to affect the area and the Florida peninsula early next week. Hurricane-related weather would be bad news for the Florida town of Surfside, near Miami, where rescuers are trying to dig out a collapsed condo building in search of survivors and bodies. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis told reporters Saturday that the part of the building still standing could be demolished before Elsa's arrival to protect the safety of the hundreds of search and rescue workers at the site. The work could be completed within 36 hours, entailing "minimal work stoppage from the search and rescue teams," he said. Meanwhile, the state expects to have 2.6 million drivers on the roads during the July 4 holiday weekend, according to South Florida's Sun-Sentinel newspaper, citing the AAA auto club. "It isn't unreasonable for South Floridians to be ready for the potential of a Category 1 hurricane knocking on our door early next week," said Robert Garcia, a meteorologist with the National Hurricane Center, according to the paper. "It is something that can't be ruled out, and folks should be aware that's something we may have to prepare for here during the holiday weekend."

Tropical storm Elsa churns past Haiti, headed for Cuba

The coastal city of Beira in Mozambique, which houses one of the country`s most important ports, has seen mild damage to property and flooding after tropical cyclone Eloise made landfall early on Saturday, an official said in a television report.

The cyclone has since lost its strength and has been downgraded to a tropical storm, according to the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO).

"Beira had mild damage, but is too early to quantify the extent and scale of destruction," Luisa Meque, President of Mozambique`s National Institute for Disaster Risk Management and Reduction (INGD), said in a television interview with national broadcaster TVM.

The South African weather department said Eloise made landfall around 2:30 a.m. in the morning with wind speeds of 160 kilometres per hour (99 mph).

Cars were submerged in water, walls of some low lying buildings collapsed and swathes of land were flooded in Beira, posts on Twitter showed.

Beira was the epicentre of damage from cyclone Idai in March 2019, which ravaged the country`s second biggest city and killed more than 1,000 people across Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe.

Mozambique National Institute of Meteorology (INAM) said Sofala province, which includes Beira, had seen 200 mm (8 inches) of rainfall and was likely to see another 100 mm of rain over the next 24 hours, the television channel reported.

Power supplies were shut down as the cyclone damaged power lines and uprooted some electricity poles, power utility EDM said, local digital news media A Carta reported.

"The cyclone is still in the territory of Mozambique and should make an exit at 8 p.m. today," Gorkhmaz Huseynov, head of the Mozambique delegation of the International Federation of Red Cross, told Reuters.

WMO late Friday had upgraded the storm, fuelled by the warm Indian Ocean waters of the Mozambique channel, to a tropical cyclone with strength equivalent to a Category Two storm.

Category Two strength - on a five-level scale - refers to hurricanes with maximum wind speeds of 154-177 kph.

"By tomorrow, it will be an overland tropical depression. At that time the speed will be 60 kph," Mbazhi Maliage, a forecaster at the South African Weather Service, told Reuters.

The weather department said on its official Twitter handle that more than 200mm of rainfall was expected from Saturday night to Monday in some parts of South Africa`s Mpumalanga and Kwa-Zulu Natal provinces and in the southern African kingdom of eSwatini.

The coastal city of Beira in Mozambique, which houses one of the country`s most important ports, has seen mild damage to property and flooding after tropical cyclone Eloise made landfall early on Saturday, an official said in a television report.

The coastal city of Beira in Mozambique, which houses one of the country`s most important ports, has seen mild damage to property and flooding after tropical cyclone Eloise made landfall early on Saturday, an official said in a television report. The cyclone has since lost its strength and has been downgraded to a tropical storm, according to the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO). "Beira had mild damage, but is too early to quantify the extent and scale of destruction," Luisa Meque, President of Mozambique`s National Institute for Disaster Risk Management and Reduction (INGD), said in a television interview with national broadcaster TVM. The South African weather department said Eloise made landfall around 2:30 a.m. in the morning with wind speeds of 160 kilometres per hour (99 mph). Cars were submerged in water, walls of some low lying buildings collapsed and swathes of land were flooded in Beira, posts on Twitter showed. Beira was the epicentre of damage from cyclone Idai in March 2019, which ravaged the country`s second biggest city and killed more than 1,000 people across Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe. Mozambique National Institute of Meteorology (INAM) said Sofala province, which includes Beira, had seen 200 mm (8 inches) of rainfall and was likely to see another 100 mm of rain over the next 24 hours, the television channel reported. Power supplies were shut down as the cyclone damaged power lines and uprooted some electricity poles, power utility EDM said, local digital news media A Carta reported. "The cyclone is still in the territory of Mozambique and should make an exit at 8 p.m. today," Gorkhmaz Huseynov, head of the Mozambique delegation of the International Federation of Red Cross, told Reuters. WMO late Friday had upgraded the storm, fuelled by the warm Indian Ocean waters of the Mozambique channel, to a tropical cyclone with strength equivalent to a Category Two storm. Category Two strength - on a five-level scale - refers to hurricanes with maximum wind speeds of 154-177 kph. "By tomorrow, it will be an overland tropical depression. At that time the speed will be 60 kph," Mbazhi Maliage, a forecaster at the South African Weather Service, told Reuters. The weather department said on its official Twitter handle that more than 200mm of rainfall was expected from Saturday night to Monday in some parts of South Africa`s Mpumalanga and Kwa-Zulu Natal provinces and in the southern African kingdom of eSwatini.

Cyclone hits Mozambique port city, brings property damage, flooding

A powerful storm approaching Mozambique is expected to intensify into a tropical cyclone on Friday, the United Nations` humanitarian agency OCHA said, bringing heavy winds and rains to a region devastated by Cyclone Idai nearly two years ago.

Tropical storm Eloise is currently over the Mozambique channel and is expected to slam into the country`s central region on Saturday, hitting the port city of Beira and surrounding areas, which bore the brunt of Idai in March 2019.

"There are growing concerns regarding the potential for widespread floods, with all river basins in Sofala and Inhambane provinces already above alert levels and more rains to follow in the coming days," the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said, referring to two central provinces in the storm`s path.

Mozambique`s National Meteorological Institute (INAM) said the storm had the potential to develop into a category three cyclone, forecasting maximum wind speeds of up to 140 km/h and the chance of as much as 200 millimetres of rain in 24 hours.

According to the International Organisation of Migration, there are some 93,418 displaced people in Mozambique`s central region, the vast majority forced from their homes by Cyclone Idai and others displaced by more recent storms and floods.

Idai killed more than 1,000 people across Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe, with Mozambique the worst affected.

Many residents criticised the government at the time for not doing more to protect them from one of the most severe storms to hit Africa`s east coast in more than a decade.

This time, some people in Buzi -- a district outside of Beira that was among the worst-affected by Idai -- have been evacuated to temporary shelters in primary schools, OCHA said, citing local news reports.

Search and rescue operations are under way to reach some 400 families along the Buzi river and in some interior villages after intense rainfall, it added.

After making landfall in Mozambique, tropical storm Eloise is forecast to travel inland to southern Zimbabwe, eastern South Africa and far eastern Botswana. While it will lose strength as it travels, it is expected to continue to dump rain.

A powerful storm approaching Mozambique is expected to intensify into a tropical cyclone on Friday, the United Nations` humanitarian agency OCHA said, bringing heavy winds and rains to a region devastated by Cyclone Idai nearly two years ago.

A powerful storm approaching Mozambique is expected to intensify into a tropical cyclone on Friday, the United Nations` humanitarian agency OCHA said, bringing heavy winds and rains to a region devastated by Cyclone Idai nearly two years ago. Tropical storm Eloise is currently over the Mozambique channel and is expected to slam into the country`s central region on Saturday, hitting the port city of Beira and surrounding areas, which bore the brunt of Idai in March 2019. "There are growing concerns regarding the potential for widespread floods, with all river basins in Sofala and Inhambane provinces already above alert levels and more rains to follow in the coming days," the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said, referring to two central provinces in the storm`s path. Mozambique`s National Meteorological Institute (INAM) said the storm had the potential to develop into a category three cyclone, forecasting maximum wind speeds of up to 140 km/h and the chance of as much as 200 millimetres of rain in 24 hours. According to the International Organisation of Migration, there are some 93,418 displaced people in Mozambique`s central region, the vast majority forced from their homes by Cyclone Idai and others displaced by more recent storms and floods. Idai killed more than 1,000 people across Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe, with Mozambique the worst affected. Many residents criticised the government at the time for not doing more to protect them from one of the most severe storms to hit Africa`s east coast in more than a decade. This time, some people in Buzi -- a district outside of Beira that was among the worst-affected by Idai -- have been evacuated to temporary shelters in primary schools, OCHA said, citing local news reports. Search and rescue operations are under way to reach some 400 families along the Buzi river and in some interior villages after intense rainfall, it added. After making landfall in Mozambique, tropical storm Eloise is forecast to travel inland to southern Zimbabwe, eastern South Africa and far eastern Botswana. While it will lose strength as it travels, it is expected to continue to dump rain.

Another storm, growing stronger, set to hit central Mozambique

At least two people were killed and hundreds forced to flee their inundated homes in the Philippines as torrential rain triggered flooding and landslides in the storm-battered archipelago, officials said Saturday.&nbsp;

Huge waves smashed into a coastal village on Lapu-Lapu island in the central province of Cebu on Friday night, wiping out dozens of houses and leaving around 290 people homeless, Mayor Junard Chan said on Facebook.

Photos posted online by the mayor showed piles of wood and bamboo near the few houses still standing after the region was drenched by heavy rain.

Rescuers retrieved the bodies of two elderly women who were killed when a landslide hit an area of Mahaplag town before dawn in the nearby province of Leyte, police officer Racquel Hernandez said.

A boy was also pulled from the rubble of his home and treated for his injuries, Hernandez told AFP.

About 1,500 people were forced to leave their homes on the major southern island of Mindanao as floodwaters engulfed 13 villages, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said.

The Philippines is hit by an average of 20 storms and&nbsp;typhoons every year, which typically wipe out harvests, homes and infrastructure in already impoverished areas.

The latest storm comes after a succession of typhoons in recent months pummelled the country, taking the lives 148 people, destroying hundreds of thousands of houses, wrecking cash crops and leaving swathes of the country without power.

At least two people were killed and hundreds forced to flee their inundated homes in the Philippines as torrential rain triggered flooding and landslides in the storm-battered archipelago, officials said Saturday.

At least two people were killed and hundreds forced to flee their inundated homes in the Philippines as torrential rain triggered flooding and landslides in the storm-battered archipelago, officials said Saturday. Huge waves smashed into a coastal village on Lapu-Lapu island in the central province of Cebu on Friday night, wiping out dozens of houses and leaving around 290 people homeless, Mayor Junard Chan said on Facebook. Photos posted online by the mayor showed piles of wood and bamboo near the few houses still standing after the region was drenched by heavy rain. Rescuers retrieved the bodies of two elderly women who were killed when a landslide hit an area of Mahaplag town before dawn in the nearby province of Leyte, police officer Racquel Hernandez said. A boy was also pulled from the rubble of his home and treated for his injuries, Hernandez told AFP. About 1,500 people were forced to leave their homes on the major southern island of Mindanao as floodwaters engulfed 13 villages, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said. The Philippines is hit by an average of 20 storms and typhoons every year, which typically wipe out harvests, homes and infrastructure in already impoverished areas. The latest storm comes after a succession of typhoons in recent months pummelled the country, taking the lives 148 people, destroying hundreds of thousands of houses, wrecking cash crops and leaving swathes of the country without power.

Two dead, hundreds flee floods in Philippine storm

Tropical Storm Iota is strengthening as it barrels toward Central America, with authorities urging communities to evacuate before it unleashes "life-threatening" flooding across a region still recovering from Hurricane Eta`s devastation.

Iota is expected to intensify to major hurricane strength or just short of it by the time it smashes into the jungles of the Miskito Coast of Nicaragua and Honduras on Monday.

As of 4 p.m. EST (2100 GMT), Iota was packing maximum sustained winds of 60 miles (97 km) per hour, according to the U.S. National Weather Center (NHC), as it gathered force over the southern Caribbean Sea about 480 miles (770 km) east-southeast of the Nicaraguan-Honduran coast.

The storm comes as Central America is still coping with the massive destruction wrought by Hurricane Eta, which slammed into the region two weeks ago, causing flooding and mudslides that have killed scores of people across a huge swath stretching from Panama to southern Mexico.

On Saturday morning, Guatemalan authorities said a mudslide buried 10 people in the state of Chiquimula near the border with Honduras. Emergency workers have rescued two people and recovered three corpses so far. Five people are still missing.

Saturday`s mudslide follows last week`s partial collapse of a mountain onto the village of Queja, in the central Guatemalan region of Alta Verapaz, which killed and buried alive dozens of residents.

Guatemalan President Alejandro Giammattei on Saturday expressed concern about Iota`s approach, saying he has ordered evacuations for areas expected to be affected.

"We are concerned about the area of ??Alta Verapaz and Quiché. We believe that they are the areas where we could have the greatest impact," said Giammattei. "We hope God helps us."

In Honduras, where Eta killed 64 people and damaged roads, bridges and crops, President Juan Orlando Hernández on Saturday urged people in Iota`s path to evacuate to the nearest shelters.

"Iota is going to put our lives and our economy at risk again," he said. 
Residents of the community of Cruz de Valencia in northwestern Honduras have begun evacuating.

"We have to get out, we have to save our lives," said resident Erick Gomez, who said he only survived the flooding from the last hurricane by clinging to a tree to avoid being swept away by the rushing water.

"We are afraid of what we just suffered with Eta, and we do not want to go through the same thing again," he added.

The NHC is warning Iota could bring flash flooding and mudslides across northern Colombia and Central America as early as Monday.

Tropical Storm Iota is strengthening as it barrels toward Central America, with authorities urging communities to evacuate before it unleashes "life-threatening" flooding across a region still recovering from Hurricane Eta`s devastation.

Tropical Storm Iota is strengthening as it barrels toward Central America, with authorities urging communities to evacuate before it unleashes "life-threatening" flooding across a region still recovering from Hurricane Eta`s devastation. Iota is expected to intensify to major hurricane strength or just short of it by the time it smashes into the jungles of the Miskito Coast of Nicaragua and Honduras on Monday. As of 4 p.m. EST (2100 GMT), Iota was packing maximum sustained winds of 60 miles (97 km) per hour, according to the U.S. National Weather Center (NHC), as it gathered force over the southern Caribbean Sea about 480 miles (770 km) east-southeast of the Nicaraguan-Honduran coast. The storm comes as Central America is still coping with the massive destruction wrought by Hurricane Eta, which slammed into the region two weeks ago, causing flooding and mudslides that have killed scores of people across a huge swath stretching from Panama to southern Mexico. On Saturday morning, Guatemalan authorities said a mudslide buried 10 people in the state of Chiquimula near the border with Honduras. Emergency workers have rescued two people and recovered three corpses so far. Five people are still missing. Saturday`s mudslide follows last week`s partial collapse of a mountain onto the village of Queja, in the central Guatemalan region of Alta Verapaz, which killed and buried alive dozens of residents. Guatemalan President Alejandro Giammattei on Saturday expressed concern about Iota`s approach, saying he has ordered evacuations for areas expected to be affected. "We are concerned about the area of ??Alta Verapaz and Quiché. We believe that they are the areas where we could have the greatest impact," said Giammattei. "We hope God helps us." In Honduras, where Eta killed 64 people and damaged roads, bridges and crops, President Juan Orlando Hernández on Saturday urged people in Iota`s path to evacuate to the nearest shelters. "Iota is going to put our lives and our economy at risk again," he said. Residents of the community of Cruz de Valencia in northwestern Honduras have begun evacuating. "We have to get out, we have to save our lives," said resident Erick Gomez, who said he only survived the flooding from the last hurricane by clinging to a tree to avoid being swept away by the rushing water. "We are afraid of what we just suffered with Eta, and we do not want to go through the same thing again," he added. The NHC is warning Iota could bring flash flooding and mudslides across northern Colombia and Central America as early as Monday.

Tropical Storm Iota strengthens as it approaches Central America

Iota became the 13th hurricane of the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season early Sunday -- less than two weeks after powerful storm Eta killed more than 200 people&nbsp;-- and is expected to become a major hurricane as it approaches Central America.

Iota was upgraded to a hurricane early Sunday, the Miami-based National Hurricane Center (NHC) said.

"Reconnaissance aircraft finds Iota has strengthened into the thirteenth hurricane of the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season," NHC said.

Iota threatened to wreak more havoc in a region where people are still grappling with the aftermath of Eta -- which hit Nicaragua just over a week ago as a Category 4 hurricane.

Iota is also the 30th named storm of this year's extraordinarily busy Atlantic hurricane season.

Iota is projected to hit the Colombian island of Providencia by late Sunday and is expected to rapidly strengthen into a major hurricane as it approaches Central America.

Hurricane Iota is set to wallop coastal areas of Nicaragua and Honduras on Monday. Providencia and parts of Nicaragua and Honduras were under hurricane warnings, forecasters said.

Iota is about 295 miles (475 km) east of Isla De Providencia Colombia with maximum sustained winds 75 miles per hour (120 kph).

"It is likely that the heavy rainfall from Iota, through Thursday, will lead to life-threatening flash flooding and river flooding in parts of northern Colombia and Central America," the NHC warned.

"The flooding and mudslides in Honduras and Nicaragua may be exacerbated by the recent effects of Hurricane Eta in those areas, resulting in significant impacts."

Honduras, Guatemala and Nicaragua announced evacuations Friday, even as the region was still reeling from the devastation inflicted by Eta.

The NHC warned that Iota would deposit as much as 16 inches (40 centimeters) of rain on Honduras, northern Nicaragua, eastern Guatemala and southern Belize, with isolated totals of up to 30 inches.

The government also ordered water released from Honduras's main hydroelectric dam, due to danger of it overflowing from Iota's rains.

In Nicaragua, authorities were preparing for "floods, rain, high tides, wind and landslides on saturated soil," said Guillermo Gonzalez, head of the country's disaster response agency Sinapred.

Initial estimates show "some 80,000 families are going to be at risk," he said, with evacuations underway in communities along the border with Honduras.

This year's hurricane season has seen a record 30 named tropical storms across the Caribbean, Central America and the southeastern US.

Eta was the 28th named storm of this year's hurricane season, tying the 2005 record for named storms. Theta, the 29th, was weakening over the far eastern Atlantic Ocean. It was expected to become a remnant low by Sunday morning, forecasters said.

(with inputs from agencies)

Iota became the 13th hurricane of the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season early Sunday -- less than two weeks after powerful storm Eta killed more than 200 people -- and is expected to become a major hurricane as it approaches Central America.

Iota became the 13th hurricane of the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season early Sunday -- less than two weeks after powerful storm Eta killed more than 200 people -- and is expected to become a major hurricane as it approaches Central America. Iota was upgraded to a hurricane early Sunday, the Miami-based National Hurricane Center (NHC) said. "Reconnaissance aircraft finds Iota has strengthened into the thirteenth hurricane of the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season," NHC said. Iota threatened to wreak more havoc in a region where people are still grappling with the aftermath of Eta -- which hit Nicaragua just over a week ago as a Category 4 hurricane. Iota is also the 30th named storm of this year's extraordinarily busy Atlantic hurricane season. Iota is projected to hit the Colombian island of Providencia by late Sunday and is expected to rapidly strengthen into a major hurricane as it approaches Central America. Hurricane Iota is set to wallop coastal areas of Nicaragua and Honduras on Monday. Providencia and parts of Nicaragua and Honduras were under hurricane warnings, forecasters said. Iota is about 295 miles (475 km) east of Isla De Providencia Colombia with maximum sustained winds 75 miles per hour (120 kph). "It is likely that the heavy rainfall from Iota, through Thursday, will lead to life-threatening flash flooding and river flooding in parts of northern Colombia and Central America," the NHC warned. "The flooding and mudslides in Honduras and Nicaragua may be exacerbated by the recent effects of Hurricane Eta in those areas, resulting in significant impacts." Honduras, Guatemala and Nicaragua announced evacuations Friday, even as the region was still reeling from the devastation inflicted by Eta. The NHC warned that Iota would deposit as much as 16 inches (40 centimeters) of rain on Honduras, northern Nicaragua, eastern Guatemala and southern Belize, with isolated totals of up to 30 inches. The government also ordered water released from Honduras's main hydroelectric dam, due to danger of it overflowing from Iota's rains. In Nicaragua, authorities were preparing for "floods, rain, high tides, wind and landslides on saturated soil," said Guillermo Gonzalez, head of the country's disaster response agency Sinapred. Initial estimates show "some 80,000 families are going to be at risk," he said, with evacuations underway in communities along the border with Honduras. This year's hurricane season has seen a record 30 named tropical storms across the Caribbean, Central America and the southeastern US. Eta was the 28th named storm of this year's hurricane season, tying the 2005 record for named storms. Theta, the 29th, was weakening over the far eastern Atlantic Ocean. It was expected to become a remnant low by Sunday morning, forecasters said. (with inputs from agencies)

Iota strengthens into hurricane, bears down on Central America

Torrential rain and a bitter cold front linked to storm system Eta have claimed at least 20 lives in the southern Mexican state of Chiapas, officials said Saturday.

And authorities in Honduras said flooding in the north and northwest caused by torrential downpours had now left 23 people dead after another 10 people lost their lives on Friday.

The government of Chiapas -- which borders Guatemala, where about 150 people are dead or missing in the wake of the storm -- said 10 bodies were found in the river in the town of Chenalho.

Early reports indicated they had been swept away by powerful currents.

Eight other people died in the cities of El Bosque and La Grandeza, the government said. Another person was washed away by a stream in Oxchuc, while a youth died in Mitontic.

The storm caused landslides that blocked roads in at least 20 locations in Chiapas, a poor region with a majority indigenous population.&nbsp;

The government said five rivers had overflowed their banks, and flooding cut off three towns.

The United States and Guatemala have sent helicopters to Honduras to help with a rescue mission that involves 50,000 emergency services workers, authorities said.

More than 16,000 people have been rescued by boat and helicopter from regions ravaged by Eta, government disaster relief agency the Permanent Contingencies Committee said.

Honduras has declared a "zero zone" in the northern Sula Valley -- the largest alluvial valley in the country.

It is where the second largest city in Honduras, San Pedro Sula, is located.

The Ulua, Chamelecon and Humuya rivers burst their banks, flooding the valley.

Authorities said that more than 1.7 million people and over one million homes in the country of 9.5 million have been affected.

Central America has been badly hit since Eta made landfall in Nicaragua on Tuesday as a powerful hurricane before losing strength.

Authorities in Panama reported 17 deaths and 68 people missing, Security Minister Juan Pino said.

Cuba is bracing for impact, expected on Sunday, as Eta approaches. It has gained strength from a tropical depression to a tropical storm.

Havana has placed provinces in the center of the island nation on alert.

The Civil Defense agency said on Saturday it expected "strong and intense" rainfall over "large parts" of the archipelago.

The meteorological institute said Eta was packing winds of up to 50 miles (80 kilometers) an hour.

Authorities have suspended bus and train services and begun evacuating people from vulnerable areas.

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Torrential rain and a bitter cold front linked to storm system Eta have claimed at least 20 lives in the southern Mexican state of Chiapas, officials said Saturday.

Torrential rain and a bitter cold front linked to storm system Eta have claimed at least 20 lives in the southern Mexican state of Chiapas, officials said Saturday. And authorities in Honduras said flooding in the north and northwest caused by torrential downpours had now left 23 people dead after another 10 people lost their lives on Friday. The government of Chiapas -- which borders Guatemala, where about 150 people are dead or missing in the wake of the storm -- said 10 bodies were found in the river in the town of Chenalho. Early reports indicated they had been swept away by powerful currents. Eight other people died in the cities of El Bosque and La Grandeza, the government said. Another person was washed away by a stream in Oxchuc, while a youth died in Mitontic. The storm caused landslides that blocked roads in at least 20 locations in Chiapas, a poor region with a majority indigenous population. The government said five rivers had overflowed their banks, and flooding cut off three towns. The United States and Guatemala have sent helicopters to Honduras to help with a rescue mission that involves 50,000 emergency services workers, authorities said. More than 16,000 people have been rescued by boat and helicopter from regions ravaged by Eta, government disaster relief agency the Permanent Contingencies Committee said. Honduras has declared a "zero zone" in the northern Sula Valley -- the largest alluvial valley in the country. It is where the second largest city in Honduras, San Pedro Sula, is located. The Ulua, Chamelecon and Humuya rivers burst their banks, flooding the valley. Authorities said that more than 1.7 million people and over one million homes in the country of 9.5 million have been affected. Central America has been badly hit since Eta made landfall in Nicaragua on Tuesday as a powerful hurricane before losing strength. Authorities in Panama reported 17 deaths and 68 people missing, Security Minister Juan Pino said. Cuba is bracing for impact, expected on Sunday, as Eta approaches. It has gained strength from a tropical depression to a tropical storm. Havana has placed provinces in the center of the island nation on alert. The Civil Defense agency said on Saturday it expected "strong and intense" rainfall over "large parts" of the archipelago. The meteorological institute said Eta was packing winds of up to 50 miles (80 kilometers) an hour. Authorities have suspended bus and train services and begun evacuating people from vulnerable areas.

Storm Eta death tolls rise in Mexico, Honduras

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

Tropical Storm Eta Sunday gathered force over the Caribbean and was expected to make landfall in a few days as a Category One hurricane.

It is now expected to unleash heavy rain and hurricane-strength winds early next week in Nicaragua and Honduras.

The US National Hurricane Center (NHC) said the storm is forecast to strengthen over the coming two days and make contact with the northeast coast of Nicaragua and eastern Honduras on Tuesday.

To this end, Nicaragua`s government has issued a hurricane warning from the Honduras-Nicaragua border to Sandy Bay Sirpi. Honduras has put out a tropical storm warning from Punta Patuca to the border with Nicaragua.

The storm is expected to make landfall over northeastern Nicaragua at dawn on Tuesday before wringing itself out as it sweeps inland over Honduras.

"The winds could reach 120 kilometers an hour (75 miles per hour) before impact at some point between Cabo Gracias a Dios" -- on the border with Honduras -- "and the city of Bilwi," the main town in Nicaragua's northern Caribbean region, Baca said.

Latest projections forecast Eta will by then be a Category 1 hurricane on the five-step Saffir-Simpson scale, blowing winds of up to 85 miles per hour (137 kilometers per hour).

By early afternoon, Eta was about 230 miles (370 km) south-southwest of Kingston, Jamaica, moving west at 15 mph (24 kph) and blowing sustained winds of 50 mph (80 kph), the NHC said.

Through Thursday evening, downpours from Eta may cause flooding in parts of Jamaica, the Cayman Islands and Central America, and potentially landslides. Heavy rains and significant coastal storm surges are expected in Nicaragua and Honduras.

The head of the national System for Disaster Prevention, Guillermo Gonzalez, said families living in the Miskito Cays off Nicaragua's northeastern coast were being evacuated.&nbsp;

El Salvador is also keeping a watchful eye on Eta, and the government has warned of heavy rains throughout the country.

Authorities in Costa Rica have also declared a rain alert.

Tropical Storm Eta Sunday gathered force over the Caribbean and was expected to make landfall in a few days as a Category One hurricane. It is now expected to unleash heavy rain and hurricane-strength winds early next week in Nicaragua and Honduras.

Tropical Storm Eta Sunday gathered force over the Caribbean and was expected to make landfall in a few days as a Category One hurricane. It is now expected to unleash heavy rain and hurricane-strength winds early next week in Nicaragua and Honduras. The US National Hurricane Center (NHC) said the storm is forecast to strengthen over the coming two days and make contact with the northeast coast of Nicaragua and eastern Honduras on Tuesday. To this end, Nicaragua`s government has issued a hurricane warning from the Honduras-Nicaragua border to Sandy Bay Sirpi. Honduras has put out a tropical storm warning from Punta Patuca to the border with Nicaragua. The storm is expected to make landfall over northeastern Nicaragua at dawn on Tuesday before wringing itself out as it sweeps inland over Honduras. "The winds could reach 120 kilometers an hour (75 miles per hour) before impact at some point between Cabo Gracias a Dios" -- on the border with Honduras -- "and the city of Bilwi," the main town in Nicaragua's northern Caribbean region, Baca said. Latest projections forecast Eta will by then be a Category 1 hurricane on the five-step Saffir-Simpson scale, blowing winds of up to 85 miles per hour (137 kilometers per hour). By early afternoon, Eta was about 230 miles (370 km) south-southwest of Kingston, Jamaica, moving west at 15 mph (24 kph) and blowing sustained winds of 50 mph (80 kph), the NHC said. Through Thursday evening, downpours from Eta may cause flooding in parts of Jamaica, the Cayman Islands and Central America, and potentially landslides. Heavy rains and significant coastal storm surges are expected in Nicaragua and Honduras. The head of the national System for Disaster Prevention, Guillermo Gonzalez, said families living in the Miskito Cays off Nicaragua's northeastern coast were being evacuated. El Salvador is also keeping a watchful eye on Eta, and the government has warned of heavy rains throughout the country. Authorities in Costa Rica have also declared a rain alert.

Tropical Storm Eta strengthens as it moves west; Nicaragua issues hurricane warning

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

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 National Hurricane Center continues to monitor several storms across the Atlantic basin Monday morning, including Hurricane Teddy and Tropical Storm Beta

Bermuda prepares for rain as Hurricane Teddy approaches

It's only September, but the US National Hurricane Centre (NHC) has run out of names for 2020 hurricanes and storms -- all thanks to a frenetic season that's still continuing.&nbsp;

This has now forced the centre to name tropical storms and hurricanes with letters from the Greek alphabet.

The NHC first trotted out the Greek alphabet for subtropical storm Alpha. The geographically misplaced storm then promptly sloshed ashore in Portugal.

Tropical Storm Wilfred was the last name on this year's list of 21 Atlantic hurricane names -- only the second time in recorded history that all the names were used. Wilfred was named late Friday morning and was just over 600 miles west of the Cabo Verde Islands, according to the NHC.

There are 21 names available each year. The list ends with those beginning with W and excludes Q, U, X, Y and Z.

This is only the second time National Hurricane Centre forecasters have had to pull out the Greek alphabet for names, with the last time being 2005.

The 2020 hurricane season has seen 23 named storms have formed this year, including one subtropical storm, 14 tropical storms and eight hurricanes.

Wilfred, Alpha and Beta set records for earliest 21st, 22nd and 23rd named Atlantic storms, beating 2005 by a few weeks.

With another quarter of 2020 remaining, the hurricane centre tweeted the entire 24-letter Greek alphabet, with a red slash through Alpha.

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Here are the Greek names for the 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season for reference. <a href="https://t.co/YsrpliN9fF">pic.twitter.com/YsrpliN9fF</a>
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Meanwhile, Hurricane Teddy, a powerful Category 3 storm with sustained winds of 125 mph, is in the central Atlantic. Teddy is forecast to move north and could approach Bermuda on Sunday or Monday.

On Saturday, subtropical storm Alpha was weakening. But the Texas coast was preparing for Tropical Storm Beta, which was forecast to strengthen into a hurricane.

Beta was brewing in the Gulf of Mexico, 305 miles (495km) east-south-east of Corpus Christi, Texas, and 245 miles (395km) south of Lake Charles, Louisiana, the NH said in an advisory.

In 2005, as many as 27 storms were named, including 15 hurricanes of which four, Emily, Katrina, Rita and Wilma, attained category 5 strength on the Saffir-Simpson scale.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

It's only September, but the US National Hurricane Centre (NHC) has run out of names for 2020 hurricanes and storms -- all thanks to a frenetic season that's still continuing.

It's only September, but the US National Hurricane Centre (NHC) has run out of names for 2020 hurricanes and storms -- all thanks to a frenetic season that's still continuing. This has now forced the centre to name tropical storms and hurricanes with letters from the Greek alphabet. The NHC first trotted out the Greek alphabet for subtropical storm Alpha. The geographically misplaced storm then promptly sloshed ashore in Portugal. Tropical Storm Wilfred was the last name on this year's list of 21 Atlantic hurricane names -- only the second time in recorded history that all the names were used. Wilfred was named late Friday morning and was just over 600 miles west of the Cabo Verde Islands, according to the NHC. There are 21 names available each year. The list ends with those beginning with W and excludes Q, U, X, Y and Z. This is only the second time National Hurricane Centre forecasters have had to pull out the Greek alphabet for names, with the last time being 2005. The 2020 hurricane season has seen 23 named storms have formed this year, including one subtropical storm, 14 tropical storms and eight hurricanes. Wilfred, Alpha and Beta set records for earliest 21st, 22nd and 23rd named Atlantic storms, beating 2005 by a few weeks. With another quarter of 2020 remaining, the hurricane centre tweeted the entire 24-letter Greek alphabet, with a red slash through Alpha. Here are the Greek names for the 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season for reference. pic.twitter.com/YsrpliN9fF — National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) September 18, 2020 × Meanwhile, Hurricane Teddy, a powerful Category 3 storm with sustained winds of 125 mph, is in the central Atlantic. Teddy is forecast to move north and could approach Bermuda on Sunday or Monday. On Saturday, subtropical storm Alpha was weakening. But the Texas coast was preparing for Tropical Storm Beta, which was forecast to strengthen into a hurricane. Beta was brewing in the Gulf of Mexico, 305 miles (495km) east-south-east of Corpus Christi, Texas, and 245 miles (395km) south of Lake Charles, Louisiana, the NH said in an advisory. In 2005, as many as 27 storms were named, including 15 hurricanes of which four, Emily, Katrina, Rita and Wilma, attained category 5 strength on the Saffir-Simpson scale.

US has run out of Atlantic hurricane names. It's Greek to the rescue now

Tropical Storm Beta, as of Sunday, is moving toward the shores of Texas and Louisiana, casting worries about heavy rain, flooding and storm surge across the Gulf Coast. It can make landfall in Texas either late Monday or early Tuesday.

It would be the ninth named storm to make landfall in the continental US.

Earlier predictions showed Beta could reach hurricane strength before making landfall. A hurricane watch was still in effect from Port Aransas, Texas, to High Island, Texas.

Coastal communities have, hence, begun preparing for Beta over the weekend, issuing voluntary evacuation orders.

Beta was brewing in the Gulf of Mexico, 220 miles (355 kilometers) southeast of Galveston, Texas, the U.S. National Hurricane Center said early Sunday. The storm had maximum sustained winds at 60 mph (95 kph) and was moving north at 2 mph (4 kph) early Sunday.

Little change in strength was expected as the system approaches Texas, forecasters said.&nbsp;

Up to 20 inches of rain (51 centimeters) is possible in some parts of Lake Charles, Louisiana.

Forecasters were predicting up to 4 feet (1.2 meters) of storm surge from Baffin Bay, Texas, to Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge, Louisiana. Strong winds, and life-threatening surf and rip current conditions were also expected with the storm.

Forecasters ran out of traditional storm names on Friday, forcing the use of the Greek alphabet for only the second time since the 1950s.

Meanwhile, Hurricane Teddy remained a powerful hurricane Sunday, with maximum sustained winds at 115 mph (185 kph) and moving northwest at 13 mph (20 kph). Teddy was centered 375 miles (605 kilometers) south-southeast of Bermuda less than a week after Hurricane Paulette made landfall in the wealthy British territory.

Tropical Storm Wilfred was still at sea but expected to dissipate by Tuesday. Parts of the Alabama coast and Florida Panhandle were still reeling from the effects of Hurricane Sally, which roared ashore on Wednesday. At least two deaths were blamed on the system.&nbsp;

Tropical Storm Beta, as of Sunday, is moving toward the shores of Texas and Louisiana, casting worries about heavy rain, flooding and storm surge across the Gulf Coast.

Tropical Storm Beta, as of Sunday, is moving toward the shores of Texas and Louisiana, casting worries about heavy rain, flooding and storm surge across the Gulf Coast. It can make landfall in Texas either late Monday or early Tuesday. It would be the ninth named storm to make landfall in the continental US. Earlier predictions showed Beta could reach hurricane strength before making landfall. A hurricane watch was still in effect from Port Aransas, Texas, to High Island, Texas. Coastal communities have, hence, begun preparing for Beta over the weekend, issuing voluntary evacuation orders. Beta was brewing in the Gulf of Mexico, 220 miles (355 kilometers) southeast of Galveston, Texas, the U.S. National Hurricane Center said early Sunday. The storm had maximum sustained winds at 60 mph (95 kph) and was moving north at 2 mph (4 kph) early Sunday. Little change in strength was expected as the system approaches Texas, forecasters said. Up to 20 inches of rain (51 centimeters) is possible in some parts of Lake Charles, Louisiana. Forecasters were predicting up to 4 feet (1.2 meters) of storm surge from Baffin Bay, Texas, to Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge, Louisiana. Strong winds, and life-threatening surf and rip current conditions were also expected with the storm. Forecasters ran out of traditional storm names on Friday, forcing the use of the Greek alphabet for only the second time since the 1950s. Meanwhile, Hurricane Teddy remained a powerful hurricane Sunday, with maximum sustained winds at 115 mph (185 kph) and moving northwest at 13 mph (20 kph). Teddy was centered 375 miles (605 kilometers) south-southeast of Bermuda less than a week after Hurricane Paulette made landfall in the wealthy British territory. Tropical Storm Wilfred was still at sea but expected to dissipate by Tuesday. Parts of the Alabama coast and Florida Panhandle were still reeling from the effects of Hurricane Sally, which roared ashore on Wednesday. At least two deaths were blamed on the system.

Tropical Storm Beta meanders toward Texas, spurs hurricane worries

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

Tropical storm Sally will move over the north-central Gulf of Mexico on Monday before becoming a hurricane as it heads toward southeastern Louisiana, the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) said.

"Strengthening is expected over the next day or so, and Sally is forecast to become a hurricane by tonight, with additional strengthening possible before the center crosses the northern Gulf Coast," the Miami-based weather forecaster added.

The second storm in less than a month to threaten the region, Sally is forecast to strengthen on Monday and bring heavy rains and winds of up to 85 miles per hour (137 km/h).

Mississippi and Louisiana issued mandatory evacuation orders to residents of low-lying areas, and Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards appealed for a federal disaster declaration and advised people living in Sally`s path to flee.

Residents of southwest Louisiana are still clearing debris and tens of thousands of homes are without power after Hurricane Laura left a trail of destruction.

Energy companies scrambled to pull workers from offshore oil and gas production platforms. Chevron Corp, Equinor and Murphy Oil Corp shut in wells as a precaution, and refiner Phillips 66 halted processing at its Alliance refinery on the Louisiana coast.

At 7 a.m. CDT, Sally was 115 miles southeast of the mouth of the Mississippi River, packing winds of 65 miles per hour, according to the NHC.

It warned the storm`s advance would slow in the next two days, dumping 8- to 16-inches (20-40 cm) on the coast and causing widespread river flooding.

Tropical storm Sally will move over the north-central Gulf of Mexico on Monday before becoming a hurricane as it heads toward southeastern Louisiana, the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) said.

Tropical storm Sally will move over the north-central Gulf of Mexico on Monday before becoming a hurricane as it heads toward southeastern Louisiana, the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) said. "Strengthening is expected over the next day or so, and Sally is forecast to become a hurricane by tonight, with additional strengthening possible before the center crosses the northern Gulf Coast," the Miami-based weather forecaster added. The second storm in less than a month to threaten the region, Sally is forecast to strengthen on Monday and bring heavy rains and winds of up to 85 miles per hour (137 km/h). Mississippi and Louisiana issued mandatory evacuation orders to residents of low-lying areas, and Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards appealed for a federal disaster declaration and advised people living in Sally`s path to flee. Residents of southwest Louisiana are still clearing debris and tens of thousands of homes are without power after Hurricane Laura left a trail of destruction. Energy companies scrambled to pull workers from offshore oil and gas production platforms. Chevron Corp, Equinor and Murphy Oil Corp shut in wells as a precaution, and refiner Phillips 66 halted processing at its Alliance refinery on the Louisiana coast. At 7 a.m. CDT, Sally was 115 miles southeast of the mouth of the Mississippi River, packing winds of 65 miles per hour, according to the NHC. It warned the storm`s advance would slow in the next two days, dumping 8- to 16-inches (20-40 cm) on the coast and causing widespread river flooding.

Tropical Storm Sally to strength to hurricane, forecaster says

Between five to 10 inches (13 to 26 cms) of rain were expected on parts of the Gulf Coast between Wednesday and Friday.

Hurricane moves Laura inland with wind speeds upto 240 kmph | Report from the affected areas

Two tropical storms are advancing across the Caribbean as potentially historic threats to the US Gulf Coast -- one dumping rain on Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands while the other pushing through the gap between Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula and Cuba.

Tropical Storms Laura and Marco were both projected to approach Louisiana at or close to hurricane force just two days apart next week.

Two hurricanes have never appeared in the Gulf of Mexico at the same time -- at least since 1900. The last time two storms made landfall in the United States within 24 hours of each other was in 1933

The projected tracks from the US National Hurricane Center on Saturday afternoon pointed to both storms being together in the Gulf on Monday, with Marco hitting Louisiana and Laura making landfall in the same general area Wednesday.

A hurricane watch was issued for the New Orleans metro area, which was pummeled by Hurricane Katrina in August 2005. Another was issued for Intracoastal City, Louisiana, eastward to the Mississippi-Alabama border.

Laura flung rain across Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands on Saturday and was expected to drench the Dominican Republic, Haiti and parts of Cuba through Sunday on its westward course.

Officials said they were most concerned about the thousands of people in Puerto Rico who still have been living under blue tarps since 2017's Hurricane Maria and the hundreds of families living along the island's southern coast in homes damaged by a string of strong earthquakes this year.

Marco, meanwhile, was strengthening while centered about 75 miles (120 kilometers) west-northwest of Cuba's western tip, headed to the north-northwest at 13 mph (20 kph). It had maximum sustained winds of 65 mph (100 kph) and was expected to become a hurricane later Saturday.

The National Hurricane Center said it expected the storms to stay far enough apart to prevent direct interaction as the region braces for the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season, which is forecast to be unusually active.

Both storms were expected to bring 3 to 6 inches (8 to 15 centimeters) of rain to areas they were passing over or near, threatening widespread flooding across a vast region.

Two tropical storms are advancing across the Caribbean as potentially historic threats to the US Gulf Coast -- one dumping rain on Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands while the other pushing through the gap between Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula and Cuba.

Two tropical storms are advancing across the Caribbean as potentially historic threats to the US Gulf Coast -- one dumping rain on Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands while the other pushing through the gap between Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula and Cuba. Tropical Storms Laura and Marco were both projected to approach Louisiana at or close to hurricane force just two days apart next week. Two hurricanes have never appeared in the Gulf of Mexico at the same time -- at least since 1900. The last time two storms made landfall in the United States within 24 hours of each other was in 1933 The projected tracks from the US National Hurricane Center on Saturday afternoon pointed to both storms being together in the Gulf on Monday, with Marco hitting Louisiana and Laura making landfall in the same general area Wednesday. A hurricane watch was issued for the New Orleans metro area, which was pummeled by Hurricane Katrina in August 2005. Another was issued for Intracoastal City, Louisiana, eastward to the Mississippi-Alabama border. Laura flung rain across Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands on Saturday and was expected to drench the Dominican Republic, Haiti and parts of Cuba through Sunday on its westward course. Officials said they were most concerned about the thousands of people in Puerto Rico who still have been living under blue tarps since 2017's Hurricane Maria and the hundreds of families living along the island's southern coast in homes damaged by a string of strong earthquakes this year. Marco, meanwhile, was strengthening while centered about 75 miles (120 kilometers) west-northwest of Cuba's western tip, headed to the north-northwest at 13 mph (20 kph). It had maximum sustained winds of 65 mph (100 kph) and was expected to become a hurricane later Saturday. The National Hurricane Center said it expected the storms to stay far enough apart to prevent direct interaction as the region braces for the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season, which is forecast to be unusually active. Both storms were expected to bring 3 to 6 inches (8 to 15 centimeters) of rain to areas they were passing over or near, threatening widespread flooding across a vast region.

Two tropical storms heading as historic threats to US Gulf Coast

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