Iota Strengthening, Poses Significant Threat to Central America

Hurricane Iota organized this afternoon, but the winds lagged behind a little. 

Maximum sustained winds are now at 100 mph, and Iota is expected to undergo rapid strengthening through tomorrow before it moves inland Monday evening. 

"Very favorable atmospheric and oceanic conditions consisting of low vertical wind shear and warm waters are expected to lead to rapid strengthening until the center crosses the coast of Central America", the National Hurricane Center warned earlier this evening.

Compare these two images of Iota. The first is 3.45pm today, while the second is from 8:35pm.

Iota will rapidly weaken as it moves over the mountainous terrain of Central America.

Threats from Iota:

-Winds of 140 to 150 mph, and gusts to 175 mph "Potentially catastrophic wind damage is expected where Iota's eyewall moves onshore within the Hurricane Warning area in Nicaragua and Honduras area beginning late Monday."

-Storm surge :A life-threatening storm surge will raise water levels by as much as 10 to 15 feet above normal tide levels in areas of onshore winds along the coast of Nicaragua and Honduras. Near the coast, the surge will be accompanied by large and destructive waves."

-Rain: 8 to 16 inches in much of Nicaragua, Honduras, and Belize; other portions of Central America will get 4 to 8 inches. The NHC is warning that "significant, life-threatening flash flooding and river flooding, along with mudslides in areas of higher terrain" is expected.