An exceptionally dangerous Iota could strengthen into a Category 5 hurricane before making landfall in Nicaragua and Honduras, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) warned Monday morning.
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) warned Sunday is the last guaranteed day to prepare for Hurricane Iota, which is expected to make landfall tomorrow in Honduras or Nicaragua.
Costa Rica's National Emergency Commission (CNE) on Saturday afternoon placed the entire national territory under weather alerts as it anticipates indirect effects from Tropical Storm Iota.
Honduras, Guatemala and Nicaragua announced evacuations Friday as a second major hurricane in days closed in on Central America with the region still reeling from deadly storm Eta last week.
Iota is expected to threaten and make landfall as a major hurricane on Sunday night or Monday morning. Forecasts indicate northern Nicaragua and/or southern Honduras could bear the brunt of Iota.
Costa Rica on Tuesday issued a State of Emergency, a move which will help the National Emergency Commission (CNE) take administrative, operational and economic measures to assist the country's recovery from Hurricane Eta.
