Iota becomes 13th hurricane of busy season

A hurricane bearing down on parts of Central America is the 13th storm to reach hurricane strength so far in a busy season that has already seen more than twice as many named storms as last year.

The National Hurricane Center’s website indicated that Hurricane Iota was southeast of Jamaica Sunday afternoon and was expected to make landfall in Honduras, Nicaragua, Guatemala and El Salvador Monday afternoon.

“Potentially catastrophic winds and a life-threatening storm surge are expected,” the NHC warned.

“Hurricane conditions are expected and storm surge impacts are possible on Providencia tonight and Monday,” it continued.

Hurricane Zeta’s landfall in late October left six dead across Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama and Georgia.