A fast-strengthening Hurricane Iota is now the strongest hurricane yet in this record-smashing season.
Iota became a Category 5 strength hurricane as it heads for the same part of Central America that was battered by a similarly powerful Hurricane Eta less than two weeks ago. The storm has maximum sustained winds of 160 mph.
Iota is the first Category 5 in 2020 and the latest Atlantic calendar year Category 5 hurricane on record.
In the 👁-ota.
— Hurricane Hunters (@53rdWRS) November 16, 2020
Ever wondered what a Category 5 hurricane’s eye looks like? Our @USAFReserve Airmen have got you covered. ✈️🌀#ReserveReady #HuracanIota pic.twitter.com/LEjXS7GlsX
Evacuations were being conducted from low-lying areas in Nicaragua and Honduras near their shared border, which appeared to be Iota’s likely landfall.
According to the National Hurricane Center, heavy rainfall will "likely lead to life-threatening flash flooding and river flooding" throughout Central America. Iota will also bring the threat of life-threatening mudslides to Nicaragua.
Hurricane Iota is the 30th named storm of the season.
