The first-ever Eta became a hurricane at 11 pm and is moving westward in the Caribbean towards Nicaragua and Honduras. It may become a major hurricane before it makes landfall. Once it gets there, it is expected to drop up to 30 inches of rain in the mountainous terrain, which could cause tremendous flooding, landslides, and potential loss of life there. Storm surge is also expected to be an issue. At this time, there is no threat to the Southeast. However, a few of the longer-range models do show either the remains of Eta or a new storm forming in the same area and moving north into the Gulf of Mexico in about 10 days or so. Nothing for us to worry about at this point, but something to watch for the future. The official season goes until the end of November. Please keep the people of Central America and also the Philippines, where Super Typhoon Goni hit yesterday with winds close to 200 mph, in your thoughts and prayers.
