Deadly Eta gathering steam again as it steers towards Cuba, Florida
Eta claimed the lives of more than 70 people as it unleashed torrential rains, wicked winds, flooding on South America.
After leaving dozens dead in Central America, Eta is expected to regain tropical storm strength in the Caribbean Sea, bringing the potential for heavy rain and strong winds to the Cayman Islands, Cuba, southern Florida.
Southern Florida and the Florida Keys are forecasted to be impacted by Eta on the weekend and into next week.
On Friday evening, Eta was currently 255 km east-northeast of Belize City, moving toward the north-northeast at around 10 km/h. It's expected to turn to the northeast at an increased speed and continue on this track through Sunday.
"On the forecast track, the center of Eta will move across the northwestern Caribbean Sea today, approach the Cayman Islands Saturday, and be near central or western Cuba Saturday night and Sunday," says National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
"Maximum sustained winds are near 35 mph (55 km/h) with higher gusts. Eta is forecast to become a tropical storm again this afternoon or tonight, with further strengthening likely through early Sunday," adds NOAA.
Eta is expected to produce 125 to 255 mm of rain in The Bahamas and Southern Florida (including the Keys) through Wednesday morning. Flash flooding is possible across the areas as isolated totals could reach 380 mm.
Check back for up-to-date information on Eta.