Hurricane Iota strengthens and is now a category 2 as it heads towards Central America, expected to make landfall by late Monday, confirmed the National Hurricane Center and Central Pacific Hurricane Center of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

“Iota is expected to bring potentially catastrophic winds, life-threatening storm surge and extreme rainfall impacts to Central America”, warned the NOAA.

A hurricane warning is in effect for the Colombian island of Providencia, the coast of Nicaragua, from the Honduras/Nicaragua border to Sandy Bay Sirpi and the coast of northeastern Honduras.

A tropical storm warning is in effect for the Colombian island of San Andres, the coast of Nicaragua from south of Sandy Bay Sirpi to Bluefields, and the northern coast of Honduras.

A Hurricane Warning means that hurricane conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area. Preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion.

A Tropical Storm Warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area within 36 hours.

When it comes to Costa Rica Iota is expected to produce 4 to 8 inches (100 to 200 mm) of rainfall accumulation through Friday morning.

The National Emergency Commission (CNE) warned that the indirect effects will be felt in the country starting Sunday evening and will intensify the first days of the week particularly in the Central and South Pacific, however rainfall is also expected in the Central Valley and Northern Zone.

An orange alert was issued for the counties of Nicoya, Nandayure and Hojancha in Guanacaste; Corredores, Coto Brus, Golfito, Parrita and Quepos in Puntarenas.

Iota will hit Central America just days after Hurricane Eta caused great damages and 24 deaths in countries of the region. In Costa Rica an American expat and his wife died buried by a landslide.