CNN iReport

Torrential Rains triggering life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides will be the main threat for Nicaragua and Honduras.

Southwestern Caribbean – Nicaragua and Honduras:A weakening Tropical Depression Ida is approaching the Honduras / Nicaragua border with torrential rains being the main threat.

At 700 am EST, 1200 GMT, the center of Tropical Depression Ida was located about 65 miles west-southwest of Cabo Gracias a Dios on the Nicaragua / Honduras border.

Ida is moving toward the north near 6 mph. This general motion is expected to continue with a slight increase in forward speed over the next couple of days. On the forecast track, the center of Ida will move across eastern Honduras today and emerge over the northwestern Caribbean Sea tonight or early Saturday.

Maximum sustained winds are near 35 mph with higher gusts. Some additional weakening is possible today as the center of Ida remains over land. Some restrengthening is likely after Ida emerges over the northwestern Caribbean Sea tonight or early Saturday.

Long Range Forecast:

If Ida survives the land interaction with Honduras, it is expect to emerge over the northwest Caribbean Sea in about 18 hours and then restrengthen as it tracks through the Caribbean and into the Gulf of Mexico. The computer models are fairly split as to the life expectancy of Ida as some have Ida reaching Hurricane intensity as it enters the Gulf of Mexico in 3 to 4 days, while other computer models has the storm weakening.

In any event, interests on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula should monitor and prepare for this storm if warranted while interests in the southeastern U.S. should monitor the progress if Ida and perhaps a strike next week.

Threats & Damages:

The main threat from Ida is life-threatening widespread flash flooding and mudslides as Ida is expected to produce total rainfall accumulations of 5 to 7 inches along the coasts of eastern Honduras and Nicaragua and the islands off the coast of Nicaragua with maximum amounts of 12 inches possible. Maximum rainfall accumulations of 15 to 20 inches are possible over regions of elevated terrain in Honduras and Nicaragua.

Expect the infrastructure of water, power, sewer, roads and communications to be disrupted. Travel within the eastern Nicaragua and Honduras will be hampered due blocked roads.

Watches & Warnings:

A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for the northeast coast of Honduras from Limon eastward to the Honduras/Nicaragua border.

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