Tropical Strom Alma Blasting Central America

Tropical Strom Alma Blasting Central America



PlusTropical Strom Alma Blasting Central AmericaTropical Strom Alma Blasting Central AmericaThe Associated PressTropical Storm Alma slammed into Nicaragua's northwest corner on Thursday, near the city of Leon, becoming the first such storm of the eastern Pacific season. (May 29)Just days after the start of the eastern Pacific hurricane season ----the first tropical storm of the season has slammed Northwest Nicaragua. [Notes:NOAA RADAR] Tropical Storm Alma --- has already forced evacuations in low-lying areas along Central America's coastline. [Notes:aptn--rain broll]Emergency officials continue to evacuate hundreds of people from flood-prone areas. [Notes:people running] SOUNDBITE: (Spanish) Ignacio Lezama, taxi driver:ANCHOR PLEASE READ: "Everything is the same, when these times of rain arrive, it always has an effect." The National Hurricane Center in Miami says Alma is weakening--- as it moves inland. [Notes:NOAA RADAR]Alma has maximum sustained winds of around 50 miles per hour have been reported. [Notes:more aptn rain broll]The storm is moving towards Honduras --and is expected to weaken further before hitting Guatemala or Belize late Friday or Saturday.The fast-growing storm took forecasters and many in Central America by surprise.Some places could see as much as 20 inches of rain. ___ ___, The Associated Press.