Tropical Storm Beta (Hurricane soon?)

Tropical Storm Beta, the 23rd tropical storm of this record-breaking season continues to grow stronger in the western Caribbean. Beta is creeping to the north at 3 mph with winds of 60 mph. Beta is forecast to quickly reach hurricane strength (possibly category 2) and turn westward making landfall along the coast of Nicaragua by Sunday. A hurrcane warning is now in effect for the islands of San Andres and Providencia. In addition, the government of Nicaragua has issued a tropical storm warning and a hurricane watch for the Caribbean coast of Nicaragua from the border with Costa Rica northward to Cabo Gracias a Dios near the Nicaragua/Honduras border and adjacent islands. Heavy rain across western Panama, Costa Rica and Nicaragua will be the most significant impact. Rainfall amounts on the order of 10 to 15 inches (locally 20) are possible.