Around the World: Nicaragua

Storm now hurricane

Ida strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane as it approached the Caribbean coast of Nicaragua yesterday and was set to make landfall late in the day. Heavy rains dumped on Nicaragua's eastern coast and hundreds evacuated from Corn Island, a popular tourist spot. The storm is expected to weaken as it moves over Nicaragua, but heavy rains could produce life-threatening flash floods and mud slides in the country as commercial growers begin the annual coffee harvest