At its height on October 26 and 27, the storm had sustained winds of 180 mph. It has since been downgraded to a Category 3 hurricane, carrying maximum sustained winds of 120 mph and hurricane force winds extending outward up to 105 miles from the eye of the storm. The storm has been nearly stationary this morning, and little motion is expected through the course of the day. Hurricane warnings remain in effect for the entire Caribbean coast of Honduras, Belize, Guatemala and the Yucatan Peninsula south of Cabo Catoche. Honduras continues to suffer the brunt of the storm.
Early reports indicate that at least eight people have died in Honduras as a result of the storm.
Due to severe and on-going hurricane conditions, a thorough damage assessment has yet to be completed. Extensive flooding and wind damage is being reported throughout the north coast. There are approximately 60,000 people in shelters and as many as 100 bridges damaged or knocked out. La Ceiba is flooded and essentially cut-off, with both the Danto and Cangrejal rivers overflowing their banks. Honduras' second largest city, San Pedro Sula, has also reported flooding in low-lying areas.