Ida becomes a hurricane, hits Nicaragua

MANAGUA, Nicaragua -- Newly born Hurricane Ida ripped into Nicaragua's Atlantic coast today after forcing more than 2,000 people to flee their homes and knocking out power to some parts of the impoverished region.

The hurricane struck land about 75 miles north of Bluefields. It was forecast to weaken while cutting across Honduras before possibly emerging over open water on Saturday -- a still-tentative path that could carry it near Mexico's resort of Cancun by midweek.

Ida had winds of 75 mph, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center, and it was moving to the northwest at 6 mph.

It could dump as much as 20 inches of rain in parts as it crosses eastern Nicaragua, with the risk of flash floods and mudslides, according to the Miami-based center.

The storm could also raise coastal water levels by as much as 3 feet above ground level, with dangerous waves.

There were no immediate reports of deaths, but Nicaragua's National Civil Defense director Mario Perez said more than 2,000 people had been evacuated -- 800 of those from flimsy, makeshift homes on Corn Island and nearby Little Corn Island, where strong winds damaged about 45 homes, toppled trees and knocked out power. Residents were taken to the port authority building and concrete hotels.

About 2,500 people live on the two islands, which are popular tourist destinations.

"There is no electricity on the island and telephone is out and there is little water," Perez said.

About 1,100 people had been evacuated in Bluefields, Perez said.

Heavy rains and winds kept officials from evacuating about 80 people on Cayos Perla, but authorities said they planned to used speedboats to get them out.

-- The Associated Press