Hurricane Eta Explained
Formed: | October 31, 2020 |
Extratropical: | November 13, 2020 |
Dissipated: | November 14, 2020 |
Year: | 2020 |
Fatalities: | 189+ |
Missing: | 120 |
Damage: | 8300000000 |
Hurricane Eta was a deadly and erratic Category 4 hurricane that devastated parts of Central America in early November 2020. The record-tying twenty-eighth named storm, thirteenth hurricane, and sixth major hurricane of the extremely-active 2020 Atlantic hurricane season, Eta originated from a vigorous tropical wave in the eastern Caribbean Sea on October 31. The system rapidly organized as it progressed west, with the cyclone ultimately becoming a Category 4 hurricane on November 3. With a peak intensity of 150mph and 922mbar, it was the third most intense November Atlantic hurricane on record, behind the 1932 Cuba hurricane and Hurricane Iota, the latter of which formed just two weeks later in the same area. Some weakening took place as the system made landfall near Puerto Cabezas, Nicaragua, late that same day. Eta rapidly weakened to a tropical depression and briefly degenerated to a remnant low as it meandered across Central America for two days, before regenerating into a tropical depression and moving north over water. The storm later reorganized over the Caribbean as it accelerated toward Cuba on November 7, making a second landfall on the next day. Over the next five days, the system moved erratically, making a third landfall in the Florida Keys, on November 9, before slowing down and making a counterclockwise loop in the southern Gulf of Mexico, just off the coast of Cuba, with the storm's intensity fluctuating along the way. After briefly regaining hurricane strength on November 11, the system weakened back to a tropical storm once more, before making a fourth landfall on Florida on the next day, and proceeding to accelerate northeastward. Eta subsequently became extratropical on November 13, before dissipating off the coast of the Eastern United States on the next day.
Hurricane and tropical storm watches and warnings were issued along the coast of Honduras and Northeastern Nicaragua as Eta approached. Once inland, Eta produced torrential rainfall and catastrophic wind, flood and storm surge damage across Central America. Eta was responsible for at least 175 deaths and over 100 others missing, and an estimated $8.3 billion (2020 USD) in storm related damages—primarily in Central America—were reported as of December 2020.[1] Once the system began to reorganize in the Caribbean, tropical storm watches were issued on November 5, in the Cayman Islands. More watches were issued in parts of Cuba, the northwestern Bahamas, and South Florida. Eta brought heavy rainfall and gusty winds to the Cayman Islands and Cuba, the latter of which was already dealing with overflowing rivers that prompted evacuations. Heavy rainfall and tropical-storm force winds were recorded across all of the Florida Keys, South Florida and the southern half of Central Florida, bringing widespread flooding. Eta's second approach and landfall brought storm surge and gusty winds to the west coast of Central Florida and supplemental rainfall to northern Florida. Moisture from the storm also combined with a cold front further to the north bringing heavy rainfall and flash flooding to the Carolinas and Virginia.
Relief efforts for those affected by the storm were extensive and widespread, involving several countries. Central America was already facing a humanitarian crisis which was further impacted by Hurricane Eta.[2] Approximately 2.5 million were affected by the storm, including 1.7 million in Honduras. Many Emergency Response Units were to be dispatched globally to help support affected people. About 98 tons of food and water were given to Nicaragua and Honduras from Panama. People left homeless were moved to various shelters after the storm had passed. Donations worth millions of USD have been given to affected countries to help recoveries. However, just two weeks later, relief efforts were greatly hampered by Hurricane Iota, which further worsened the disaster in the region.
Meteorological history
Eta developed from a tropical wave that moved off the west coast of Africa around October 22. The system slowly moved westward across the tropical Atlantic, accompanied by a large area of disorganized cloudiness, showers, and thunderstorms.[3] The National Hurricane Center (NHC) began monitoring the disturbance for potential development into a tropical cyclone on October 29, as it moved across the Lesser Antilles and into the eastern Caribbean Sea.[4] On October 30, the disturbance moved west-northwestward and gradually became better organized.[5] This allowed for deep convection to become more consolidated going into October 31. By 18:00 UTC on that day, the system's deep convection had consolidated and a low-level circulation had become sufficiently well-defined, marking the formation of Tropical Depression Twenty-Nine centered about 105miles south of Pedernales, Dominican Republic. The depression strengthened into Tropical Storm Eta by 00:00 UTC on November 1, becoming the earliest 28th tropical or subtropical storm on record in an Atlantic hurricane season, surpassing the old mark of December 30, set by Tropical Storm Zeta in 2005.[6]
Steered westward by a low-to-mid-level ridge that extended from the subtropical Atlantic southwestward to Cuba and The Bahamas, Eta slowly organized throughout the day as a central dense overcast began to form atop its low-level center.[7] Surrounded by an environment of low vertical shear and high sea surface temperatures, Eta began to explosively intensify on November 2. It became a hurricane by 06:00 UTC that day, while located about 310miles south of Grand Cayman.[3] Nine hours later, it strengthened into a high-end Category 2 hurricane as a small pinhole eye became apparent in visible satellite imagery.[8] Its sustained winds increased to Category 4 intensity by 18:00 UTC that day, an increase of 50mph in about 12 hours. Eta's maximum sustained winds peaked at 150mph at 00:00 UTC on November 3; at the same time, the storm had a central pressure of 929mbar. Eta then begun to slow down and turn southwestward in response to a mid-level ridge over the western Gulf of Mexico and Mexico. Even so, its maximum sustained winds remained unchanged through 06:00 UTC, during which time its minimum pressure fell to 922mbar, with the storm reaching its peak intensity.[3] The Washington Post reported that several meteorologists believed that Eta peaked as a Category 5 hurricane based on satellite imagery estimates, as well as a lack of aircraft observations due to several mechanical issues;[9] however, in their post-season report, the NHC determined that Eta peaked as a 150mph-Category 4 hurricane. Despite remaining in a very favorable environment, Eta began to weaken soon thereafter, due to an eyewall replacement cycle.[10] After drifting just offshore of the Caribbean coast of Nicaragua for several hours on November 3,[3] the hurricane made landfall just as it completed its eyewall replacement cycle at 21:00 UTC about 15miles south-southwest of Puerto Cabezas, Nicaragua, with maximum sustained winds of 140mph.[11] A storm surge of 26feet–33feetft (–ft) was reported at landfall. Once inland, the hurricane rapidly weakened as it moved slowly westward over northern Nicaragua, diminishing to Category 2 intensity three hours after landfall,[12] and to a tropical storm by 12:00 UTC on November 4.[13] Twelve hours later, around 00:00 UTC on November 5, Eta weakened to a tropical depression while its center was located about 80miles east of Tegucigalpa, Honduras. By 06:00 UTC that morning, the storm degenerated into a remnant low, though it maintained its low-level vorticity maximum.[3] Operationally, the NHC continued issuing advisories on "Tropical Depression Eta" due to uncertainties about whether or not the surface circulation had dissipated.[14] [15]
The remnants of Eta emerged into the Gulf of Honduras around 00:00 UTC on November 6, and then, six hours later, regenerated into a tropical depression east of Belize, due to the steering influence of a developing mid- to upper-level trough over the Gulf of Mexico. The system re-strengthened into a tropical storm by 00:00 UTC on November 7 and accelerated east-northeastward later that day.[3] Despite the effects of southwesterly vertical wind shear and upper-level dry air approaching the inner core from the west,[16] the storm attained an intensity of 65mph at 00:00 UTC on November. It then moved counterclockwise along the periphery of a broad deep-layer cyclonic circulation. This movement took Eta across the southern coast of Cuba, about 30miles south-southeast of Sancti Spíritus, at 09:00 UTC on November 8, with winds of 65mph. It emerged off the north coast of Cuba into the Straits of Florida six hours later.[3] There, it began to re-strengthen again, and briefly gained a mid-level eye feature, as it turned sharply northwestward around the northeastern side of an upper-level low that had formed over the extreme northwestern Caribbean Sea near the Isle of Youth.[17]
The storm continued to move along this course through early on November 9. Eta made its third landfall around 04:00 UTC that morning near Lower Matecumbe Key in the Florida Keys with sustained winds of near 65mph, and then moved westward into the Gulf of Mexico.[3] Eta then turned southwestward under the influence of a strong deep-layer ridge across the Gulf of Mexico, Florida, and near the East Coast of the U.S. Its overall appearance in satellite imagery from that morning was fragmented, with inner-core convection having become shallow and broken due to dry air. This caused the storm to weaken and its radius of gale-force winds to shrink.[18] It made a cyclonic loop to the north of the western tip of Cuba on November 10, with little change in strength. It then moved northward on November 11, briefly regaining hurricane intensity around 12:00 UTC, and simultaneously reaching its second peak intensity with sustained winds of 75mph and a barometric pressure of 983mbar.[3] The eye feature quickly dissipated, weakening Eta back to a tropical storm six hours later, when its center was located about 115miles south-southwest of Tarpon Springs, Florida.[19] It then turned north-northeastward and made a final landfall near Cedar Key, Florida at 09:00 UTC on November 12, with sustained winds of 50mph. The storm further degraded and weakened over land as it accelerated northeastward, eventually emerging over the waters of the Atlantic near the Florida–Georgia border at 18:00 UTC that same day. The system regained some of its lost intensity once back over water and it accelerated east-northeastward as it began its extratropical transition. By 09:00 UTC on November 13, while located near the coast of the Carolinas, it became an extratropical low. On the next day, Eta was absorbed by another frontal system to the north.[3]
Preparations
Central America
Early on November 1, the governments of Honduras and Nicaragua issued Hurricane Watches and Warnings for the northeastern coast of Honduras from Punta Patuca to the Honduras–Nicaragua border and the northeastern coast of Nicaragua from the Honduras–Nicaragua border to Puerto Cabezas, respectively.[20] [21] Later that day, a hurricane warning was issued from the Honduras–Nicaragua border to Sandy Bay Sirpi while a tropical storm warning was issued for areas from Punta Patuca to the Honduras–Nicaragua border.[22] A tropical storm watch was also issued from west of Punta Patuca westward to Punta Castilla late that same day.[23]
Nicaragua
With the threat of 14feet-21feetft (-ft) of storm surge along the coastline, Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega issued a yellow alert for the departments of Jinotega, Nueva Segovia, and the North Caribbean Autonomous Region on October 31, which were upgraded to a red alert by November 2.[24] [25] Residents in coastal communities were advised to evacuate as supplies, including 88 tons of food, sleeping bags, hygiene kits, and plastic, were delivered to Puerto Cabezas according Nicaragua's National System for the Prevention, Mitigation and Attention of Disaster.[26] The Nicaraguan Navy helped evacuate more than 3,000 families from offshore islands to Puerto Cabezas as residents in the city waited in long lines to access cash machines while getting supplies.[27] [28] Just before the storm's arrival, the Nicaraguan Army moved its Humanitarian and SAR Unit (Unidad Humanitaria y de Rescate - UHR in Spanish) to Bilwi, Puerto Cabezas, to help in search and rescue efforts that would occur due to Eta.[29] [30] More than 10,000 people sought refuge at shelters in Puerto Cabezas and surrounding villages.[31]
Honduras
A red alert was placed for Honduran departments of Gracias a Dios, Colón, Atlántida, Islas de la Bahía, and Olancho while a yellow alert was declared for Santa Bárbara, Francisco Morazán, Comayagua, El Paraíso, Yoro, and Cortés. A green alert was issued for Copán, Ocotepeque, Lempira, Intibucá, La Paz, Valle, and Choluteca.[32] The Honduran Air Force prepared two planes to send 4,000 pounds of food to La Mosquitia, Gracias a Dios.[33] The National Police of Honduras was tasked to advise passengers of roadways blocked by a landslide or flooding.[34] More than 20,000 pounds of food was stored at the Offices of Risk Management and National Contingencies in San Pedro Sula, ahead of the storm.[35] The national "feriado morazánico" holiday was also canceled.[36] [37]
El Salvador
The Civil Protection Directorate of El Salvador evacuated residents in Tecoluca after setting up 1,152 shelters across the country. The Autonomous Executive Port Commission considered temporarily closing the El Salvador International Airport due to Eta.[38] The Executive Hydroelectric Commission of the Lempa River cleared pipes to prevent flooding in communities along the river.[39]
Costa Rica
Costa Rica's National Meteorological Institute forecast widespread rainfall in association with the outer bands of Eta, primarily along the Pacific coastline. With flooding beginning during the overnight hours of November 2, the National Emergency Commission (NCE) established multiple shelters for evacuees. The agency planned to set up three types of shelters due to the COVID-19 pandemic: infected persons, suspected infected persons, and non-infected persons. Landslides were expected in many areas due to saturated soils.[40]
Panama
Although not in the direct path of Eta, the fringe effects of the hurricane were expected to cause disruptions in Panama. Seagoing vessels were alerted to dangerous swells in Caribbean waters along with wind gusts up to 60abbr=onNaNabbr=on.[41] The Ministry of Public Works advised residents to stay vigilant for possible flooding and landslides. MPO road crews were dispatched to ensure highways remained clear for travel.[42]
Belize
As flooding was a major threat because of heavy rainfalls, a flood warning was issued for all of Belize in preparation for Eta as the National Emergency Management Organization urged residents to evacuate.[43]
Caribbean
Cayman Islands
As the projected path for Eta showed the system coming close to Grand Cayman, a tropical storm watch and a flood warning were put into effect for Grand Cayman and all islands of the Cayman Islands on November 5. The watch became tropical storm warning the following day as Tropical Storm Eta moved closer. Government schools were closed in the islands, as were ports in George Town, Grand Cayman and Creek, Creek, Cayman Brac.[44]
Cuba
On November 6, the Government of Cuba issued a tropical storm watch for the provinces of Camaguey, Ciego de Avila, Sancti Spiritus, Villa Clara, Cienfuegos, Matanzas, La Habana, Havana, Pinar del Rio, and the Isle of Youth.[45] Later that day, these were upgraded to tropical storm warnings in some provinces.[46]
The Bahamas
Late on November 6, the government of the Bahamas has issued a Tropical Storm Watch for its northwestern islands, including: the Abacos, Andros, Berry Islands, Bimini, Eleuthera, Grand Bahama, and New Providence.[47] The next day, these watches were upgraded to tropical storm warnings.[48]
United States
Florida
On November 6, tropical storm watches were issued for the Florida Keys and parts of the coast of the Florida peninsula. The next day, these were upgraded to tropical storm warnings in the Florida Keys and the southern tip of the peninsula.[49] On November 7, Hurricane Watches and Warnings were issued parallelly for much of the Florida peninsula and both Tropical Storm Warnings and Watches were extended further north.[50] Residents of mobile homes and other vulnerable structures in the Florida Keys were told to evacuate ahead of Tropical Storm Eta as a state of emergency was declared in several counties including Monroe and Miami-Dade.[51] Later, Hurricane Warnings were issued for the Florida Keys.[52] The National Park Service shut down Everglades National Park, Biscayne National Park and Dry Tortugas National Park during the storm’s passage.[53] All the warnings for Florida were cancelled by November 9, only to have more issued the next day along the western side of the state as Eta changed directions.[54] [55]
Impact
Eta's intensity and catastrophic rainfall at the beginning of its lifetime followed by its erratic path afterwards bought widespread impacts across Central America, the Greater Antilles, and Florida.
South America
Colombia
Despite passing north of the San Andrés Island, part of the archipelago of San Andrés, Providencia and Santa Catalina, Eta still brought considerable damage to the island. Wind speeds of 75km/h downed the trees and damaged houses, and Eta also caused severe flooding on the island. Damage across the archipelago reached COL$3 billion (US$777,000). Across the archipelago, two people were injured and 141 families were affected. A total of 6 homes were destroyed while another 64 homes and 24 businesses suffered damage.[73]
Central America
Nicaragua
As Eta neared landfall, its powerful winds downed power lines and uprooted trees while causing flooding and damaging roofs in Puerto Cabezas.[74] A storm surge of NaNfeet was reported when Eta made landfall. At the Getsemani School, where 215 people were sheltering, Eta's strong winds ripped 10 sheets of metal off the school's roof. There were no injures or fatalities in the incident.[75] Significant rainfall occurred across much of Nicaragua, with a peak of 26.55inches reported at Puerto Corinto on the country's northwest Pacific coast.[3] Eta was responsible for death of two people in the municipality of Bonanza died after they were buried in a landslide while working in a mine.[67] Overall, Eta caused C$6.128 billion (US$178.4 million) of damage in Nicaragua.[68]
Honduras
Hurricane Eta had disastrous effects on Honduras, largely due to catastrophic flooding. Flooding caused 559 residents to flee their homes and two others had to be rescued.[76] An estimated 80 percent of the agricultural sector was reported as lost by the Ministry of Agricultural Livestock.[77] At least 457 homes were damaged by floodwaters, 41 communities were cut off by washed-out roads, and at least nine bridges were destroyed including one in La Ceiba.[78] In La Ceiba, floodwaters rushed through streets, and the flooding also washed away a structure at a local cemetery. A ferry leaving Roatán was rocked by large waves and winds with 300 passengers onboard while trying to reach the port of La Ceiba. Nobody was injured or killed on the ferry. 60 fishermen were lost at sea for days off the coast of Honduras before making it back to shore.[79] [80] The Permanent Contingency Commission of Honduras reported that 14 roads and 339 homes were destroyed.[81] In Olanchito, 12 people, including two newborns, were trapped.[82] A wall collapsed at a prison in El Progreso letting in waist-deep floodwaters, causing the evacuation of more than 600 inmates.[83] At least 74 people have been killed across Honduras as a result of Eta, mainly due to landslides and drownings. Among the dead were at least four people, including three children, who were killed in the mountains outside the north coast city of Tela due to different landslides. In Santa Barbara, a 2-year-old girl was killed when she and her mother were swept away by floodwaters; the mother survived. Four members of the same family died in the municipality of Gualala due to heavy rains.[84] A 13-year-old girl was killed when a mudflow caused her home to collapse in the village of Carmen.[85] In Sulaco, a 15-year-old boy drowned while trying to cross a rain-swollen river.[86] A 37-year-old man also drowned in San Manuel, in the western part of the Lempira Department.[87] Total economic losses in Honduras are estimated in excess of 125 billion lempiras (US$5 billion).
Guatemala
According to the country's president, Alejandro Giammattei, at least 60% of the eastern city of Puerto Barrios was flooded with another 48 hours of rain expected. About 100 homes were damaged by flooding and landslides. A bridge crossing the Río Grande de Zacapa in Jocotán was washed away.[88] At least 53 people died across Guatemala, while an additional 96 remain missing. An estimated 343,000 people were directly affected by the storm.[89] The village of Queja near San Cristobal Verapaz in the center of the country was particularly hard-hit, with a landslide burying 150 homes. Over 100 people were buried from the landslide, and rescuers began searching them on November 9.[90] However, the searching was called off two days later.[91] Infrastructural damage were amounted to be exceed Q3 billion (US$386 million).
El Salvador
Heavy rainfall affected much of El Salvador as Eta passed to the northeast. Accumulations generally exceeded 70abbr=onNaNabbr=on with a maximum of 160abbr=onNaNabbr=on in the La Unión Department. A total of 107 communities experienced power outages. Nationwide, 1,991 people required evacuation due to floods and landslides.[92] Despite a ban on fishing activities, one fisherman drowned off the coast of Playa El Espino in the Usulután Department.
Costa Rica
The outer bands of Hurricane Eta brought heavy rainfall to portions of Costa Rica. The heaviest rains were concentrated along the nation's Pacific coast, especially in Guanacaste Province.[93] Multiple reports of flooding and landslides occurred nationwide, 12 rivers saw increased levels, prompting concern for further flooding, and 26 people required evacuation in Corredores and Parrita.[94] In southern Costa Rica, a landslide onto a house killed two residents, a Costa Rican woman and an American man. Preliminary damage in the nation were almost ₡10 billion (US$16.5 million).
Panama
The National Civil Protection System in Panama, Sinaproc, reported that 200 homes were damaged by rainfall, possibly associated with Eta.[95] The highway that connects the province of Chiriquí with Bocas del Toro collapsed near Hornito, blocking the passage of vehicles in both directions.[96] Flooding in Panama's Chiriqui province, near the Costa Rica border killed 19 people. Agricultural loss was estimated at US$11 million.
Belize
Hurricane Eta brought approximately 20 inches of rain to Belize causing severe flooding in Cayo District and Belize District. The worst effects were felt in Cayo District, where the Macal and Mopan rivers rose more than 8.8m (28.9feet), inundating communities from Arenal (on the border with Guatemala) to Roaring Creek.[97] [98] [99] [100] Residents in low-lying areas had to be evacuated from their homes.[101] Approximately 60,000 people in Belize were affected.[97]
Mexico
At least 27 people died as heavy rains attributed to Eta caused swelled streams and rivers. Over 80,000 people were affected in the Mexican states of Chiapas and Tabasco by rains of Hurricane Eta and a cold front. In the Chiapas highlands, more than 2000 homes were destroyed. In San Cristóbal de las Casas, many neighborhoods were damaged by the flooding Amarillo and Fogótico rivers. An increase of 1500 m3s−1 in flow at the Peñitas Dam prompted evacuation plans. In Tabasco, more than 10 rivers overflowed their banks.[102]
Cayman Islands and Cuba
Eta brushed by the Cayman Islands just as it intensified back into a tropical storm, producing major impacts across the islands with Grand Cayman being hit the hardest. Wave action off the coast caused minor flooding on the coasts. Downed trees and tree branches also resulted. Power outages became widespread across the islands with tropical-storm force winds causing damage to power lines.[103]
Eta bought heavy rainfall in areas already dealing with overflowing rivers.[104] Coastal zones in Cuba were also flooded and about 25,000 people were forced to evacuate.[105]
United States
Florida
The outer bands of Eta brought tropical storm-force gusts to South Florida beginning on November 7. A peak wind gust of 53mph was reported in these outer bands near Dania Beach on November 7.[106] Florida Power & Light reported just over 30,000 power outages in the Miami metropolitan area, including nearly 16,000 in Miami-Dade County alone.[107] Overall, about 48,500 businesses and homes lost electricity throughout South Florida.[108] Heavy rainfall also impacted the region, with a peak total of 20.74inches in Pembroke Pines, while rain gauges elsewhere in Pembroke Pines and nearby Miramar observed more than 14inches of precipitation.[109] Street flooding occurred in Broward, northern Miami-Dade, and Monroe counties. One person was taken to the hospital in South Florida after being rescued from flooded roads. In Brickell, recently installed storm water pumps to deal with tidal flooding and storms helped clear the flood water from the rain and high tide event.[110] One of the state's largest COVID-19 testing sites, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, was flooded.[111]
On November 11, a sailboat became lodged partially underneath the Matlacha Pass Bridge, causing the bridge to be temporarily closed thus cutting off transportation to and from Pine Island.[112] Around the same area two other boats sank due to turbulent surf caused by the storm and a dock at the Bridgewater Inn floated away. The Sanibel Causeway was also shut down due to storm surge and heavy rain.[113] A man died in Bradenton Beach when he was electrocuted by an appliance in standing water caused by the storm and a firefighter was injured as he tried to access the home.[114] [115] Flooding in Pinellas County caused 33 people to be rescued by the Pinellas County Sheriff Office from homes and roadways and in Gulfport, five sailboats became unanchored and ran aground or were pushed up against a seawall.[116] An EF0 tornado also ripped the porch off a house in Verna on November 11.[117] Losses statewide were estimated at US$1 billion.[118]
Officially, Eta made two landfalls in Florida - it hit the central part of the Florida Keys late Sunday, November 7, and made landfall again at about 4 a.m. Thursday, November 12, near Cedar Key, roughly 130miles north of Tampa.[119]
Elsewhere
Moisture from Eta combined with a cold front moving eastward across the Eastern United States, generating extremely heavy rainfall across Virginia and the Carolinas. At least eleven[120] people were killed due to flooding in the Carolinas, including a child, while over 33 people were rescued in a flooded campground. In Charlotte, North Carolina, more than 140 people were rescued from a school when floodwaters reached the first-floor windows. In Raleigh, North Carolina, multiple car accidents occurred due to slick roads. All lanes of Interstate 95 near the city were closed due to flooding. Over 10inches of rain fell in some areas of North and South Carolina.[121] In Maryland, the St. Mary’s River reached one of its ten highest water levels due to the storm.[122]
Aftermath
Much of Central America was already facing a humanitarian crisis, as an estimated 5.3 million people were in need of assistance as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.[123] Due to Hurricane Eta's destruction, the economic situation worsened and more people were left in need of aid. With damage from Hurricane Eta spanning the entirety of Central America, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) launched a "massive, multi-country operation". An estimated 2.5 million people were directly affected by the storm, including 1.7 million in Honduras. The agency began relief operations on November 4 in Nicaragua, and soon expanded to neighboring nations.[124] The IFRC dispatched a plane and two trucks carrying 98 tons of relief goods from Panama to Honduras and Nicaragua by November 10. Several Emergency Response Units stationed globally were to be dispatched to affected areas. An emergency appeal for 20 million Swiss francs (US$22 million) was made to supplement local Red Cross activities in Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua.[125] Numerous agencies coordinated with the IFRC to establish shelters and provide relief. The American, Swiss, Norwegian, Spanish, Italian, and German Red Cross were positioned to assist any operations. Airbnb readied its Open Homes partnership in Honduras and Nicaragua, providing residents with free housing.[124]
The relief effort was severely hampered just two weeks later by the stronger Hurricane Iota, which made landfall approximately 15miles south of where Eta moved ashore.[126] [127] Extreme rainfall and mudflows caused by the storm destroyed or damaged much of what was being rebuilt.[128] A member of Restoring Family Links was dispatched to Honduras for administrative assistance.[124]
Soon after Eta made landfall, NASA's Earth Applied Sciences Disasters program began working with various regional authorities in Central America to use satellite images and data to help teams on the ground analyze the storm's impact as they rescued people in its path. Information was also shared when Iota developed and moved toward the region. In the aftermath of these successive hurricanes, NASA continues to provide information to help national and local authorities in the region identify, assess and reduce the risks related to future hurricanes.[129] [130]
Nicaragua
Initial relief efforts in Nicaragua were stymied by extensive flooding and persistent rainfall. The Nicaraguan Red Cross coordinated distribution of supplies with the nation's government. By November 8, 14,362 people remained in shelters and required hygiene supplies. The Nicaraguan Government provided 88 tons of food to the North Caribbean Coast Autonomous Region, the hardest hit area.[124] The governments of Japan and Spain pledged to donate relief items.[131] [132]
Honduras
With extensive damage across the country, Honduras's Secretary of Infrastructure and Public Services and Institute for Community Development and Water and Sanitation divided relief operations into three zones. The Government of Honduras allocated US$2 million in funds and formally appealed for international aid on November 5. By November 7, more than 16,000 people had been rescued while 65,912 people remained isolated across 64 communities. The IFRC expressed concern over an increase in post-traumatic stress disorder, similar to what took place after Hurricane Mitch in 1998. Access to clean water was significantly disrupted due to high turbidity and power outages, though 60% of service was restored by November 7.[124] Together, Hurricanes Eta and Iota killed around 100 Hondurans, and local analysts estimated the damage would cost the country more than $10 billion (L244.1 billion) in damages.[133]
Though distribution systems in some regions of Honduras collapsed after Hurricane Eta, some of the water, sanitation, and hygiene services (WASH) have been restored as of June 2021.[134] The economy has slowly began to recover in the months after destruction.[134]
Guatemala
With assistance from CONRED (Coordinadora Nacional para la Reducción de Desastres), the Government of Guatemala focused relief efforts in the departments of Izabal, Petén, and Alta Verapaz.[124] By November 7, Taiwan and the United States collectively provided US$320,000 in funding to Guatemala to purchase food and water.[135] Israeli humanitarian aid agency IsraAID's locally based team arrived in Alta Verapaz, on November 9 and provided psychological first aid, medical support, relief items, hygiene kits, and water filters.[136]
Retirement
Due to the damage and loss of life brought about by the storm, especially in Central America, the Greek letter Eta, from the auxiliary storm name list, was retired by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) in March 2021, and will never be used again for an Atlantic tropical cyclone. The WMO also decided to discontinue the use of the Greek alphabet auxiliary list, and replaced it with a new 21-name supplemental list for use when a regular naming list is exhausted.[137] [138]
See also
- Storms with similar tracks or impacts
- 1906 Florida Keys hurricane – A destructive Category 3 hurricane that took a winding and erratic path across the Caribbean and Florida
- 1934 Central America hurricane – A Category 2 hurricane that caused catastrophic flooding across Central America
- Hurricane Edith (1971) – A Category 5 hurricane that caused significant damage in Nicaragua
- Hurricane Gordon (1994) – Another late-season Category 1 hurricane that took a similar erratic track through Cuba and Florida
- Hurricane Mitch (1998) - October Category 5 that hit similar areas of Central America and Florida at similar strength.
- Hurricane Wilma (2005) – A Category 5 hurricane that also explosively intensified in the Southwestern Caribbean
- Hurricane Felix (2007) – A deadly Category 5 hurricane that devastated similar areas
- Tropical Storm Fay (2008) – A near-hurricane strength storm that took a similar winding path through the Caribbean and Florida
- Hurricane Ian (2022) - A Category 5 hurricane that intensified in a similar region and made landfall in western Florida
External links
Notes and References
- Web site: December 10, 2020. Global Catastrophe Recap November 2020. December 10, 2020. Aon Benfield.
- Web site: November 4, 2020. Hurricane Eta adds to vulnerabilities in northern Central America. September 20, 2021. OCHA. en.
- Web site: Richard J. Pasch. Brad J. Reinhart. Robbie Berg. David P. Roberts. Hurricane Eta. Tropical Cyclone Report. June 9, 2021. National Hurricane Center. Miami Florida. June 9, 2021.
- Web site: Robbie Berg. October 29, 2020. Tropical Weather Outlook. Five-Day Graphical Tropical Weather Outlook. Miami, Florida. National Hurricane Center. June 9, 2021.
- Web site: Tropical Weather Outlook. Two-Day Graphical Tropical Weather Outlook. Jack Beven. October 30, 2020. National Hurricane Center. Miami, Florida. November 2, 2020. November 15, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201115140324/https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/xgtwo/gtwo_archive.php?current_issuance=202010300503&basin=atl&fdays=2. live.
- News: Cappucci . Matthew . October 30, 2020 . Tropical Storm Eta likely to form in Caribbean to start potentially busy November in the tropics . The Washington Post . November 1, 2020 . November 15, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201115140506/https://www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2020/10/30/tropical-storm-eta-caribbean/ . live.
- Web site: Tropical Storm Eta Discussion Number 3. Richard Pasch . November 1, 2020 . National Hurricane Center. Miami, Florida. November 3, 2020 . November 9, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201109205858/https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2020/al29/al292020.discus.003.shtml . live .
- Web site: Hurricane Eta Discussion Number 8 . Daniel Brown . November 2, 2020 . National Hurricane Center. Miami, Florida . November 3, 2020.
- News: Cappucci . Matthew . Hurricane Eta exploded before hitting Nicaragua, but we may never know how strong it was . en-US . The Washington Post . November 6, 2020 . 0190-8286 . November 6, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201106192650/https://www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2020/11/05/hurricane-hunters-eta/ . live.
- Web site: Hurricane Eta Discussion Number 12 . Daniel Brown . November 3, 2020 . National Hurricane Center . Miami, Florida . November 3, 2020 . November 9, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201109205924/https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2020/al29/al292020.discus.012.shtml . live.
- Web site: Daniel Brown. National Hurricane Center. Miami, Florida. November 3, 2020. November 3, 2020. Hurricane Eta Advisory Number 13. November 4, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201104112947/https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2020/al29/al292020.public.013.shtml. live.
- Web site: Stacy Stewart. Hurricane Eta Intermediate Advisory Number 13A. November 3, 2020. National Hurricane Center. Miami, Florida. June 9, 2021.
- Web site: John L. Beven II. Tropical Storm Eta Intermediate Advisory Number 15A. November 4, 2020. National Hurricane Center. Miami, Florida. June 9, 2021.
- Web site: Richard Pasch. Tropical Depression Eta Discussion Number 19. November 5, 2020. National Hurricane Center. Miami, Florida. June 11, 2021.
- Web site: Eric Blake. Tropical Depression Eta Discussion Number 22. November 5, 2020. National Hurricane Center. Miami, Florida. June 11, 2021.
- Web site: Eric Blake. Tropical Storm Eta Discussion Number 30. November 7, 2020. National Hurricane Center. Miami, Florida. June 10, 2020.
- Web site: Stacy Stewart. Tropical Storm Eta Discussion Number 34. November 8, 2020. National Hurricane Center. Miami, Florida. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20201109205931/https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2020/al29/al292020.discus.034.shtml. November 9, 2020. November 9, 2020.
- Web site: Stacy Stewart. Tropical Storm Eta Discussion Number 37. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20201109205947/https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2020/al29/al292020.discus.037.shtml. November 9, 2020. November 9, 2020. National Hurricane Center. Miami, Florida.
- Web site: November 11, 2020. Tropical Storm Eta Intermediate Advisory Number 45A. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20201115140357/https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2020/al29/al292020.public_a.045.shtml. November 15, 2020. November 11, 2020. National Hurricane Center. Miami Florida.
- Web site: Holcombe . Madeline . Maudlin . Tyler . November 1, 2020 . Tropical Storm Eta forms in the Caribbean and ties for most named storms in a season . November 1, 2020 . CNN . November 1, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201101130351/https://www.cnn.com/2020/11/01/weather/tropical-storm-eta/index.html . live .
- Web site: October 31, 2020. Tropical Storm Eta Advisory Number 2. John L. Beven II. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20201109205948/https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2020/al29/al292020.public.002.shtml. November 9, 2020. November 2, 2020. National Hurricane Center. Miami, Florida.
- Web site: Brad J. Reinhart. Daniel Brown. Robbie Berg. November 1, 2020. Tropical Storm Eta Advisory Number 4. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20201105151304/https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2020/al29/al292020.public.004.shtml. November 5, 2020. November 2, 2020. National Hurricane Center. Miami, Florida.
- Web site: Daniel Brown. November 1, 2020. Tropical Storm Eta Advisory Number 5. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20201105141705/https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2020/al29/al292020.public.005.shtml. November 5, 2020. November 2, 2020. National Hurricane Center. Miami, Florida.
- News: Billingsley . Frank . ETA: NOT just another storm . November 3, 2020 . . Houston, Texas . November 2, 2020 . en . November 3, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201103061218/https://www.click2houston.com/weather/2020/11/02/eta-not-just-another-storm/ . live.
- News: November 1, 2020 . Nicaragua declares preventive alert as Tropical Storm Eta threatens . November 2, 2020 . . November 2, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201102041548/https://ticotimes.net/2020/11/01/nicaragua-declares-preventive-alert-as-tropical-storm-eta-threatens . live .
- Web site: Brackett . Ron . November 2, 2020 . Hurricane Eta Forces Red Alerts, Evacuations in Nicaragua and Honduras . November 2, 2020 . The Weather Channel . November 2, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201102202841/https://weather.com/news/news/2020-11-02-hurricane-eta-nicaragua-honduras-evacuations-red-alerts . live .
- Web site: . November 2, 2020 . Fast-growing Hurricane Eta threatens flooding in Central America . November 2, 2020 . . November 3, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201103090221/https://www.ajc.com/news/nation-world/fast-growing-hurricane-eta-threatens-flooding-in-central-america/UQMSP2CPR5HJTC26ZNWFG77JVE/ . live .
- Web site: Hurricane Eta strikes Nicaragua as one of 2020's strongest storms. Puleo. Mark. Yahoo News. November 3, 2020. November 4, 2020. November 4, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201104013107/https://news.yahoo.com/hurricane-eta-strikes-nicaragua-one-185324429.html. live.
- Web site: Associated Press . November 3, 2020 . Potentially catastrophic Hurricane Eta just off Nicaragua . November 3, 2020 . CBS News . November 3, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201103161726/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/hurricane-eta-category-4-nicaragua-caribbean-coast/#app . live .
- Web site: November 2, 2020 . Ejército moviliza a Unidad Humanitaria de Rescate a Puerto Cabezas . September 25, 2021 . Radio La Primerísima . September 26, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210926051734/https://radiolaprimerisima.com/noticias-generales/destacado/ejercito-moviliza-a-unidad-humanitaria-de-rescate-a-puerto-cabezas/ . live .
- Web site: Fedschun. Travis . November 3, 2020 . Hurricane Eta roars toward Nicaragua as Category 4, 'extremely dangerous' storm . November 3, 2020 . Fox News . November 3, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201103163728/https://www.foxnews.com/world/hurricane-eta-central-america-category-four-storm-tropical-cyclone-weather . live .
- Web site: . November 2, 2020 . Huracán ETA amenaza Honduras y ahora es categoría 4 . November 2, 2020 . Honduras . es . November 2, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201102210728/http://www.radioamerica.hn/huracan-eta-amenaza-honduras-y-ahora-es-categoria-4/ . live .
- Web site: Hebert Ronaldo . Maradiaga Valladares . November 2, 2020 . FAH lleva alimentos a La Mosquita a damnificados por el huracán Eta . November 2, 2020 . La Noticia . es . November 9, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201109205934/https://lanoticia.hn/fah-lleva-alimentos-a-la-mosquita-a-damnificados-por-el-huracan-eta/ . live .
- Web site: November 2, 2020 . Policía se suma a emergencias provocadas por Eta . November 3, 2020 . Primicia Honduras . November 3, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201103024122/https://primiciahonduras.hn/policia-se-suma-a-emergencias-provocadas-por-eta/ . live .
- Web site: November 2, 2020 . Más de 120 mil libras de alimentos están preposicionadas para atender a afectados por huracán Eta . November 3, 2020 . eldiario.hn . Honduras . es . November 2, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201102235747/http://www.eldiario.hn/mas-de-120-mil-libras-de-alimentos-estan-preposicionadas-para-atender-a-afectados-por-huracan-eta/ . live .
- Web site: November 2, 2020 . Medidas anunciadas para el feriado morazánico quedan SUSPENDIDAS HASTA NUEVO AVISO debido a la amenaza del huracán ETA . November 3, 2020 . Despacho de comunicasiones y estrategua presidencal . covid19honduras.org . es . November 8, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201108221503/https://covid19honduras.org/?q=Medidas-por-huracan-ETA . live .
- Web site: Facing the Devastation of Hurricane Eta in Honduras. Pérez. Leonardo Valenzuela. November 13, 2020. Unitarian Universalist Service Committee. Cambridge, Massachusetts. June 12, 2021.
- Web site: November 3, 2020 . El Salvador evacuates flood-prone areas as Hurricane Eta brings torrential rains . November 3, 2020 . . November 5, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201105055601/http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-11/04/c_139489031.htm . live .
- Web site: November 4, 2020 . Maquinaria de CEL realizan trabajos preventivos en beneficio de comunidades con alta vulnerabilidad . November 4, 2020 . La Página . es . November 4, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201104171219/https://www.lapagina.com.sv/nacionales/maquinaria-de-cel-realizan-trabajos-preventivos-en-beneficio-de-comunidades-con-alta-vulnerabilidad/ . live .
- News: Eillyn . Jiménez B. . November 2, 2020 . Eta golpea como huracán categoría 4; impacto indirecto obliga a evacuar 67 personas en Corredores y Parrita . es . LA Nación . November 3, 2020 . November 2, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201102174640/https://www.nacion.com/sucesos/desastres/eta-se-convierte-en-huracan-impacto-indirecto/VRUOFHGKSJHJ7CEYC7SLB7S4FA/story/ . live .
- News: Mirta . Rodríguez P. . November 2, 2020 . AMP emite aviso preventivo para las costas panameñas ante el huracán 'Eta' . es . La Estrella de Panamá . November 3, 2020 . November 2, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201102222624/https://www.laestrella.com.pa/nacional/201102/emite-aviso-preventivo-costas-panamenas-huracan-eta . live.
- Web site: November 3, 2020 . MOP emite comunicado ante el huracán Eta . November 3, 2020 . El Venezolano Panama . November 3, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201103195441/http://elvenezolano.com.pa/mop-emite-comunicado-ante-el-huracan-eta/ . live .
- Web site: November 4, 2020 . Tropical Storm Eta forecasted to weaken as it moves into Honduras . November 5, 2020 . Breaking Belize News . November 5, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201105002957/https://www.breakingbelizenews.com/2020/11/04/tropical-storm-eta-forecasted-to-weaken-as-it-moves-into-honduras/ . live .
- Web site: Connolly. Norma. Updated: Eta on track to move closer to Grand Cayman. November 6, 2020. Cayman Compass. June 12, 2021.
- Web site: November 6, 2020. Tropical Depression Eta Advisory Number 24. John L. Beven II. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20201109205948/https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2020/al29/al292020.public.024.shtml. November 9, 2020. November 9, 2020. National Hurricane Center. Miami, Florida.
- Web site: John L. Beven II. November 6, 2020. Tropical Depression Eta Advisory Number 25. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20201109205949/https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2020/al29/al292020.public.025.shtml. November 9, 2020. November 9, 2020. National Hurricane Center. Miami, Florida.
- Web site: Daniel Brown. Tropical Depression Eta Advisory Number 26. November 6, 2020. National Hurricane Center. Miami, Florida. November 9, 2020.
- Web site: John L. Beven II. Tropical Storm Eta Advisory Number 28. November 7, 2020. National Hurricane Center. Miami, Florida. June 10, 2021.
- Web site: Tropical Storm Eta Regains Strength; New Warnings and Watches in Effect in Florida . November 7, 2020 . The Weather Channel . November 7, 2020 . November 7, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201107160418/https://weather.com/storms/hurricane/news/2020-11-07-tropical-storm-eta-forecast-florida-bahamas-cuba-caymans . dead .
- Web site: Weagle . Steve . Burke . Peter . Tropical storm warning in effect for South Florida, Treasure Coast ahead of Eta . November 7, 2020 . . West Palm Beach, Florida . November 7, 2020 . November 7, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201107140751/https://www.wptv.com/weather/hurricane/eta-saturday . live .
- Web site: Florida Gets Ready for Eta; Searchers Comb Debris of Deadly Landslides in Central America. Childs. Jan Wesner. The Weather Channel. November 7, 2020. November 7, 2020. November 8, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201108000318/https://weather.com/news/news/2020-11-07-tropical-storm-eta-florida-central-america-landslides-flooding. live.
- Web site: Pérez . Paola . Cantos . Lynnette . Tropical Storm Eta picks up strength as it grows closer to Florida; Hurricane warnings issued for the Keys . Orlando Sentinel . November 8, 2020 . November 8, 2020 . November 8, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201108154001/https://www.orlandosentinel.com/weather/hurricane/os-ne-tropical-storm-eta-sunday-update-20201108-eiaudeamgngkxlbyjeefm65iji-story.html . live .
- https://www.nps.gov/ever/learn/news/everglades-biscayne-and-dry-tortugas-national-parks-modify-operations-for-tropical-storm-eta.htm Everglades, Biscayne, and Dry Tortugas National Parks modify operations for Tropical Storm Eta
- Web site: Stacy Stewart. Tropical Storm Eta Intermediate Advisory Number 37A. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20201109205948/https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2020/al29/al292020.public_a.037.shtml. November 9, 2020. November 9, 2020. National Hurricane Center. Miami, Florida.
- Web site: Stacy Stewart . Tropical Storm Eta Advisory Number 42 . November 10, 2020 . National Hurricane Center . Miami, Florida . www.nhc.noaa.gov . November 11, 2020 . November 15, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201115140407/https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2020/al29/al292020.public.042.shtml . live .
- News: es. Radio Nacional. November 12, 2020. November 12, 2020. Más de 36 toneladas de ayudas llegaron a San Andrés tras paso de huracán Eta.
- Web site: Gustavo Palencia and Sofia Menchu . November 5, 2020 . Eta wreaks 'shocking' Central America devastation, dozens dead . November 5, 2020 . Reuters.
- News: Arroyo. Allen. Efecto indirecto de Eta dejó pérdidas por casi 10 mil millones, según primeras estimaciones. Columbia. November 10, 2020. November 10, 2020. es. November 15, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201115140407/https://columbia.co.cr/noticias/economia/24440-efecto-indirecto-de-eta-dejo-perdidas-por-casi-10-mil-millones-segun-primeras-estimaciones. live.
- Web site: Xinhua . November 5, 2020 . El Salvador reports first death from tropical storm Eta . November 6, 2020 . haitinews.net . Haiti News.net . November 9, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201109205843/https://www.haitinews.net/news/266895112/el-salvador-reports-first-death-from-tropical-storm-eta . live .
- News: Semple. Kirk. Lopez. Oscar. Guatemala Mudslides Kill More Than 50. The New York Times. November 5, 2020. November 15, 2020.
- Web site: November 6, 2020 . Eta left 150 dead in Guatemala: president . November 6, 2020 . The Canberra Times.
- News: Castañeda. José Miguel. Reuters. es. November 16, 2020. November 16, 2020. Giammattei: "Eta dejó pérdidas por más de Q3 mil millones".
- Web site: Aumenta a 74 la cifra de muertos en Honduras por Eta. November 15, 2020. Diario La Prensa. es-HN.
- Web site: BCIE ofrece a Honduras primeros $250 millones para reconstrucción. November 11, 2020. Diario El Heraldo. es-HN. November 15, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201115140410/https://www.elheraldo.hn/economia/1421587-466/bcie-ofrece-a-honduras-primeros-250-millones-para-reconstrucci%C3%B3n. live.
- Web site: Estiman en L125,000 millones las pérdidas dejadas por Eta. November 11, 2020. Diario La Prensa. es-HN. November 15, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201115140434/https://www.laprensa.hn/honduras/1421356-410/honduras-estiman-125000-millones-perdidas-dejadas-eta. live.
- Web site: Aumentan a 27 las muertes en México por el paso del ciclón Eta. La Patilla. November 9, 2020. November 10, 2020. November 15, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201115140323/https://www.lapatilla.com/2020/11/09/aumentan-a-27-las-muertes-en-mexico-por-el-paso-del-ciclon-eta/. live.
- Web site: AFP . November 4, 2020 . Three dead as Category 2 hurricane Eta batters Nicaragua . November 4, 2020 . . in Hyderabad, Telangana, India . November 4, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201104070023/https://telanganatoday.com/three-dead-as-category-2-hurricane-eta-batters-nicaragua . live .
- News: Daños causados por el huracán ETA en Nicaragua ascienden a los 178 millones de dólares. November 10, 2020. November 10, 2020. Tu Nueva Radio YA. es-ES. November 15, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201115140440/https://nuevaya.com.ni/danos-causados-por-el-huracan-eta-en-nicaragua-ascienden-a-los-178-millones-de-dolares/. live.
- Web site: The search for 12 missing due to floods and landslides in Panama. November 15, 2020. PanaTimes. en. November 15, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201115140324/https://panatimes.com/the-search-for-12-missing-due-to-floods-and-landslides-in-panama-continues. live.
- News: Gobierno de Panamá prevé US$11 millones en pérdidas agrícolas por el paso de Eta. November 10, 2020. November 16, 2020. El Periódico. es.
- Web site: Hurricane Eta US industry loss estimated around $550m by Aon - Artemis.bm . December 11, 2020 .
- Web site: November flooding caused millions of dollars in damage to South Florida crops that were bound for Thanksgiving tables. Amber Randell. sun-sentinel.com. November 20, 2020. November 20, 2020.
- News: es. La Tribuna. November 15, 2020. November 15, 2020. Las torrenciales lluvias del huracán Iota causan desastres en Colombia.
- Web site: November 3, 2020 . Hurricane Eta pounds Nicaragua as Category 4 storm . November 3, 2020 . . Reuters . November 3, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201103144001/https://www.cnbc.com/2020/11/03/hurricane-eta-slams-into-northeast-nicaragua-as-category-4-storm.html . live .
- Web site: Hurricane Eta Edges Closer to Nicaragua as a Category 4. Anthony Harrup. The Wall Street Journal. wsj.com. November 3, 2020. November 3, 2020. November 3, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201103141700/https://www.wsj.com/articles/hurricane-eta-edges-closer-to-nicaragua-as-a-category-4-11604409778. live.
- Web site: Julio . Estrada Galo . November 3, 2020 . Crecida del rio Wawa deja incomunicados a los municipios de Bilwi y Waspam . November 4, 2020 . . November 3, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201103180404/https://www.laprensa.com.ni/2020/11/03/nacionales/2742178-arboles-caidos-techos-desprendidos-y-cortes-de-energia-electrica-reportan-habitantes-de-bilwi . live.
- Web site: Associated Press Managua . November 4, 2020 . Slow-moving Storm Eta lashes northern Nicaragua . November 4, 2020 . . November 4, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201104153346/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/04/slow-moving-storm-eta-lashes-northern-nicaragua . live .
- Web site: Central America: Hurricanes Eta & Iota - 6-months Operation Update (MDR43007) - Guatemala. September 14, 2021. ReliefWeb. June 23, 2021 . en.
- Web site: Chris Tisch . November 5, 2020 . At least 13 dead in Central America from Eta as forecasters watch Florida impact . November 5, 2020 . . November 5, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201105170634/https://www.tampabay.com/hurricane/2020/11/05/at-least-13-dead-in-central-america-from-eta-as-forecasters-watch-florida-impact/ . live .
- Web site: Eta Strands Dozens of Fishermen at Sea; Deadly Landslides Leave Three Dead The Weather Channel - Articles from The Weather Channel weather.com. September 19, 2021. The Weather Channel. en-US.
- Web site: Eta's rains and flooding wreak devastation in Central America. September 19, 2021. Eta's rains and flooding wreak devastation in Central America. en.
- Web site: Madeline Holcombe, Brandon Miller . November 4, 2020 . At least 1 death as Eta lingers over Central America before possibly threatening Florida . November 5, 2020 . cnn.com . CNN . November 4, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201104192746/https://www.cnn.com/2020/11/04/weather/hurricane-eta-wednesday/index.html . live .
- Web site: Eta Brings Deadly Landslides, Wipes Out Bridges in Nicaragua, Honduras. Jan Wesner Childs. The Weather Channel. weather.com. November 4, 2020. November 4, 2020. November 4, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201104211620/https://weather.com/news/news/2020-11-04-hurricane-eta-flooding-landslides-nicaragua-honduras. live. ; Web site: Hurricane Eta Destroys Homes, Floods Parts of Nicaragua, Honduras; Girl's Death Blamed on Storm. Ron Brackett. The Weather Channel. weather.com. November 3, 2020. November 5, 2020. November 4, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201104190202/https://weather.com/news/news/2020-11-03-hurricane-eta-impacts-nicaragua-honduras. live.
- Web site: Mark Puleo, Q’hubo TV . November 3, 2020 . At least 3 killed after Hurricane Eta blasts Central America as Cat 4 storm . November 4, 2020 . accuweather.com . AccuWeather . November 4, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201104041039/https://www.accuweather.com/en/hurricane/hurricane-eta-strikes-nicaragua-as-one-of-2020s-strongest-storms/842849 . live .
- Web site: Scott Neuman . November 4, 2020 . Tropical Storm Eta Dumps Massive Rainfall On Central America . November 6, 2020 . npr.org . NPR . November 5, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201105200443/https://www.npr.org/2020/11/04/931314093/tropical-storm-eta-dumps-massive-rainfall-on-central-america . live .
- Web site: V. Jurado . November 5, 2020 . VIDEO: Impresionante rescate en helicóptero de familia atrapada por crecida de río en Honduras . November 6, 2020 . . November 6, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201106041517/https://www.elsalvador.com/noticias/internacional/honduras-rescate-familia-atrapada-rio/772743/2020 . live .
- Web site: Ron Brackett . November 3, 2020 . Hurricane Eta Brings Widespread Damage to Nicaragua, Honduras; Girl's Death Blamed on Storm . November 3, 2020 . weather.com . . November 3, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201103160023/https://weather.com/news/news/2020-11-03-hurricane-eta-impacts-nicaragua-honduras . live .
- Web site: The Associated Press . November 5, 2020 . At least four dead, hundreds forced out of homes as Hurricane Eta batters Honduras, Nicaragua . November 5, 2020 . . November 5, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201105050509/https://www.firstpost.com/world/at-least-four-dead-hundreds-forced-out-of-homes-as-hurricane-eta-batters-honduras-nicaragua-8984451.html . live .
- Web site: Xinhua . November 6, 2020 . Tropical storm Eta leaves 8 dead in Honduras . November 6, 2020 . . November 6, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201106035000/http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-11/06/c_139495412.htm . live .
- Web site: Storyful . November 5, 2020 . Storm Eta Flooding Breaches River Bridge in Eastern Guatemala . November 5, 2020 . news.yahoo.com . Yahoo News . November 9, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201109205935/https://news.yahoo.com/storm-eta-flooding-breaches-river-190047739.html . live .
- Web site: Vásquez. Evelin. November 10, 2020. Conred informa sobre 42 personas fallecidas tras el paso de Eta. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20201124090706/https://elperiodico.com.gt/nacionales/2020/11/09/conred-informa-sobre-42-personas-fallecidas-tras-el-paso-de-eta/. November 24, 2020. January 15, 2022. ElPeriódico.gt. El Periódico. es.
- News: Wirtz. Nic. Semple. Kirk. The New York Times. November 7, 2020. November 10, 2020. Guatemala Rescuers Search for Scores of People Buried in Mudslide Caused by Eta.
- News: Menchu. Sofia. Reuters. November 11, 2020. November 12, 2020. Guatemala ends rescue operation after landslide, village to be abandoned.
- News: es. EFE. El Comercio. November 6, 2020. November 10, 2020. Eta se aleja de El Salvador y deja un fallecido y más de 1 990 evacuados. November 15, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201115140445/https://www.elcomercio.com/actualidad/tormenta-eta-salvador-fallecido-evacuador.html. live.
- Web site: Juan Enrique Soto Sibaja . November 3, 2020 . Huracán Eta provoca 35 inundaciones en Costa Rica: condiciones de temporal se mantendrán este martes . November 3, 2020 . Monumental . es . November 3, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201103160031/https://www.monumental.co.cr/2020/11/03/huracan-eta-provoca-35-inundaciones-en-costa-rica-condiciones-de-temporal-se-mantendran-este-martes/ . live .
- Web site: Josué Alvarado . November 3, 2020 . Eta en Costa Rica: 26 albergados, 12 rutas afectadas y 10 ríos crecidos . November 3, 2020 . CRHoy.com . es . November 3, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201103200419/https://www.crhoy.com/nacionales/eta-en-costa-rica-26-albergados-12-rutas-afectadas-y-10-rios-crecidos/ . live .
- Web site: Henry Cárdenas P. . November 4, 2020 . Sinaproc reporta cerca de 200 casas afectadas por las recientes lluvias en diferentes regiones . November 4, 2020 . prensa.com . La Prensa . es . November 4, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201104170541/https://www.prensa.com/sociedad/sinaproc-reporta-cerca-de-200-casas-afectadas-por-las-recientes-lluvias-en-diferentes-regiones/ . live .
- Web site: Panama Broadcasting Corporation . November 7, 2020 . November 9, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201109205938/https://pbcpanama.com/friday-6th-november-2020/ . live .
- Web site: Belize: Hurricane Eta - DREF Operation Final Report (n° MDRBZ006) . ReliefWeb . September 26, 2021 . en . August 18, 2021.
- News: November 4, 2020 . Intense Flooding in Western Belize . News 5 . Belize . November 5, 2020 . November 9, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201109205938/https://edition.channel5belize.com/archives/211064 . live.
- News: November 5, 2020 . Flood Waters Continue to Rise; Spanish Lookout Cut Off from the Rest of the Country . News 5 . Belize . November 6, 2020.
- News: November 5, 2020 . Mopan River Rages Dangerously . News 5 . Belize . November 6, 2020.
- Web site: Trevesa . DaSilva . Picking up the Pieces – Belize one month after Eta . ReliefWeb . September 26, 2021 . en . December 29, 2020.
- Web site: Más de 80 mil afectados y 12 muertos por lluvias en Chiapas y Tabasco por "Eta". EFE. El Imparcial. elimparcial.com. November 6, 2020. November 7, 2020. November 7, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201107001101/https://www.elimparcial.com/mexico/Mas-de-80-mil-afectados-y-12-muertos-por-lluvias-en-Chiapas-y-Tabasco-por-Eta-20201106-0111.html. live.
- Web site: LIVE BLOG: Cayman feels impact of Tropical Storm Eta. Kevin Morales. Cayman Compass. caymancompass.com. November 7, 2020. November 8, 2020. November 7, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201107164933/https://www.caymancompass.com/2020/11/07/live-blog-cayman-feels-impact-of-tropical-storm-eta/. live.
- News: Eta Search Called Off For Hurricane Eta Landslide Victims in Guatemala . November 11, 2020 . Ron . Brackett . Jan . Wesner Childs . November 9, 2020 . The Weather Channel.
- News: Hylton . Richard Tribou, Garfield . Tropical Storm Eta moves away from Florida, but expected to shift and head back by weekend . November 9, 2020 . orlandosentinel.com . November 15, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201115140428/https://www.orlandosentinel.com/weather/hurricane/os-ne-tropical-storm-iota-update-20201114-t2eqircgjzc4di7sbdvype7hdu-story.html . live .
- Web site: Tropical Storm Eta to Brush South Florida Near Hurricane Strength With Flooding, Strong Winds. weather.com meteorologists. The Weather Channel. weather.com. November 8, 2020. November 8, 2020. November 8, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201108151940/https://weather.com/storms/hurricane/news/2020-11-08-tropical-storm-eta-forecast-florida-cuba-gulf. live.
- News: FPL reports thousands of power outages in 3 counties. November 9, 2020. Michelle Solomon. WPLG. November 9, 2020.
- News: Tropical Storm Eta Floods Streets in Florida; Schools in 12 Counties Closed Monday. Ron Brackett. November 9, 2020. The Weather Channel. November 9, 2020. November 8, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201108234057/https://weather.com/news/news/2020-11-08-tropical-storm-eta-florida-preparations-schools-closed-state-of-emergency. live.
- News: June 9, 2021. National Hurricane Center Tropical Cyclone Report. National Hurricane Center. live. December 8, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211201052624/https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/data/tcr/AL292020_Eta.pdf. December 1, 2021.
- News: Floodwater in Brickell recedes while Miami Gardens deals with lasting conditions. WSVN. November 9, 2020. November 9, 2020. November 15, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201115140423/https://wsvn.com/news/local/miami-dade-county-deals-with-lasting-conditions-from-tropical-storm-eta/amp/. live.
- Web site: Covid testing site flooded by Tropical Storm Eta. November 11, 2020. USA TODAY. en-US. November 15, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201115140419/https://www.usatoday.com/videos/news/nation/2020/11/10/covid-testing-site-flooded-tropical-storm-eta/6241325002/. live.
- Web site: Greenockle. Kaitlin. Tropical Storm Eta: Homosassa man loses live-aboard sailboat when it slams into Matlacha Bridge. November 12, 2020. The News-Press. en-US.
- https://www.naplesnews.com/story/weather/2020/11/11/hurricane-eta-reforms-southwest-florida-coast/6247006002/ Tropical Storm Eta loses steam off Southwest Florida coast, still bringing more heavy rain, wind
- Web site: Young. Mark. November 12, 2020. Manatee dries out after Tropical Storm Eta delivers heavy rain and fatal storm surge. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20201115140436/https://www.bradenton.com/news/weather/hurricane/article247141301.html. November 15, 2020. November 12, 2020. Bradenton Herald.
- Web site: Kuizon. Kimberly. November 11, 2020. 1 dead from electrocution, firefighter injured in Bradenton Beach as Eta floods coast. November 12, 2020. FOX 13 News. en-US. November 15, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201115140449/https://www.fox13news.com/news/manatee-county-prepares-for-eta. live.
- Web site: Tropical Storm Eta Floods Florida Homes, Businesses and Shuts Down Streets; 1 Person Electrocuted | The Weather Channel - Articles from The Weather Channel | weather.com. The Weather Channel. November 12, 2020. November 15, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201115140345/https://weather.com/news/news/2020-11-12-tropical-storm-eta-impacts-florida-flooding. live.
- National Centers for Environmental Information. Storm Events Database November 11, 2020. National Centers for Environmental Information. February 24, 2021.
- News: Callaway. Jackie. Storm damage estimate tops $1 billion for Florida after Tropical Storm Eta. ABC Action News. November 16, 2020. November 17, 2020.
- Web site: Eta Returns, Soaking Florida's West Coast. Carol Rosenburg. Amaris Castillo. Christina Morales. The New York Times. November 16, 2020. December 19, 2020.
- News: Death toll climbs after flash flooding in North Carolina; some rivers are still rising. News Observer. Jasper. Simone. November 13, 2020. November 17, 2020.
- Web site: Weather Videos | Weather Underground. www.wunderground.com. November 12, 2020. November 15, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201115140435/https://www.wunderground.com/video/top-stories/flooding-causes-more-than-100-rescues-in-north-carolina. live.
- https://www.midatlanticrisa.org/climate-summaries/2020/12.html#fn59 Mid-Atlantic Regional Climate Impacts Summary and Outlook: Fall 2020
- Web site: November 4, 2020. Hurricane Eta adds to vulnerabilities in northern Central America. September 19, 2021. OCHA. en.
- International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. ReliefWeb. November 9, 2020. November 10, 2020. Central America: Hurricane Eta - Emergency appeal n° MDR43007. November 15, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201115140432/https://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/MDR43007EA.pdf. live.
- Web site: International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. ReliefWeb. November 10, 2020. November 10, 2020. Red Cross launches massive, multi-country operation as horror of Hurricane Eta emerges. November 15, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201115140419/https://reliefweb.int/report/honduras/red-cross-launches-massive-multi-country-operation-horror-hurricane-eta-emerges. live.
- Web site: Record-breaking Hurricane Iota to bring dangerous flooding to Central America. Emily Shapiro, Max Golembo. ABC News. abcnews.go.com. November 17, 2020. November 17, 2020.
- Web site: Hurricane Iota Tropical Cyclone Update. www.nhc.noaa.gov . Stacy R. Stewart. Andrew Latto. National Hurricane Center. Miami, Florida. November 17, 2020. November 17, 2020.
- News: es. BBC News. November 17, 2020. November 17, 2020. Iota: los destrozos y el impacto del huracán convertido en tormenta a su paso por el Caribe y Centroamérica.
- Web site: Bates. Sofie. August 11, 2021. After Eta and Iota, NASA Helps Prep Central America for Future Storms. September 20, 2021. nasa.gov.
- Web site: Disasters NASA Applied Sciences. September 20, 2021. nasa.gov.
- Web site: Government of Japan . Emergency Assistance to Nicaragua in Response to the Hurricane Disaster . ReliefWeb . November 10, 2020 . November 7, 2020 . November 15, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201115140511/https://reliefweb.int/report/nicaragua/emergency-assistance-nicaragua-response-hurricane-disaster . live .
- Web site: Storm Eta Victims in Nicaragua to Receive Spanish Aid. Alex Glenn. November 10, 2020. November 10, 2020. November 15, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201115140456/https://www.euroweeklynews.com/2020/11/10/storm-eta-victims-in-nicaragua-to-receive-spanish-aid/. live.
- Web site: Hurricanes Iota and Eta deal Honduras a catastrophic double-blow.. euronews.com. Daniel Bellamy. November 21, 2020. November 21, 2020.
- Web site: Central America: Hurricanes Eta & Iota - 6-months Operation Update (MDR43007) - Guatemala. September 19, 2021. ReliefWeb. June 23, 2021 . en.
- Web site: Woman loses 22 relatives after landslide hits storm-hit Guatemalan village. Sofia Menchu. November 7, 2020. November 7, 2020. November 7, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201107194402/https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-storm-eta-guatemala/rescue-teams-inch-toward-storm-wrecked-guatemalan-village-dozens-missing-idUKKBN27N0T0. live.
- News: IsraAID Guatemala brings relief in wake of Tropical Storm Eta . Israel HaYom . November 13, 2020.
- Web site: WMO Hurricane Committee retires tropical cyclone names and ends the use of Greek alphabet . https://web.archive.org/web/20231218171017/https://public-old.wmo.int/en/media/press-release/wmo-hurricane-committee-retires-tropical-cyclone-names-and-ends-use-of-greek . dead . December 18, 2023 . World Meteorological Organization . Geneva, Switzerland . March 17, 2021 . March 17, 2021.
- Web site: WMO: Atlantic hurricanes no longer to receive names from Greek alphabet. Masters. Jeff. Yale Climate Connections. New Haven, Connecticut. March 19, 2021. April 14, 2024. March 19, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210319161856/https://yaleclimateconnections.org/2021/03/wmo-atlantic-hurricanes-no-longer-to-receive-names-from-greek-alphabet/. live.