Six Missing in Mudslides Created by Tropical Storm Erika

Tropical Storm Erika has devastated the tiny island of Dominica, triggering landslides that have left at least six people missing and hundreds of people without homes.

The Antiqua Weather Service says the storm dumped 9 inches of rain onto the mountainous island late Wednesday and then 6 more inches on Thursday.

About 80 percent of the island is without electricity.  The country’s airport has been closed after flood waters covered cars and at least one small airplane.

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) says that the storm is moving west with sustained winds of 50 m.p.h. and is expected to cover Puerto Rico Thursday.  The storm continues to be what forecasters call “poorly organized” and is not expected to strengthen over the next two days.

Puerto Rico Governor Alejandro Garcia Padilla said that while the storm could cut off power and water service, the storm would also bring much needed rain to the parched nation.

“We’re happy given the dry conditions, but it does highlight the need to be on alert,” he told CBS.

Forecasters say it is still too early to know whether or not the storm will reach Florida with any kind of tropical storm or hurricane strength.

Meanwhile in the Pacific, Tropical Storm Ignacio strengthened into a hurricane.  The storm is moving slowly westward, about 1,100 miles east-southeast of Hilo, Hawaii.