Tropical Storm Sara is here and closing in on Central America where it will unleash disastrous flooding rain in the region. It’s the first and potentially most serious threat posed by a storm that should enter the Gulf of Mexico next week.

ATLANTA, Georgia — Data from Air Force Hurricane Hunters indicate winds on Tropical Depression Nineteen have increased, and now Tropical Storm Sara has formed. Maximum sustained winds are 45 mph with higher gusts. Tropical Storm-force winds extend outward 70 miles from the center.