Costa Rica is in the path of a rare late season hurricane that could make landfall on Thanksgiving Day.
Tropical Storm Otto is already near hurricane strength in the Caribbean Sea and there is a fear of heavy rain, flooding and mudslides.
The US National Hurricane Center said Otto is whippping up wind speeds of at least 75 mph as it approaches northern Costa Rica and southern Nicaragua.
As much as 18 inches of rain is predicted. Earlier in Panama authorities reported three deaths due to falling trees and mudslides.
Costa Rica ordered the mandatory evacuation of about 4,000 people from coastal areas.
If Otto does reach Costa Rica, it will be the first time the country has been hit since at least 1851.
