Storm Iota weakens in Central America, but flooding and death toll rise

• News & Highlights

Strongest storm on record to reach Nicaragua brought winds of nearly 155 mph and flooded villages still reeling from impact of Hurricane Eta two weeks ago

PUERTO CABEZAS, Nicaragua, Nov 17 (Reuters) - Unleashing torrential floods even as it weakened, Storm Iota churned through Central America on Tuesday, causing swollen rivers to burst their banks, flipping roofs onto streets and killing at least nine people across the region.

The strongest storm on record to reach Nicaragua, Iota struck the coast late on Monday, bringing winds of nearly 155 miles per hour (249 kph) and flooding villages still reeling from the impact of Hurricane Eta two weeks ago

But by Tuesday night, the winds had fallen to 50 mph (80 kph) as Iota weakened to a tropical storm but heavy rainfall continued, the U.S. National Hurricane Center said.