Beta upgraded to hurricane status

Tropical Storm Beta is now a Category One hurricane.

It is currently lashing the Colombian island of Providencia. Thousands of Nicaraguans are being evacuated as the hurricane gathers strength.

Beta is expected to be a Category Two storm by the time it makes landfall in Central America.

Beta is the 13th hurricane of the Atlantic season.

Florida is still counting the cost of Hurricane Wilma, which insurers say is set to be the most expensive hurricane ever.

Much of the Gulf Coast is still devastated from Hurricane Katrina, which destroyed New Orleans and left hundreds dead.