2 dead, 1 missing from Tropical Storm Pilar in El Salvador

BOGOTA, Colombia

Torrential rains, flooding and powerful winds caused by Tropical Storm Pilar have killed two people and left one missing in El Salvador, according to officials on Tuesday.

Rains and winds of 50 mph (80 kph) threaten the Pacific coastal areas of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Colombia, said the US National Hurricane Center.

"Further strengthening is expected during the next day or so, and Pilar could be near hurricane strength on Tuesday," it said.

A 24-year-old male and a 57-year-old female were "swept away" by strong currents in the region of La Union, 200 kilometers (124 miles) east of San Salvador, said authorities. An 18-year-old male has been reported missing on San Diego beach, 40 kilometers south of the capital, said Deputy Director of Civil Protection Fermin Perez.

Perez asked citizens "to avoid crossing rivers, streams or any water current that is generated by rain or storms, due to the probability of being washed away."

The Central American country has declared a state of national emergency that was approved late Sunday by the Legislative Assembly. Civil protection authorities have set up 120 shelters across the country.

Nicaragua declared a yellow alert throughout the country.

Pilar will cause "torrential rains," gusts of wind and waves Tuesday in southeastern Mexico, the National Meteorological Service reported. Storm Pilar comes after Hurricane Otis, a Category 5​​​​​​​ storm, made landfall last Wednesday in the southern state of Guerrero, causing damage and leaving 46 dead and nearly 60 missing.