Killer Storm Nate heads for US coast amid fears it could strike as hurricane

22 killed as Central America pummelled with heavy rainStorm heading toward Mexico's Caribbean resorts and the US Gulf CoastNate is predicted to strengthen into a Category 1 hurricane by the time it hits the USChildren among the fatalitiesCosta Rica's government declared a state of emergencyTexas residents told to prepare for storm

People walk near Tiribi river flooded by heavy rains of Tropical Storm Nate that affects the country in San Jose, Costa Rica October 5, 2017. REUTERS/Juan Carlos Ulate

Enrique Andres Pretel

Tropical Storm Nate killed at least 22 people in Central America on Thursday as it pummeled the region with heavy rain while heading toward Mexico's Caribbean resorts and the US Gulf Coast, where it could strike as a hurricane this weekend.

In Nicaragua, at least 11 people died, seven others were reported missing and thousands had to evacuate homes because of flooding, said the country's vice president Rosario Murillo.