Story highlights Category 1 storm makes landfall near Belize City

Storm could dump more than a foot of rain in some areas

(CNN) Hurricane Earl made landfall in Belize early Thursday, with maximum sustained winds of 80 mph (129 kph).

The storm is pushing west at 14 mph (23 kph).The Category 1 storm continues to pound the area with strong winds, heavy rain and storm surge after spreading drenching rain over the Central American country Wednesday night, the National Hurricane Center in Miami said.

Tourist Sean Williams said the clouds in Belize are getting darker.

After it made landfall near Belize City the storm is forecast to move over the southern Yucatan Peninsula or northern Guatemala on Thursday. But the storm is expected to diminish in strength as it moves over land, deprived of the moisture source of the Caribbean.

The country's National Meteorological Service tells CNN there have been widespread power outages in the country.

A hurricane warning is in place from Puerto Costa Maya, Mexico, south to the Belize-Guatemala border. A tropical storm warning was in effect north of Puerto Costa Maya to Punta Allen.

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