Willemstad, Curacao: Hurricane Felix became a rare and dangerous Category 5 storm on Sunday as it swept through the southern Caribbean toward Central America and Mexico.

The US National Hurricane Center in Miama said that hurricane conditions also were possible in extreme northeastern Nicaragua.

In Curacao, toppled trees littered flooded streets, but no serious damage or casualties were reported.

"The local population and visitors remained in their homes and hotels overnight. No calls were received on the emergency line set up in preparation for the storm," Bonaire Lt. Gov. Herbert Domacasse said in a statement.

Supermarkets remained open late to allow residents to stock up on supplies. Authorities opened shelters and the airport closed for several hours.