Hurricane Irma, the most powerful Atlantic Ocean hurricane ever recorded, made landfall in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands on Wednesday after devastating the Caribbean Islands with flooding and property damage, the result of extreme rain and winds as fast as 185 miles per hour. According to BBC, officials have confirmed at least six deaths and considerable damage in the French territories of St. Martin and St. Barts.
At least one death, of a child, was also reported on Barbuda--where about 95 percent of the buildings had suffered some damage. In Florida, residents are being evacuated after the National Hurricane Center warned Wednesday that “the threat of direct hurricane impacts in Florida over the weekend and early next week has increased.” “Do not sit and wait for the storm to come,” said Florida Governor Rick Scott in emphasizing the importance of following evacuation orders. “It is extremely dangerous and deadly and will cause devastation. Get prepared right now.”
Source: AP News