Here we go again. So soon after Harvey and Irma, another massive and powerful storm is headed to destruction as Hurricane Maria bears down on Puerto Rico. Reports vary as to whether it is a Category 4 or 5, as the wind speed is right at the break (about 155 to 157 mph sustained winds reported, which is the line.)
Gov. Ricardo Rosselló is preparing the island for what he says they are expecting to be the “worst hurricane in modern history in Puerto Rico.” At the time of this posting, winds, rain, and storm surge are battering the island as it prepares to make landfall on the southeast side of the island.
This is from about 4 a.m. eastern time.
BREAKING: Eyewall of #Hurricane #Maria now over Vieques, nearing eastern Puerto Rico. Gusts to 70 mph in San Juan and 77 mph in St. Thomas. pic.twitter.com/xcBa3vF2dO
— The Weather Channel (@weatherchannel) September 20, 2017
This from five a.m.:
Core of #Hurricane #Maria nearing Puerto Rico, about 50 miles SE of San Juan.
Landfall in a couple of hours. pic.twitter.com/xs7nGIUMut— ABC 13 Weather (@ABC13Wx) September 20, 2017
5am #MARIA UPDATE: #HurricaneMaria remains a POWERFUL category 4 storm packing winds of 155mph with landfall imminent in SE #PuertoRico. pic.twitter.com/ckVTBL7ZSF
— Mike Thomas (@MikeTFox5) September 20, 2017
(via Twitter)
The Governor tweeted that the shelters are packed at 2:30 a.m., with “10,059 refugees and 189 pets.” Millions more are riding it out in their homes.
The worst is expected between 8 and 9 this morning. Should there be any updates, we’ll have them here. Be safe, and once again, pray for those in the path of devastation.
UPDATE: Footage as it comes ashore.
CNN’s @LeylaSantiago blown around in San Juan, Puerto Rico as Hurricane Maria makes landfall, packing 155 mph winds https://t.co/rs034iuZHO pic.twitter.com/lzosLNlttB
— CNN (@CNN) September 20, 2017
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