United States: Hurricane Irma expected to hit Puerto Rico afternoon of September 6 /update 1

Event

Hurricane Irma strengthened to a Category 5 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of nearly 300 kph (185 mph) on Wednesday, September 6. As of 14:00 ET, the center of Hurricane Irma is roughly 6 km (3.7 mi) northeast of Jost Van Dyke Island, and it is moving west-northwest at 26 km/h (16 mph).

Irma’s center is expected to pass north of Puerto Rico, with fierce winds, rip currents, heavy rainfall, and storm surges hitting the island on Wednesday afternoon. The National Guard has been mobilized as the island braces for rainfall up to 10 to 25 cm (4 to 10 in) through Friday, September 8. Schools and the University of Puerto Rico have shut down since Tuesday. Material and infrastructural damage are expected. Severe transport disruptions are expected to continue, as 170 flights have been cancelled at San Juan International Airport (SJU) on September 6.

Context

Hurricane Irma is currently making its way through the Atlantic Ocean and nearing Puerto Rico. Hurricane warnings are currently in place for St Martin and Saint Barthelemy, British Virgin Islands, US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Vieques, Culebra, the Dominican Republic (from Cabo Engano to the border with Haiti), Haiti (from the border with the Dominican Republic to Le Mole St. Nicholas), the southeastern Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands. There is also a hurricane watch in Cuba (from Matanzas to Guantanamo provinces) and the central Bahamas. A tropical storm warning is in effect for the Dominican Republic (from Cabo Engano to the southern border with Haiti) and Haiti (from Le Mole St. Nicholas to Port-au-Prince).

Advice

Individuals present in Puerto Rico are advised to keep abreast of weather alerts, confirm travel reservations, avoid coastal areas due to the risk of flooding, and adhere to all advice issued by the local authorities.

Remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous; 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult. Finally, because floodwater may also contain wastewater or chemical products, wear boots and try to avoid any contact with the water. All items having come into contact with the water should be washed and disinfected. Dispose of any food that may have come into contact with floodwater.