USA/Puerto Rico: Hurricane Irma expected to hit September 6

Event

Hurricane Irma strengthened into a Category 4 storm on Monday, September 4, north of the Lesser Antilles. According to the US National Hurricane Center (NHC), the hurricane is expected to grow stronger in the coming hours and days as it heads towards the Caribbean across the Atlantic Ocean, prompting a state of emergency to be declared in both Florida and Puerto Rico.

Irma is expected to hit Puerto Rico on Wednesday morning, September 6, bringing fierce winds, rip currents, heavy rainfall, and storm surges. The National Guard has been mobilized as the island braces for rainfall up to 10 to 20 cm (four to eight inches) through Friday, September 8. Schools and the University of Puerto Rico will be shut down starting on Tuesday. Material and infrastructural damage as well as severe transport disruptions – including flight delays and cancelations at San Juan International Airport (SJU) – are expected.

In Florida, a hurricane watch is yet to be issued as it is too soon to determine the full impact of Irma on the peninsula. However, local authorities have strongly advised all Floridians to be on high alert as adverse weather conditions are expected on Wednesday.

Context

Hurricane Irma is currently making its way through the Atlantic Ocean and nearing the Caribbean, as of September 5. The storm is expected to make landfall early Wednesday, September 6, on the island of Anguilla. Hurricane warnings are currently in place for the islands of Antigua and Barbuda, Anguilla, Guadeloupe, Montserrat, St Kitts and Nevis, Saba, St Eustatius, Sint Maarten, St Martin, St Barths, British Virgin Islands, US Virgin Islands, Vieques and Culebra. There is also a hurricane watch and tropical storm warning in Guadeloupe and a tropical storm watch in Dominica.

Advice

Individuals present in Puerto Rico and Florida are advised to keep abreast of weather alerts, confirm travel reservations, avoid coastal and mountainous areas (risk of flooding and landslides), 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.