The strongest hurricane in the history of Atlantic continues to maintain its strength. So much so that Irma still remains to be a Category 5 hurricane, the highest level for a hurricane.
The storm after throttling parts of the Caribbean is passing north of Bahamas. Hurricane warnings remain for areas including South-eastern, Central and North-western Bahamas, Turks and Caicos Islands, Cuba, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Le Mole, St Nicholas.
So far, the horrific storm has already claimed 13 lives as it roared through the Caribbean causing massive damage in the region. The superstorm has now hit the Turks and Caicos Islands. Irma has been moving from island to island causing way more devastation than was imagined in the past.
As per the US National Hurricane Center, due to storm surges water levels in south-eastern and central Bahamas could be lifted by 15-20 ft. over the normal levels.
At least six islands in the Bahamas have been evacuated which happens to be largest storm evacuation in Bahama’s history. Cuba is also under hurricane warning due to which evacuation is in place.
[yuzo_related]
Irma will continue to remain a catastrophic Cat 5 hurricane and will bring massive winds, and torrential rains over the Turks and Cairos Islands as well as Bahamas on Saturday. Hispaniola may witness heavy rains on Friday.
Furthermore, the storm will eye more parts of Florida Peninsula, Florida Keys, Florida Bay, Lake Okeechobee, Florida thereby staying stronger than ever, continuing to be a major devastating hurricane. Beginning late Saturday, Florida Peninsula as well as Florida Keys will witness massive winds along with hefty rainfall which could be life threatening for many.
Not only this, southeastern parts of the United States including South and North Carolina as well as Georgia may also be impacted directly. However, it is too early to deduce the damage magnitude and specific locations in these regions.
Image Credit: NOAA