Hurricane Maria’s winds strengthen to 175 mph as storm heads toward Puerto Rico

AP
This Monday, Sept. 18, 2017, GOES East satellite image provided by NASA taken at 20:30 UTC, shows the eye of Hurricane Maria as it nears Dominica. The National Hurricane Center in Miami said Monday evening that Air Force Reserve hurricane hunter planes found that Maria had strengthened into a storm with 160 mph (260 kph) winds. (NASA via AP)
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A picture shows rocks swept by strong waves onto a road in Le Carbet, on the French Caribbean island of Martinique, after it was hit by Hurricane Maria, on September 19, 2017. Hurricane Maria smashed into the eastern Caribbean island of Dominica on September 19, with its prime minister describing devastating damage as winds and rain from the storm also hit territories still reeling from Irma. Martinique, a French island south of Dominica, suffered power outages but avoided major damage.
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A fallen sign sits on a building in the Miramar neighborhood after Hurricane Maria made landfall on September 20, 2017 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Thousands of people have sought refuge in shelters, and electricity and phone lines have been severely effected.
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The Miramar neighborhood is shown from inside the Ciqala hotel as Hurricane Maria bears down September 20, 2017 in San Jaun, Puerto Rico.. Thousands of people have sought refuge in shelters, and electricity and phone lines have been severely effected.
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Fallen trees are seen on a street after the passage of Hurricane Maria, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on September 20, 2017. Maria slammed into Puerto Rico on, cutting power on most of the US territory as terrified residents hunkered down in the face of the island's worst storm in living memory. After leaving a deadly trail of destruction on a string of smaller Caribbean islands, Maria made landfall on Puerto Rico's southeast coast around daybreak, packing winds of around 150 mph.
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People walk in a flooded street next to damaged houses in Juana Matos, Catano, Puerto Rico, on September 21, 2017, after Hurricane Maria slammed into the region leaving a deadly trail of destruction. Puerto Rico was facing dangerous flooding and an island-wide power outage on Thursday following Hurricane Maria as the death toll from the powerful storm topped 15 in the tiny Caribbean island of Dominica.
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A picture taken on September 21, 2017 shows a general view of Roseau on the Caribbean island of Dominica, after it was hit by Hurricane Maria. Hurricane Maria left more than 15 people dead in hard-hit Dominica, the small Caribbean island's Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit announced on Thursday. The hurricane devastated the island, which has some 72,000 inhabitants and was hit by the storm on September 18 when it was at the height of its Category Five power.
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An ice cream vendor pulls a cart at the beach before the anticipated arrival of Hurricane Maria, in San Juan on September 18, 2017. Hurricane Maria has grown into a maximum-strength Category Five storm, US forecasters said Monday, as it was bearing down on the Caribbean island of Dominica.
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San Juan is seen during a blackout after Hurricane Maria made landfall on September 20, 2017 in Puerto Rico. Thousands of people have sought refuge in shelters, and electricity and phone lines have been severely effected.
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View of damage by Hurricane Maria in Roseau, Dominica, on September 20, 2017. Hurricane Maria smashed into the eastern Caribbean island of Dominica on Tuesday, with its prime minister describing devastating damage as winds and rain from the storm also hit territories still reeling from Irma.
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People clear debris in Saint-Pierre, on the French Caribbean island of Martinique, after it was hit by Hurricane Maria, on September 19, 2017. Martinique suffered power outages but avoided major damage.
Dennis M. Rivera Pichardo for The Washington Post
Aerial view of a destroyed house in Juncos, Puerto Rico.
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An aerial view shows the flooded neighbourhood of Juana Matos in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria in Catano, Puerto Rico, on September 22, 2017. Puerto Rico battled dangerous floods Friday after Hurricane Maria ravaged the island, as rescuers raced against time to reach residents trapped in their homes and the death toll climbed to 33. Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rossello called Maria the most devastating storm in a century after it destroyed the US territory's electricity and telecommunications infrastructure.
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A picture shows rocks swept by strong waves onto a road in Le Carbet, on the French Caribbean island of Martinique, after it was hit by Hurricane Maria, on September 19, 2017. Hurricane Maria smashed into the eastern Caribbean island of Dominica on September 19, with its prime minister describing devastating damage as winds and rain from the storm also hit territories still reeling from Irma. Martinique, a French island south of Dominica, suffered power outages but avoided major damage.
HELENE VALENZUELA / AFP/Getty Images
Destroyed cars lie between trees and trash after the passage of hurricane Irma and Maria in Grand Case, St. Martin, on September 20, 2017. After killing at least nine people in the Caribbean, Maria slammed into Puerto Rico's southeast coast at daybreak before churning across the US territory which is home to 3.4 million.
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Members of the military help remove damaged boats after the passage of hurricane Irma and Maria in Orient Bay, St. Martin, on September 20, 2017. After killing at least nine people in the Caribbean, Maria slammed into Puerto Rico's southeast coast at daybreak before churning across the US territory which is home to 3.4 million.
Carlos Giusti / AP
People walk next to a gas station flooded and damaged by the impact of Hurricane Maria, which hit the eastern region of the island, in Humacao, Puerto Rico, Wednesday, September 20, 2017. The strongest hurricane to hit Puerto Rico in more than 80 years destroyed hundreds of homes, knocked out power across the entire island and turned some streets into raging rivers in an onslaught that could plunge the U.S. territory deeper into financial crisis. (AP Photo/Carlos Giusti)
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Hurricane Maria bears down on Puerto Rico on September 20, 2017 in San Juan. Thousands of people have sought refuge in shelters, and electricity and phone lines have been severely effected.
RICARDO ARDUENGO / AFP/Getty Images
Damaged sail boats washed ashore are seen in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria in Fajardo, Puerto Rico, Thursday, September 21, 2017. Puerto Rico braced for potentially calamitous flash flooding after being pummeled by Hurricane Maria which devastated the island and knocked out the entire electricity grid. The hurricane, which Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rossello called "the most devastating storm in a century," had battered the island of 3.4 million people after roaring ashore early Wednesday with deadly winds and heavy rain.
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Downed traffic lights and power lines are seen in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria in Luquillo, Puerto Rico, Thursday, September 21, 2017. Puerto Rico braced for potentially calamitous flash flooding after being pummeled by Hurricane Maria which devastated the island and knocked out the entire electricity grid. The hurricane, which Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rossello called "the most devastating storm in a century," had battered the island of 3.4 million people after roaring ashore early Wednesday with deadly winds and heavy rain.
Tatiana Fernandez / AP
A gift shop lies damaged on Cofrecito Beach after the crossing of Hurricane Maria over Bavaro, Dominican Republic, Thursday, Sept. 21, 2017. Rain from the storm will continue in the Dominican Republic for the next two days according to meteorologists. (AP Photo/Tatiana Fernandez)
CEDRICK ISHAM CALVADOS / AFP/Getty Images
Flooded cars are pictured in the Lauricisque district of Pointe-a-Pitre on September 19, 2017 in the French territory of Guadeloupe, after the passage of Hurricane Maria. Hurricane Maria headed toward the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico on September 19, with the US National Hurricane Center warning of a "potentially catastrophic" impact as it battered the eastern Caribbean. Arriving just as islanders in the region are struggling to recover from devastating Hurricane Irma which struck earlier this month, Maria claimed its first victim in the French territory of Guadeloupe, where two other people were missing.
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Hurricane Maria hits Puerto Rico in Fajardo on September 20, 2017. Maria made landfall on Puerto Rico on Wednesday, pummeling the US territory after already killing at least two people on its passage through the Caribbean. The US National Hurricane Center warned of "large and destructive waves" as Maria came ashore near Yabucoa on the southeast coast.
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A search and rescue crew member removes a tree branch from a flooded road as Hurricane Maria hits Puerto Rico in Fajardo, on September 20, 2017. Maria made landfall on Puerto Rico, pummeling the US territory after already killing at least two people on its passage through the Caribbean. The US National Hurricane Center warned of "large and destructive waves" as Maria came ashore near Yabucoa on the southeast coast.
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Emergency crews move through a flooded highway in the Miramar neighborhood after Hurricane Maria made landfall on September 20, 2017 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Thousands of people have sought refuge in shelters, and electricity and phone lines have been severely effected.
HECTOR RETAMAL / AFP/Getty Images
Rain and wind hit a parking lot at Roberto Clemente Coliseum in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on September 20, 2017, during the passage of the Hurricane Maria. Maria made landfall on Puerto Rico on Wednesday, pummeling the US territory after already killing at least two people on its passage through the Caribbean. The US National Hurricane Center warned of "large and destructive waves" as Maria came ashore near Yabucoa on the southeast coast.
LIONEL CHAMOISEAU / AFP/Getty Images
A picture shows strong waves along the coastline in Le Carbet, on the French Caribbean island of Martinique, after it was hit by Hurricane Maria, on September 19, 2017. Hurricane Maria smashed into the eastern Caribbean island of Dominica on September 19, with its prime minister describing devastating damage as winds and rain from the storm also hit territories still reeling from Irma. Martinique, a French island south of Dominica, suffered power outages but avoided major damage.
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Destruction and debris are seen in Roseau, capital of the Caribbean island Dominica, September 21, 2017, three days after passage of Hurricane Maria. Dominica, located near the French islands of Martinique and Guadeloupe, has been almost completely cut off from the world since the imapact of the hurricane.
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A man and his daughter flee from the rain on a beach in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on September 19, 2017, prior to the arrival of Hurricane Maria. Maria headed towards the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico after battering the eastern Caribbean island of Dominica, with the US National Hurricane Center warning of a "potentially catastrophic" impact.
Carlos Giusti / AP
A man looks out of a door of a boarded up gas starion after Hurricane Maria hit the eastern region of the island, in Humacao, Puerto Rico, Tuesday, September 20, 2017. The strongest hurricane to hit Puerto Rico in more than 80 years destroyed hundreds of homes, knocked out power across the entire island and turned some streets into raging rivers in an onslaught that could plunge the U.S. territory deeper into financial crisis. (AP Photo/Carlos Giusti)
LIONEL CHAMOISEAU / AFP/Getty Images
A picture taken on September 21, 2017 shows clothes hanging on a fence in Roseau, capital of the Caribbean island Dominica, after Hurricane Maria struck the island. Hurricane Maria left more than 15 people dead in hard-hit Dominica, the small Caribbean island's Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit announced on Thursday. The hurricane devastated the island, which has some 72,000 inhabitants and was hit by the storm on September 18 when it was at the height of its Category Five power.
CEDRIK-ISHAM CALVADOS / AFP/Getty Images
A picture taken on September 19, 2017 shows the powerful winds and rains of hurricane Maria battering the city of Petit-Bourg on the French overseas Caribbean island of Guadeloupe. Hurricane Maria strengthened into a "potentially catastrophic" Category Five storm as it barrelled into eastern Caribbean islands still reeling from Irma, forcing residents to evacuate in powerful winds and lashing rain.
HECTOR RETAMAL / AFP/Getty Images
Lightposts lay on the ground after being damaged in the passage of Hurricane Maria, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on September 20, 2017. Maria slammed into Puerto Rico on, cutting power on most of the US territory as terrified residents hunkered down in the face of the island's worst storm in living memory. After leaving a deadly trail of destruction on a string of smaller Caribbean islands, Maria made landfall on Puerto Rico's southeast coast around daybreak, packing winds of around 150 mph.
RICARDO ARDUENGO / AFP/Getty Images
People board up windows of a business in preparation for the anticipated arrival of Hurricane Maria in San Juan, Puerto Rico on September 18, 2017. Hurricane Maria has grown into a maximum-strength Category Five storm, US forecasters said Monday, as it was bearing down on the Caribbean island of Dominica.
CEDRICK ISHAM CALVADOS / AFP/Getty Images
Destruction and debris are seen on September 22, 2017 in Roseau, on the Caribbean island of Dominica, following the passage of Hurricane Maria. Hurricane Maria left more than 15 people dead in hard-hit Dominica, the small Caribbean island's Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit announced on September 21. The hurricane devastated the island, which has some 72,000 inhabitants and was hit by the storm on September 18 when it was at the height of its Category Five power.
HECTOR RETAMAL / AFP/Getty Images
Rain and wind hit a parking lot at Roberto Clemente Coliseum in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on September 20, 2017, during the passage of the Hurricane Maria. Maria made landfall on Puerto Rico on Wednesday, pummeling the US territory after already killing at least two people on its passage through the Caribbean. The National Hurricane Center warned of "large and destructive waves" as Maria came ashore near Yabucoa on the southeast coast.
HECTOR RETAMAL / AFP/Getty Images
A man walks past a house laying in flood water in Catano town, in Juana Matos, Puerto Rico, on September 21, 2017. Puerto Rico braced for potentially calamitous flash flooding after being pummeled by Hurricane Maria which devastated the island and knocked out the entire electricity grid. The hurricane, which Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rossello called "the most devastating storm in a century," had battered the island of 3.4 million people after roaring ashore early Wednesday with deadly winds and heavy rain.
RICARDO ARDUENGO / AFP/Getty Images
People board up windows of a business in preparation for the anticipated arrival of Hurricane Maria in San Juan, Puerto Rico on September 18, 2017. Hurricane Maria has grown into a maximum-strength Category Five storm, US forecasters said Monday, as it was bearing down on the Caribbean island of Dominica.
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A man rides a motorcyle along a flooded street in Punta Cana, in the Dominican Republic, as Hurricane Maria approaches on September 20, 2017. The government of the Dominican Republic told people to stay home from their public and private sector jobs on Thursday, when the hurricane is expected to hit the island.
Carlos Giusti / AP
Dead horses lie on the side of the road after the passing of Hurricane Maria, in Toa Baja, Puerto Rico, Friday, September 22, 2017. Because of the heavy rains brought by Maria, thousands of people were evacuated from Toa Baja after the municipal government opened the gates of the Rio La Plata Dam. (AP Photo/Carlos Giusti)
HECTOR RETAMAL / AFP/Getty Images
People walk in a flooded street next to damaged houses in Catano town, in Juana Matos, Puerto Rico, on September 21, 2017. Puerto Rico braced for potentially calamitous flash flooding after being pummeled by Hurricane Maria which devastated the island and knocked out the entire electricity grid. The hurricane, which Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rossello called "the most devastating storm in a century," had battered the island of 3.4 million people after roaring ashore early Wednesday with deadly winds and heavy rain.
LIONEL CHAMOISEAU / AFP/Getty Images
A picture shows an uprooted tree on the beach in Saint-Pierre, on the French Caribbean island of Martinique, after it was hit by Hurricane Maria, on September 19, 2017. Martinique suffered power outages but avoided major damage.
HECTOR RETAMAL / AFP/Getty Images
A general view shows a destroyed house in Catano town, Puerto Rico, on September 21, 2017, after Hurricane Maria slammed into the region leaving a deadly trail of destruction. Puerto Rico was facing dangerous flooding and an island-wide power outage on Thursday following Hurricane Maria as the death toll from the powerful storm topped 15 in the tiny Caribbean island of Dominica.
Tatiana Fernandez / AP
Broken canopies lay around Cortecito Beach after the crossing of Hurricane Maria over Bavaro, Dominican Republic, Thursday, Sept. 21, 2017. Rain from the storm will continue in the Dominican Republic for the next two days according to meteorologists. (AP Photo/Tatiana Fernandez)
Carlos Giusti / AP
Electricity poles and lines lay toppled on the road after Hurricane Maria hit the eastern region of the island, in Humacao, Puerto Rico, Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2017. The strongest hurricane to hit Puerto Rico in more than 80 years destroyed hundreds of homes, knocked out power across the entire island and turned some streets into raging rivers in an onslaught that could plunge the U.S. territory deeper into financial crisis. (AP Photo/Carlos Giusti)
Freeman Rogers / AP
A ferry beached last week by Hurricane Irma in Road Town, Tortola, the capital of the British Virgin Islands, remained unmoved after Hurricane Maria passed, early Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2017. (AP Photo/Freeman Rogers)
HECTOR RETAMAL / AFP/Getty Images
Trees are toppled in a parking lot at Roberto Clemente Coliseum in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on September 20, 2017, during the passage of the Hurricane Maria. Maria made landfall on Puerto Rico on Wednesday, pummeling the US territory after already killing at least two people on its passage through the Caribbean. The US National Hurricane Center warned of "large and destructive waves" as Maria came ashore near Yabucoa on the southeast coast.
HELENE VALENZUELA / AFP/Getty Images
French soldiers clear a marina after the passage of Hurricanes Irma and Maria on September 20, 2017 in Anse Marcel, on the French Caribbean island of St. Martin. Hurricane Maria left more than 15 people dead in hard-hit Dominica, the small Caribbean island's prime minister said on September 21. Maria seems to have sparred Saint-Martin, which was devastated by Irma, where it left 15 dead.
Dominique Chomereau-Lamotte / AP
A boat lays on its side off the shore of Sainte-Anne on the French Caribbean island of Guadeloupe, early Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2017, after the passing of Hurricane Maria. (AP Photo/Dominique Chomereau-Lamotte)
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Residents dismantle a roof days after Hurricane Maria made landfall, on September 22, 2017 in Loiza, Puerto Rico. Many on the island have lost power, running water, and cell phone service after Hurricane Maria, a category 4 hurricane, passed through.
LIONEL CHAMOISEAU / AFP/Getty Images
A picture shows strong waves along the coastline in Le Carbet, on the French Caribbean island of Martinique, after it was hit by Hurricane Maria, on September 19, 2017. Hurricane Maria smashed into the eastern Caribbean island of Dominica on September 19, with its prime minister describing devastating damage as winds and rain from the storm also hit territories still reeling from Irma. Martinique, a French island south of Dominica, suffered power outages but avoided major damage.
RICARDO ARDUENGO / AFP/Getty Images
Hurricane Maria hits Puerto Rico in Fajardo on September 20, 2017. Maria made landfall on Puerto Rico on Wednesday, pummeling the US territory after already killing at least two people on its passage through the Caribbean. The US National Hurricane Center warned of "large and destructive waves" as Maria came ashore near Yabucoa on the southeast coast.
JOSE ROMERO / AFP/Getty Images
This image obtained from the NASA's GOES Project shows Hurricane Maria on September 20, 2017, at 1145UTC. Maria made landfall on Puerto Rico on Wednesday, pummeling the US territory after already killing at least two people on its passage through the Caribbean. The US National Hurricane Center warned of "large and destructive waves" as Maria came ashore near Yabucoa on the southeast coast
JOSE ROMERO / AFP/Getty Images
This satellite image obtained from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) shows Hurricane Maria at 1200UTC on September 20, 2017. Maria made landfall on Puerto Rico on Wednesday, pummeling the US territory after already killing at least two people on its passage through the Caribbean. The US National Hurricane Center warned of "large and destructive waves" as Maria came ashore near Yabucoa on the southeast coast.
CEDRIK-ISHAM CALVADOS / AFP/Getty Images
A picture taken on September 19, 2017 shows the powerful winds and rains of hurricane Maria battering the city of Petit-Bourg on the French overseas Caribbean island of Guadeloupe. Hurricane Maria strengthened into a "potentially catastrophic" Category Five storm as it barrelled into eastern Caribbean islands still reeling from Irma, forcing residents to evacuate in powerful winds and lashing rain.
HECTOR RETAMAL / AFP/Getty Images
People walk accros a flooded street in Juana Matos, Puerto Rico, on September 21, 2017 as the country faced dangerous flooding and an island-wide power outage following Hurricane Maria.
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This handout picture obtained from a video released on September 19, 2017, on the twitter account of the Prefecture de Guadeloupe shows the powerful winds and rain of hurricane Maria battering the south of Basse Terre on the French overseas Caribbean island of Guadeloupe. Hurricane Maria strengthened into a "potentially catastrophic" Category Five storm as it barrelled into eastern Caribbean islands still reeling from Irma, forcing residents to evacuate in powerful winds and lashing rain.
Alex Wroblewski / Getty Images
Residents wade through flood waters at their home days after Hurricane Maria made landfall, on September 22, 2017 in Loiza, Puerto Rico. Many on the island have lost power, running water, and cell phone service after Hurricane Maria, a category 4 hurricane, passed through.
RICARDO ARDUENGO / AFP/Getty Images
A man walks on a highway divider while carrying his bicycle in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Thursday, September 21, 2017. Puerto Rico braced for potentially calamitous flash flooding after being pummeled by Hurricane Maria which devastated the island and knocked out the entire electricity grid. The hurricane, which Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rossello called "the most devastating storm in a century," had battered the island of 3.4 million people after roaring ashore early Wednesday with deadly winds and heavy rain.
Carlos Giusti / AP
Rescue team members Candida Lozada, left, and Stephanie Rivera, right, embrace as they wait to assist in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria in Humacao, Puerto Rico, Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2017. (AP Photo/Carlos Giusti)
Carlos Giusti / AP
Rescue team member Jonathan Cruz cries on the floor as he waits to assist in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria in Humacao, Puerto Rico, Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2017. (AP Photo/Carlos Giusti)
RICARDO ARDUENGO / AFP/Getty Images
People walk on a flooded street in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria in San Juan, Puerto Rico on September 22, 2017. Puerto Rico battled dangerous floods Friday after Hurricane Maria ravaged the island, as rescuers raced against time to reach residents trapped in their homes and the death toll climbed to 33. Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rossello called Maria the most devastating storm in a century after it destroyed the US territory's electricity and telecommunications infrastructure.
RICARDO ARDUENGO / AFP/Getty Images
A man looks trough a window of a power sports store as they ran out of power generators before the anticipated arrival of Hurricane Maria, in San Juan on September 18, 2017. Hurricane Maria has grown into a maximum-strength Category Five storm, US forecasters said Monday, as it was bearing down on the Caribbean island of Dominica.
RICARDO ARDUENGO / AFP/Getty Images
A sail boat lies over a pier as Hurricane Maria hits Puerto Rico in Fajardo, on September 20, 2017. Maria made landfall on Puerto Rico, pummeling the US territory after already killing at least two people on its passage through the Caribbean. The US National Hurricane Center warned of "large and destructive waves" as Maria came ashore near Yabucoa on the southeast coast.
Carlos Giusti / AP
A municipal police officer arrives at the Emergency Management Agency after being removed from their flooded station by rescue personnel during the impact of Hurricane Maria, which hit the eastern region of the island, in Humacao, Puerto Rico, Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2017. (AP Photo/Carlos Giusti)
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Brandie Cooksey and her family dog Bobzilla, a 140-pound Great Dane, prepare to take the Queen Elizabeth IV to St. Croix, on September 18, 2017 in Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. Residents on the Leeward Islands are preparing for Hurricane Maria, less than two weeks after Hurricane Irma slammed into the region as a Category 5 storm, killing four and causing major damage on the islands of St. John and St. Thomas.
HELENE VALENZUELA / AFP/Getty Images
Destroyed glass panes are seen after the passage of hurricane Irma and Maria in Orient Bay, St. Martin, on September 20, 2017. After killing at least nine people in the Caribbean, Maria slammed into Puerto Rico's southeast coast at daybreak before churning across the US territory which is home to 3.4 million.
RICARDO ARDUENGO / AFP/Getty Images
Concrete power line poles lies on a highway after the area was hit by Hurricane Maria in Luquillo, Puerto Rico on September 20, 2017. Maria made landfall on Puerto Rico, pummeling the US territory after already killing at least two people on its passage through the Caribbean. The US National Hurricane Center warned of "large and destructive waves" as Maria came ashore near Yabucoa on the southeast coast.
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A destroyed group of houses in Juncos, Puerto Rico, as seen Friday from the air.
AP
This Monday, Sept. 18, 2017, GOES East satellite image provided by NASA taken at 23:15 UTC, shows the eye of Hurricane Maria as it nears Dominica. The National Hurricane Center in Miami said Monday evening that Air Force Reserve hurricane hunter planes found that Maria had strengthened into a storm with 160 mph (260 kph) winds. (NASA via AP)
YVES THOLE / AFP/Getty Images
This handout picture obtained from a video released on September 19, 2017, on the Twitter account of Yves Thole shows powerful winds and rain of hurricane Maria battering a street of Pointe-a-Pitre on the French overseas Caribbean island of Guadeloupe. Hurricane Maria strengthened into a "potentially catastrophic" Category Five storm as it barrelled into eastern Caribbean islands still reeling from Irma, forcing residents to evacuate in powerful winds and lashing rain.
Carlos Giusti / AP
A completely ruined house is seen in El Negro community a day after the impact of Hurricane Maria, in Puerto Rico, Thursday, September 21, 2017. As of Thursday evening, Maria was moving off the northern coast of the Dominican Republic with winds of 120 mph (195 kph). The storm was expected to approach the Turks and Caicos Islands and the Bahamas late Thursday and early Friday. (AP Photo/Carlos Giusti)
LIONEL CHAMOISEAU / AFP/Getty Images
A picture taken on September 21, 2017 shows debris in a street of Roseau, capital of the Caribean island Dominica, after Hurricane Maria struck the island. Hurricane Maria left more than 15 people dead in hard-hit Dominica, the small Caribbean island's Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit announced on Thursday. The hurricane devastated the island, which has some 72,000 inhabitants and was hit by the storm on September 18 when it was at the height of its Category Five power.
CEDRICK ISHAM CALVADOS / AFP/Getty Images
A picture shows the ocean on September 18, 2017, in Basse-Terre, on the Fench Caribbean island of Guadeloupe, as Hurricane Maria approaches the Caribbean. Hurricane Maria strengthened rapidly on September 18 as it blasted towards the eastern Caribbean, forcing exhausted islanders -- still recovering from megastorm Irma -- to brace for the worst again. The US National Hurricane Center (NHC) said the "major hurricane" had intensified to Category 3 as it approached the French island of Guadeloupe, the base for relief operations for several islands devastated by Irma this month.
RICARDO ARDUENGO / AFP/Getty Images
An aerial view shows the flooded neighbourhood of Juana Matos in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria in Catano, Puerto Rico, on September 22, 2017. Puerto Rico battled dangerous floods Friday after Hurricane Maria ravaged the island, as rescuers raced against time to reach residents trapped in their homes and the death toll climbed to 33. Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rossello called Maria the most devastating storm in a century after it destroyed the US territory's electricity and telecommunications infrastructure.
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Aerial view of the devastation at Palma Real Shopping Center in Humacao, a municipality on the east side of Puerto Rico. MUST CREDIT: Photo by Dennis M. Rivera Pichardo for The Washington Post. ** Usable by BS, CT, DP, FL, HC, MC, OS, SD, CGT and CCT **
Dennis M. Rivera Pichardo for The Washington Post
Aerial photo of flooding in the costal town of Loiza, on the north shore of Puerto Rico.
Carlos Giusti / AP
Rescue personnel from the Emergency Management Agency drive through a flooded road after Hurricane Maria hit the eastern region of the island, in Humacao, Puerto Rico, Tuesday, September 20, 2017. The strongest hurricane to hit Puerto Rico in more than 80 years destroyed hundreds of homes, knocked out power across the entire island and turned some streets into raging rivers in an onslaught that could plunge the U.S. territory deeper into financial crisis. (AP Photo/Carlos Giusti)
HECTOR RETAMAL / AFP/Getty Images
A man walks in his house which was destroyed by Hurricane Maria, in Catano town, Juana Matos, Puerto Rico, on September 21, 2017. Puerto Rico braced for potentially calamitous flash flooding after being pummeled by Hurricane Maria which devastated the island and knocked out the entire electricity grid. The hurricane, which Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rossello called "the most devastating storm in a century," had battered the island of 3.4 million people after roaring ashore early Wednesday with deadly winds and heavy rain.
CEDRICK ISHAM CALVADOS / AFP/Getty Images
An uprooted tree covers a small house in the village of Viard - Petit Bourg, near Pointe-a-Pitre, on September 19, 2017 in the French territory of Guadeloupe after the passage of Hurricane Maria. Hurricane Maria headed towards the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico on September 19, with the US National Hurricane Center warning of a "potentially catastrophic" impact as it battered the eastern Caribbean. Arriving just as islanders in the region are struggling to recover from devastating Hurricane Irma which struck earlier this month, Maria claimed its first victim in the French territory of Guadeloupe, where two other people were missing.
LIONEL CHAMOISEAU / AFP/Getty Images
A picture shows an uprooted tree on the beach in Saint-Pierre, on the French Caribbean island of Martinique, after it was hit by Hurricane Maria, on September 19, 2017. Martinique suffered power outages but avoided major damage.
HECTOR RETAMAL / AFP/Getty Images
Rain and wind hit a parking lot at Roberto Clemente Coliseum in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on September 20, 2017, during the passage of the Hurricane Maria. Maria made landfall on Puerto Rico on Wednesday, pummeling the US territory after already killing at least two people on its passage through the Caribbean. The US National Hurricane Center warned of "large and destructive waves" as Maria came ashore near Yabucoa on the southeast coast.
Carlos Giusti / AP
Electricity poles and lines lay toppled on the road after Hurricane Maria hit the eastern region of the island, in Humacao, Puerto Rico, Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2017. The strongest hurricane to hit Puerto Rico in more than 80 years destroyed hundreds of homes, knocked out power across the entire island and turned some streets into raging rivers in an onslaught that could plunge the U.S. territory deeper into financial crisis. (AP Photo/Carlos Giusti)
CEDRICK ISHAM CALVADOS / AFP/Getty Images
The wreckage of a pergola is pictured in the village of Goyave on September 19, 2017 in the French territory of Guadeloupe after the passage of Hurricane Maria. Hurricane Maria headed toward the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico on September 19, with the US National Hurricane Center warning of a "potentially catastrophic" impact as it battered the eastern Caribbean. Arriving just as islanders in the region are struggling to recover from devastating Hurricane Irma which struck earlier this month, Maria claimed its first victim in the French territory of Guadeloupe, where two other people were missing.
LIONEL CHAMOISEAU / AFP/Getty Images
A woman carries her belongings in a street of Roseau, capital of the Caribbean island Dominica, on September 21, 2017 after Hurricane Maria struck the island. Hurricane Maria left more than 15 people dead in hard-hit Dominica, the small Caribbean island's Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit announced on Thursday. The hurricane devastated the island, which has some 72,000 inhabitants and was hit by the storm on September 18 when it was at the height of its Category Five power.
Alex Wroblewski / Getty Images
A resident surveys the damage on her property after Hurricane Maria made landfall, September 21, 2017 in the Guaynabo suburb of San Juan, Puerto Rico. The majority of the island has lost power, in San Juan many are left without running water or cell phone service, and the Governor said Maria is the "most devastating storm to hit the island this century."
HECTOR RETAMAL / AFP/Getty Images
A man walks in his house destroyed by Hurricane Maria, in Catano town, Juana Matos, Puerto Rico, on September 21, 2017. Puerto Rico braced for potentially calamitous flash flooding after being pummeled by Hurricane Maria which devastated the island and knocked out the entire electricity grid. The hurricane, which Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rossello called "the most devastating storm in a century," had battered the island of 3.4 million people after roaring ashore early Wednesday with deadly winds and heavy rain.
HECTOR RETAMAL / AFP/Getty Images
Inhabitants of Puerto Nuevo neighbourhood stand next to roof blown off during the passage of Hurricane Maria, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on September 20, 2017. Maria slammed into Puerto Rico on, cutting power on most of the US territory as terrified residents hunkered down in the face of the island's worst storm in living memory. After leaving a deadly trail of destruction on a string of smaller Caribbean islands, Maria made landfall on Puerto Rico's southeast coast around daybreak, packing winds of around 150 mph.
Alex Wroblewski / Getty Images
A tree is uprooted in the Miramar neighborhood after Hurricane Maria made landfall on September 20, 2017 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Thousands of people have sought refuge in shelters, and electricity and phone lines have been severely effected.
CEDRICK ISHAM CALVADOS / AFP/Getty Images
A man and a girl look at the ocean on September 18, 2017, in Basse-Terre, on the Fench Caribbean island of Guadeloupe, as Hurricane Maria approaches the Caribbean. Hurricane Maria strengthened rapidly on September 18 as it blasted towards the eastern Caribbean, forcing exhausted islanders -- still recovering from megastorm Irma -- to brace for the worst again. The US National Hurricane Center (NHC) said the "major hurricane" had intensified to Category 3 as it approached the French island of Guadeloupe, the base for relief operations for several islands devastated by Irma this month.
HELENE VALENZUELA / AFP/Getty Images
This photo taken on September 20, 2017 shows a grounded yacht after the passage of Hurricanes Irma and Maria on September 20, 2017 in Anse Marcel, on the French Caribbean island of St. Martin. Hurricane Maria left more than 15 people dead in hard-hit Dominica, the small Caribbean island's prime minister said on September 21. Maria seems to have sparred Saint-Martin, which was devastated by Irma, where it left 15 dead.
Dennis M. Rivera Pichardo / For The Washington Post
Fishing boats with severe damage at Club Nautico in the San Juan Bay in Puerto Rico.
Dennis M. Rivera Pichardo for The Washington Post
The line outside a supermarket in San Juan snakes around the building Friday morning as supplies were in high demand.
HELENE VALENZUELA / AFP/Getty Images
Destroyed trees and houses are seen after the passage of hurricane Irma and Maria in Orient Bay, St. Martin, on September 20, 2017. After killing at least nine people in the Caribbean, Maria slammed into Puerto Rico's southeast coast at daybreak before churning across the US territory which is home to 3.4 million.
HECTOR RETAMAL / AFP/Getty Images
This view shows the rain from the passage of the Hurricane Maria from Roberto Clemente Coliseum where residents have sought shelter in San Juan, Puerto Rico, early on September 20, 2017. Hurricane Maria closed in on the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico on September 20 as forecasters warned of a "potentially catastrophic" storm that has already killed at least two people in the Caribbean.
Tatiana Fernandez / AP
A gift shop damaged in the crossing of Hurricane Maria is shown on Cofrecito Beach, Bavaro, Dominican Republic, Thursday, Sept. 21, 2017. Rain from the storm will continue in the Dominican Republic for the next two days according to meteorologists. (AP Photo/Tatiana Fernandez)
RICARDO ARDUENGO / AFP/Getty Images
A boy sits on a beach alone before the anticipated arrival of Hurricane Maria in San Juan, Puerto Rico on September 18, 2017. Hurricane Maria has grown into a maximum-strength Category Five storm, US forecasters said Monday, as it was bearing down on the Caribbean island of Dominica.
Carlos Giusti / AP
A family helps clean the road after Hurricane Maria hit the eastern region of the island, in Humacao, Puerto Rico, Tuesday, September 20, 2017. The strongest hurricane to hit Puerto Rico in more than 80 years destroyed hundreds of homes, knocked out power across the entire island and turned some streets into raging rivers in an onslaught that could plunge the U.S. territory deeper into financial crisis. (AP Photo/Carlos Giusti)
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San Juan is seen during a blackout after Hurricane Maria made landfall on September 20, 2017 in Puerto Rico. Thousands of people have sought refuge in shelters, and electricity and phone lines have been severely effected.
Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images
Eleanor Mota finishes sharing news of Hurricane Maria with her neighbor more than a week after Hurricane Irma made landfall, on September 18, 2017 in Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. Mota and her husband saved many lives when they sheltered half a dozen neighbors in a concrete-fortified addition to their home as Irma slammed into the island. With sustained winds of 150mph, Irma blew completely through the Tutu High Rise building, killing one woman when she was sucked out of her apartment. Hurricane Irma slammed into the Leeward Islands on September 6 as a Category 5 storm, killing four and causing major damage on the islands of St. John and St. Thomas.
CEDRICK ISHAM CALVADOS / AFP/Getty Images
A flooded road and a bus stop are pictured on Boulevard Chanzy in downtown Pointe-a-Pitre on September 19, 2017 in the French territory of Guadeloupe after the passage of Hurricane Maria. Hurricane Maria headed toward the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico on September 19, with the US National Hurricane Center warning of a "potentially catastrophic" impact as it battered the eastern Caribbean. Arriving just as islanders in the region are struggling to recover from devastating Hurricane Irma which struck earlier this month, Maria claimed its first victim in the French territory of Guadeloupe, where two other people were missing.
RICARDO ARDUENGO / AFP/Getty Images
Cars drive through a flooded road in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on September 21, 2017. Puerto Rico braced for potentially calamitous flash flooding after being pummeled by Hurricane Maria which devastated the island and knocked out the entire electricity grid. The hurricane, which Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rossello called "the most devastating storm in a century," had battered the island of 3.4 million people after roaring ashore early Wednesday with deadly winds and heavy rain.
STR / AFP/Getty Images
View of damage caused by Hurricane Maria in Roseau, Dominica, on September 20, 2017. Hurricane Maria smashed into the eastern Caribbean island of Dominica on Tuesday, with its prime minister describing devastating damage as winds and rain from the storm also hit territories still reeling from Irma.
HECTOR RETAMAL / AFP/Getty Images
An Inhabitant of the Puerto Nuevo neighborhood walks through flood water during the passage of Hurricane Maria, in the neightborhood Puerto Nuevo, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on September 20, 2017. Maria slammed into Puerto Rico on Wednesday, cutting power on most of the US territory as terrified residents hunkered down in the face of the island's worst storm in living memory. After leaving a deadly trail of destruction on a string of smaller Caribbean islands, Maria made landfall on Puerto Rico's southeast coast around daybreak, packing winds of around 150 mph.
RICARDO ARDUENGO / AFP/Getty Images
Winds lash the coastal city of Fajardo as Hurricane Maria approaches Puerto Rico, on September 19, 2017. Maria headed towards the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico after battering the eastern Caribbean island of Dominica, with the US National Hurricane Center warning of a "potentially catastrophic" impact.
LIONEL CHAMOISEAU / AFP/Getty Images
A man walk next to debris on a beach in Le Carbet, on the French Caribbean island of Martinique, after it was hit by Hurricane Maria, on September 19, 2017. Hurricane Maria smashed into the eastern Caribbean island of Dominica on September 19, with its prime minister describing devastating damage as winds and rain from the storm also hit territories still reeling from Irma. Martinique, a French island south of Dominica, suffered power outages but avoided major damage.
Carlos Giusti / AP
Residents evacuate after the passing of Hurricane Maria, in Toa Baja, Puerto Rico, Friday, September 22, 2017. Because of the heavy rains brought by Maria, thousands of people were evacuated from Toa Baja after the municipal government opened the gates of the Rio La Plata Dam. (AP Photo/Carlos Giusti)
Carlos Giusti / AP
People walk next to a gas station flooded and damaged by the impact of Hurricane Maria, which hit the eastern region of the island, in Humacao, Puerto Rico, Wednesday, September 20, 2017. The strongest hurricane to hit Puerto Rico in more than 80 years destroyed hundreds of homes, knocked out power across the entire island and turned some streets into raging rivers in an onslaught that could plunge the U.S. territory deeper into financial crisis. (AP Photo/Carlos Giusti)
HELENE VALENZUELA / AFP/Getty Images
Members of the military help remove damaged boats after the passage of hurricane Irma and Maria in Orient Bay, St. Martin, on September 20, 2017. After killing at least nine people in the Caribbean, Maria slammed into Puerto Rico's southeast coast at daybreak before churning across the US territory which is home to 3.4 million.
Carlos Giusti / AP
People walk through a flooded area after the impact of Hurricane Maria, which hit the eastern region of the island, in Humacao, Puerto Rico, Wednesday, September 20, 2017. The strongest hurricane to hit Puerto Rico in more than 80 years destroyed hundreds of homes, knocked out power across the entire island and turned some streets into raging rivers in an onslaught that could plunge the U.S. territory deeper into financial crisis. (AP Photo/Carlos Giusti)
RICARDO ARDUENGO / AFP/Getty Images
A man carries a plywood board to board up windows of a business in preparation for the anticipated arrival of Hurricane Maria in San Juan, Puerto Rico on September 18, 2017. Hurricane Maria has grown into a maximum-strength Category Five storm, US forecasters said Monday, as it was bearing down on the Caribbean island of Dominica.
RICARDO ARDUENGO / AFP/Getty Images
A man walks by a shop covered up with woodboard before the anticipated arrival of Hurricane Maria in San Juan, Puerto Rico on September 18, 2017. Hurricane Maria has grown into a maximum-strength Category Five storm, US forecasters said Monday, as it was bearing down on the Caribbean island of Dominica.
HECTOR RETAMAL / AFP/Getty Images
A man looks as trees are toppled in a parking lot at Roberto Clemente Coliseum in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on September 20, 2017, during the passage of the Hurricane Maria. Maria made landfall on Puerto Rico on Wednesday, pummeling the US territory after already killing at least two people on its passage through the Caribbean. The US National Hurricane Center warned of "large and destructive waves" as Maria came ashore near Yabucoa on the southeast coast.
Dennis M. Rivera Pichardo / For The Washington Post
Fishing boats with severe damage at Club Nautico in the San Juan Bay in Puerto Rico.
Alex Wroblewski / Getty Images
Damage in the Miramar neighborhood is seen from inside the Ciqala hotel as Hurricane Maria bears down September 20, 2017 in San Juan, Puerto Rico . Thousands of people have sought refuge in shelters, and electricity and phone lines have been severely effected.
Alex Wroblewski / Getty Images
Damage in the Miramar neighborhood is seen from inside the Ciqala hotel as Hurricane Maria bears down September 20, 2017 in of San Juan, on Puerto Rico. Thousands of people have sought refuge in shelters, and electricity and phone lines have been severely effected.
CEDRICK ISHAM CALVADOS / AFP/Getty Images
TOPSHOT - A man and a boy nail a board over a window on September 18, 2017, in Trois-Rivieres, on the Fench Caribbean island of Guadeloupe, as Hurricane Maria approaches the Caribbean. Hurricane Maria strengthened rapidly on September 18 as it blasted towards the eastern Caribbean, forcing exhausted islanders -- still recovering from megastorm Irma -- to brace for the worst again. The US National Hurricane Center (NHC) said the "major hurricane" had intensified to Category 3 as it approached the French island of Guadeloupe, the base for relief operations for several islands devastated by Irma this month.
HECTOR RETAMAL / AFP/Getty Images
Residents of San Juan, Puerto Rico, deal with damages to their homes on September 20, 2017, as Hurricane Maria batters the island. Maria slammed into Puerto Rico on Wednesday, cutting power on most of the US territory as terrified residents hunkered down in the face of the island's worst storm in living memory. After leaving a deadly trail of destruction on a string of smaller Caribbean islands, Maria made landfall on Puerto Rico's southeast coast around daybreak, packing winds of around 150 mph.
HECTOR RETAMAL / AFP/Getty Images
Trees are toppled in a parking lot at Roberto Clemente Coliseum in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on September 20, 2017, during the passage of the Hurricane Maria. Maria made landfall on Puerto Rico on Wednesday, pummeling the US territory after already killing at least two people on its passage through the Caribbean. The US National Hurricane Center warned of "large and destructive waves" as Maria came ashore near Yabucoa on the southeast coast.
ERIKA SANTELICES / AFP/Getty Images
A man rides a motorcyle along a flooded street in Punta Cana, in the Dominican Republic, as Hurricane Maria approaches on September 20, 2017. The government of the Dominican Republic told people to stay home from their public and private sector jobs on Thursday, when the hurricane is expected to hit the island.
RICARDO ARDUENGO / AFP/Getty Images
Winds lash the coastal city of Fajardo as Hurricane Maria approaches Puerto Rico, on September 19, 2017. Maria headed towards the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico after battering the eastern Caribbean island of Dominica, with the US National Hurricane Center warning of a "potentially catastrophic" impact.
RICARDO ARDUENGO / AFP/Getty Images
A man surfs a wave at a beach in San Juan, Puerto Rico, before the anticipated arrival of Hurricane Maria, on September 18, 2017. Hurricane Maria has grown into a maximum-strength Category Five storm, US forecasters said Monday, as it was bearing down on the Caribbean island of Dominica.
HECTOR RETAMAL / AFP/Getty Images
A man looks as trees are toppled in a parking lot at Roberto Clemente Coliseum in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on September 20, 2017, during the passage of the Hurricane Maria. Maria made landfall on Puerto Rico on Wednesday, pummeling the US territory after already killing at least two people on its passage through the Caribbean. The US National Hurricane Center warned of "large and destructive waves" as Maria came ashore near Yabucoa on the southeast coast.
LOLY_FWI / AFP/Getty Images
This handout picture released on September 19, 2017, on the Instagram account of "loly_fwi" shows the powerful winds and rain of hurricane Maria battering the Faidherbe boulevard along the City House (L) of Pointe-a-Pitre on the French overseas Caribbean island of Gaudeloupe. Hurricane Maria strengthened into a "potentially catastrophic" Category Five storm as it barrelled into eastern Caribbean islands still reeling from Irma, forcing residents to evacuate in powerful winds and lashing rain.
HELENE VALENZUELA / AFP/Getty Images
Members of the military help remove damaged boats after the passage of hurricane Irma and Maria in Orient Bay, St. Martin, on September 20, 2017. After killing at least nine people in the Caribbean, Maria slammed into Puerto Rico's southeast coast at daybreak before churning across the US territory which is home to 3.4 million.
CEDRICK ISHAM CALVADOS / AFP/Getty Images
An uprooted tree covers a small wooden and iron house in the village of Viard - Petit Bourg, near Pointe-a-Pitre, on September 19, 2017 in the French territory of Guadeloupe after the passage of Hurricane Maria. Hurricane Maria headed toward the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico on September 19, with the US National Hurricane Center warning of a "potentially catastrophic" impact as it battered the eastern Caribbean. Arriving just as islanders in the region are struggling to recover from devastating Hurricane Irma which struck earlier this month, Maria claimed its first victim in the French territory of Guadeloupe, where two other people were missing. / AFP PHOTO / Cedrick Isham CALVADOSCEDRICK ISHAM CALVADOS/AFP/Getty Images ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Stephan Kogelman / AP
Two local women chat as a Dutch Marine helps out in preparation for the arrival Hurricane Maria, in Oranjestad, Statia, on the Leeward Islands, Monday, Sept. 18 2017. Maria has intensified into a Category 5 hurricane as its eye is approaching Dominica in the eastern Caribbean, the U.S. Hurricane Center said in a statement on Monday evening. (AP Photo/Stephan Kogelman)
CEDRICK ISHAM CALVADOS / AFP/Getty Images
Motorists fill their cars at a petrol station on September 18, 2017, in the north of the Fench Caribbean island of Guadeloupe, as Hurricane Maria approaches the Caribbean. Hurricane Maria strengthened rapidly on September 18 as it blasted towards the eastern Caribbean, forcing exhausted islanders -- still recovering from megastorm Irma -- to brace for the worst again. The US National Hurricane Center (NHC) said the "major hurricane" had intensified to Category 3 as it approached the French island of Guadeloupe, the base for relief operations for several islands devastated by Irma this month.
LIONEL CHAMOISEAU / AFP/Getty Images
People stand next to debris at a restaurant in Le Carbet, on the French Caribbean island of Martinique, after it was hit by Hurricane Maria, on September 19, 2017. Hurricane Maria smashed into the eastern Caribbean island of Dominica on September 19, with its prime minister describing devastating damage as winds and rain from the storm also hit territories still reeling from Irma. Martinique, a French island south of Dominica, suffered power outages but avoided major damage.
Carlos Giusti / AP
Power lines are down after the impact of Hurricane Maria, which hit the eastern region of the island in Humacao, Puerto Rico, Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2017. (AP Photo/Carlos Giusti)
HELENE VALENZUELA / AFP/Getty Images
This photo taken on September 20, 2017 shows a damaged inflicted on a hotel after the passage of Hurricanes Irma and Maria on September 20, 2017 in Anse Marcel, on the French Caribbean island of St. Martin. Hurricane Maria left more than 15 people dead in hard-hit Dominica, the small Caribbean island's prime minister said on September 21. Maria seems to have sparred Saint-Martin, which was devastated by Irma, where it left 15 dead.
CEDRICK ISHAM CALVADOS / AFP/Getty Images
An uprooted tree is pictured on Boulevard Chanzy in downtown Pointe-a-Pitre on September 19, 2017 in the French territory of Guadeloupe after the passage of Hurricane Maria. Hurricane Maria headed toward the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico on September 19, with the US National Hurricane Center warning of a "potentially catastrophic" impact as it battered the eastern Caribbean. Arriving just as islanders in the region are struggling to recover from devastating Hurricane Irma which struck earlier this month, Maria claimed its first victim in the French territory of Guadeloupe, where two other people were missing.
Carlos Giusti / AP
Residents move aluminum panels from an intersection after Hurricane Maria hit the eastern region of the island, in Humacao, Puerto Rico, Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2017. The strongest hurricane to hit Puerto Rico in more than 80 years destroyed hundreds of homes, knocked out power across the entire island and turned some streets into raging rivers in an onslaught that could plunge the U.S. territory deeper into financial crisis. (AP Photo/Carlos Giusti)
YVES THOLE / AFP/Getty Images
This handout picture obtained from a video released on September 19, 2017, on the Twitter account of Yves Thole shows a flooded street in Pointe-a-Pitre after the powerful winds and rain of hurricane Maria battered the French overseas Caribbean island of Guadeloupe. Hurricane Maria strengthened into a "potentially catastrophic" Category Five storm as it barrelled into eastern Caribbean islands still reeling from Irma, forcing residents to evacuate in powerful winds and lashing rain.
LIONEL CHAMOISEAU / AFP/Getty Images
A motorist drives on the flooded waterfront in Fort-de-France, on the French Caribbean island of Martinique, after it was hit by Hurricane Maria, on September 19, 2017. Hurricane Maria smashed into the eastern Caribbean island of Dominica on September 19, with its prime minister describing devastating damage as winds and rain from the storm also hit territories still reeling from Irma. Martinique, a French island south of Dominica, suffered power outages but avoided major damage.
LIONEL CHAMOISEAU / AFP/Getty Images
An aerial view of Roseau, capital of the Caribbean island Dominica, shows destruction September 21, 2017, three days after passage of Hurricane Maria. Dominica, located near the French islands of Martinique and Guadeloupe, has been almost completely cut off from the world since the imapact of the hurricane.
RICARDO ARDUENGO / AFP/Getty Images
A woman pulls a trash can past a destroyed home as Hurricane Maria hits Puerto Rico in Fajardo, on September 20, 2017. Maria made landfall on Puerto Rico, pummeling the US territory after already killing at least two people on its passage through the Caribbean. The US National Hurricane Center warned of "large and destructive waves" as Maria came ashore near Yabucoa on the southeast coast.
Alex Wroblewski / Getty Images
A resident wades through flood water days after Hurricane Maria made landfall, on September 22, 2017 in Loiza, Puerto Rico. Many on the island have lost power, running water, and cell phone service after Hurricane Maria, a category 4 hurricane, passed through.
HELENE VALENZUELA / AFP/Getty Images
Destroyed trees and houses are seen after the passage of hurricane Irma and Maria in Orient Bay, St. Martin, on September 20, 2017. After killing at least nine people in the Caribbean, Maria slammed into Puerto Rico's southeast coast at daybreak before churning across the US territory which is home to 3.4 million.
CEDRICK ISHAM CALVADOS / AFP/Getty Images
A flooded road and a bus stop are pictured on Boulevard Chanzy in downtown Pointe-a-Pitre on September 19, 2017 in the French territory of Guadeloupe after the passage of Hurricane Maria. Hurricane Maria headed towards the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico on September 19, with the US National Hurricane Center warning of a "potentially catastrophic" impact as it battered the eastern Caribbean. Arriving just as islanders in the region are struggling to recover from devastating Hurricane Irma which struck earlier this month, Maria claimed its first victim in the French territory of Guadeloupe, where two other people were missing.
The Washington Post / The Washington Post
Puerto Rico is experiencing major flooding in numerous areas, including San Juan, shown in an aerial image Friday.
CEDRIK-ISHAM CALVADOS / AFP/Getty Images
A picture taken on September 19, 2017 shows the powerful winds and rains of hurricane Maria battering the city of Petit-Bourg on the French overseas Caribbean island of Guadeloupe. Hurricane Maria strengthened into a "potentially catastrophic" Category Five storm as it barrelled into eastern Caribbean islands still reeling from Irma, forcing residents to evacuate in powerful winds and lashing rain.
Dennis M. Rivera Pichardo / For The Washington Post
The owner of a damaged apartment looks the broken windows of his apartment in Ciudadela complex of Santurce in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
RICARDO ARDUENGO / AFP/Getty Images
A line of customers waits for the arrival of generators at a power sports store as Hurricane Maria approaches in San Juan, Puerto Ricoon on September 18, 2017. Hurricane Maria has grown into a maximum-strength Category Five storm, US forecasters said Monday, as it was bearing down on the Caribbean island of Dominica.
RICARDO ARDUENGO / AFP/Getty Images
People walk by a damaged sail boat washed ashore after the area was hit by Hurricane Maria in Fajardo, Puerto Rico on September 20, 2017. Maria made landfall on Puerto Rico, pummeling the US territory after already killing at least two people on its passage through the Caribbean. The US National Hurricane Center warned of "large and destructive waves" as Maria came ashore near Yabucoa on the southeast coast.
LIONEL CHAMOISEAU / AFP/Getty Images
A man clears debris from a street in Saint-Pierre, on the French Caribbean island of Martinique, after it was hit by Hurricane Maria, on September 19, 2017. Martinique suffered power outages but avoided major damage.
HECTOR RETAMAL / AFP/Getty Images
Men walk past damaged homes after the passage of Hurricane Maria, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on September 20, 2017. Maria slammed into Puerto Rico on, cutting power on most of the US territory as terrified residents hunkered down in the face of the island's worst storm in living memory. After leaving a deadly trail of destruction on a string of smaller Caribbean islands, Maria made landfall on Puerto Rico's southeast coast around daybreak, packing winds of around 150 mph.
LIONEL CHAMOISEAU / AFP/Getty Images
TOPSHOT - An aerial view of Roseau, capital of the Caribbean island Dominica, shows destruction September 21, 2017, three days after passage of Hurricane Maria. Dominica, located near the French islands of Martinique and Guadeloupe, has been almost completely cut off from the world since the imapact of the hurricane.
Tatiana Fernandez / AP
A boy plays at a flooded playground close to a shelter, while Hurricane Maria approaches the coast of Bavaro, Dominican Republic, Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2017. The U.S. National Hurricane Center says Maria has lost its major hurricane status, after raking Puerto Rico. But forecasters say some strengthening is in the forecast and Maria could again become a major hurricane by Thursday. (AP Photo/Tatiana Fernandez)
HELENE VALENZUELA / AFP/Getty Images
Destroyed trees and houses are seen after the passage of hurricane Irma and Maria in Orient Bay, St. Martin, on September 20, 2017. After killing at least nine people in the Caribbean, Maria slammed into Puerto Rico's southeast coast at daybreak before churning across the US territory which is home to 3.4 million.
RICARDO ARDUENGO / AFP/Getty Images
Cars drive through a flooded road in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Thursday, September 21, 2017. Puerto Rico braced for potentially calamitous flash flooding after being pummeled by Hurricane Maria which devastated the island and knocked out the entire electricity grid. The hurricane, which Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rossello called "the most devastating storm in a century," had battered the island of 3.4 million people after roaring ashore early Wednesday with deadly winds and heavy rain.
CEDRIK-ISHAM CALVADOS / AFP/Getty Images
A picture taken on September 19, 2017 shows the powerful winds and rains of hurricane Maria battering the city of Petit-Bourg on the French overseas Caribbean island of Guadeloupe. Hurricane Maria strengthened into a "potentially catastrophic" Category Five storm as it barrelled into eastern Caribbean islands still reeling from Irma, forcing residents to evacuate in powerful winds and lashing rain.
CEDRICK ISHAM CALVADOS / AFP/Getty Images
Pieces of corrugated iron rooftops are pictured on a road in the village of Colin - Petit Bourg on September 19, 2017 in the French territory of Guadeloupe after the passage of Hurricane Maria. Hurricane Maria headed toward the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico on September 19, with the US National Hurricane Center warning of a "potentially catastrophic" impact as it battered the eastern Caribbean. Arriving just as islanders in the region are struggling to recover from devastating Hurricane Irma which struck earlier this month, Maria claimed its first victim in the French territory of Guadeloupe, where two other people were missing.
HELENE VALENZUELA / AFP/Getty Images
A woman pushes her kids as members of the military help remove damaged boats after the passage of hurricane Irma and Maria in Orient Bay, St. Martin, on September 20, 2017. After killing at least nine people in the Caribbean, Maria slammed into Puerto Rico's southeast coast at daybreak before churning across the US territory which is home to 3.4 million.
HECTOR RETAMAL / AFP/Getty Images
Men walk damaged trees after the passage of Hurricane Maria, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on September 20, 2017. Maria slammed into Puerto Rico on, cutting power on most of the US territory as terrified residents hunkered down in the face of the island's worst storm in living memory. After leaving a deadly trail of destruction on a string of smaller Caribbean islands, Maria made landfall on Puerto Rico's southeast coast around daybreak, packing winds of around 150 mph.
RICARDO ARDUENGO / AFP/Getty Images
An aerial view shows the flooded neighbourhood of Juana Matos in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria in Catano, Puerto Rico, on September 22, 2017. Puerto Rico battled dangerous floods Friday after Hurricane Maria ravaged the island, as rescuers raced against time to reach residents trapped in their homes and the death toll climbed to 33. Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rossello called Maria the most devastating storm in a century after it destroyed the US territory's electricity and telecommunications infrastructure.
RICARDO ARDUENGO / AFP/Getty Images
An aerial view shows the flooded neighbourhood of Juana Matos in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria in Catano, Puerto Rico, on September 22, 2017. Puerto Rico battled dangerous floods Friday after Hurricane Maria ravaged the island, as rescuers raced against time to reach residents trapped in their homes and the death toll climbed to 33. Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rossello called Maria the most devastating storm in a century after it destroyed the US territory's electricity and telecommunications infrastructure.
LIONEL CHAMOISEAU / AFP/Getty Images
A picture taken on September 21, 2017 shows destruction and debris in Roseau, capital of the Caribean island Dominica, after Hurricane Maria struck the island. Hurricane Maria left more than 15 people dead in hard-hit Dominica, the small Caribbean island's Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit announced on Thursday. The hurricane devastated the island, which has some 72,000 inhabitants and was hit by the storm on September 18 when it was at the height of its Category Five power.
LIONEL CHAMOISEAU / AFP/Getty Images
A picture taken on September 21, 2017 shows debris in a street of Roseau, capital of the Caribean island Dominica, after Hurricane Maria struck the island. Hurricane Maria left more than 15 people dead in hard-hit Dominica, the small Caribbean island's Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit announced on Thursday. The hurricane devastated the island, which has some 72,000 inhabitants and was hit by the storm on September 18 when it was at the height of its Category Five power.
CEDRICK ISHAM CALVADOS / AFP/Getty Images
People look at the ocean on September 18, 2017, in Basse-Terre, on the Fench Caribbean island of Guadeloupe, as Hurricane Maria approaches the Caribbean. Hurricane Maria strengthened rapidly on September 18 as it blasted towards the eastern Caribbean, forcing exhausted islanders -- still recovering from megastorm Irma -- to brace for the worst again. The US National Hurricane Center (NHC) said the "major hurricane" had intensified to Category 3 as it approached the French island of Guadeloupe, the base for relief operations for several islands devastated by Irma this month.
RICARDO ARDUENGO / AFP/Getty Images
People board up windows of a business in preparation for the anticipated arrival of Hurricane Maria in San Juan, Puerto Rico on September 18, 2017. Hurricane Maria has grown into a maximum-strength Category Five storm, US forecasters said Monday, as it was bearing down on the Caribbean island of Dominica.
RICARDO ARDUENGO / AFP/Getty Images
Downed power line poles are seen as Hurricane Maria hits Puerto Rico in Fajardo, on September 20, 2017. Maria made landfall on Puerto Rico, pummeling the US territory after already killing at least two people on its passage through the Caribbean. The US National Hurricane Center warned of "large and destructive waves" as Maria came ashore near Yabucoa on the southeast coast.
CEDRIK-ISHAM CALVADOS / AFP/Getty Images
A picture taken on September 19, 2017 shows the powerful winds and rains of hurricane Maria battering the city of Petit-Bourg on the French overseas Caribbean island of Guadeloupe. Hurricane Maria strengthened into a "potentially catastrophic" Category Five storm as it barrelled into eastern Caribbean islands still reeling from Irma, forcing residents to evacuate in powerful winds and lashing rain.
HECTOR RETAMAL / AFP/Getty Images
Residents seek shelter inside Roberto Clemente Coliseum in San Juan, Puerto Rico, early on September 20, 2017, as Hurricane Maria passes the island. Hurricane Maria closed in on the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico on September 20 as forecasters warned of a "potentially catastrophic" storm that has already killed at least two people in the Caribbean.
LIONEL CHAMOISEAU / AFP/Getty Images
A picture shows strong waves along the coastline in Le Carbet, on the French Caribbean island of Martinique, after it was hit by Hurricane Maria, on September 19, 2017. Hurricane Maria smashed into the eastern Caribbean island of Dominica on September 19, with its prime minister describing devastating damage as winds and rain from the storm also hit territories still reeling from Irma. Martinique, a French island south of Dominica, suffered power outages but avoided major damage.
STR / AFP/Getty Images
View of damage caused by Hurricane Maria in Roseau, Dominica, on September 20, 2017. Hurricane Maria smashed into the eastern Caribbean island of Dominica on Tuesday, with its prime minister describing devastating damage as winds and rain from the storm also hit territories still reeling from Irma.
Carlos Giusti / AP
A car dealership lays in disarray after the impact of Hurricane Maria, which hit the eastern region of the island, in Humacao, Puerto Rico, Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2017. (AP Photo/Carlos Giusti)
LIONEL CHAMOISEAU / AFP/Getty Images
A picture shows the damaged terrace of a restaurant on a beach in Le Carbet, on the French Caribbean island of Martinique, after it was hit by Hurricane Maria, on September 19, 2017. Hurricane Maria smashed into the eastern Caribbean island of Dominica on September 19, with its prime minister describing devastating damage as winds and rain from the storm also hit territories still reeling from Irma. Martinique, a French island south of Dominica, suffered power outages but avoided major damage.
HECTOR RETAMAL / AFP/Getty Images
A dog looks out of a house flooded by Hurricane Maria, in Catano town, Juana Matos, Puerto Rico, on September 21, 2017. Puerto Rico braced for potentially calamitous flash flooding after being pummeled by Hurricane Maria which devastated the island and knocked out the entire electricity grid. The hurricane, which Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rossello called "the most devastating storm in a century," had battered the island of 3.4 million people after roaring ashore early Wednesday with deadly winds and heavy rain.
ERIKA SANTELICES / AFP/Getty Images
Men ride motorcyles along a flooded street in Punta Cana, in the Dominican Republic, as Hurricane Maria approaches on September 20, 2017. The government of the Dominican Republic told people to stay home from their public and private sector jobs on Thursday, when the hurricane is expected to hit the island.
RICARDO ARDUENGO / AFP/Getty Images
Hurricane Maria hits Puerto Rico in Fajardo. on September 19, 2017. Maria made landfall on Puerto Rico on Wednesday, pummeling the US territory after already killing at least two people on its passage through the Caribbean. The US National Hurricane Center warned of "large and destructive waves" as Maria came ashore near Yabucoa on the southeast coast.
HELENE VALENZUELA / AFP/Getty Images
Members of the military help remove damaged boats after the passage of hurricane Irma and Maria in Orient Bay, St. Martin, on September 20, 2017. After killing at least nine people in the Caribbean, Maria slammed into Puerto Rico's southeast coast at daybreak before churning across the US territory which is home to 3.4 million.
HECTOR RETAMAL / AFP/Getty Images
Inhabitants inspect houses destroyed by Hurricane Maria, in Catano town, Juana Matos, Puerto Rico, on September 21, 2017. Puerto Rico braced for potentially calamitous flash flooding after being pummeled by Hurricane Maria which devastated the island and knocked out the entire electricity grid. The hurricane, which Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rossello called "the most devastating storm in a century," had battered the island of 3.4 million people after roaring ashore early Wednesday with deadly winds and heavy rain.
Carlos Giusti / AP
Rescue vehicles from the Emergency Management Agency stand trapped under an awning during the impact of Hurricane Maria, which hit the eastern region of the island, in Humacao, Puerto Rico, Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2017. The U.S. National Hurricane Center says Maria has lost its major hurricane status, after raking Puerto Rico. But forecasters say some strengthening is in the forecast and Maria could again become a major hurricane by Thursday. (AP Photo/Carlos Giusti)
LIONEL CHAMOISEAU / AFP/Getty Images
A picture shows strong waves along the coastline in Le Carbet, on the French Caribbean island of Martinique, after it was hit by Hurricane Maria, on September 19, 2017. Hurricane Maria smashed into the eastern Caribbean island of Dominica on September 19, with its prime minister describing devastating damage as winds and rain from the storm also hit territories still reeling from Irma. Martinique, a French island south of Dominica, suffered power outages but avoided major damage.
RICARDO ARDUENGO / AFP/Getty Images
A couple walks past a shop covered up with woodboard for protection before the anticipated arrival of Hurricane Maria in San Juan, Puerto Rico on September 18, 2017. Hurricane Maria has grown into a maximum-strength Category Five storm, US forecasters said Monday, as it was bearing down on the Caribbean island of Dominica.
LIONEL CHAMOISEAU / AFP/Getty Images
A man cooks in a street of Roseau, capital of the Caribean island Dominica,on September 21, 2017, after Hurricane Maria struck the island. Hurricane Maria left more than 15 people dead in hard-hit Dominica, the small Caribbean island's Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit announced on Thursday. The hurricane devastated the island, which has some 72,000 inhabitants and was hit by the storm on September 18 when it was at the height of its Category Five power.
LIONEL CHAMOISEAU / AFP/Getty Images
People walk among debris at a restaurant in Le Carbet, on the French Caribbean island of Martinique, after it was hit by Hurricane Maria, on September 19, 2017. Hurricane Maria smashed into the eastern Caribbean island of Dominica on September 19, with its prime minister describing devastating damage as winds and rain from the storm also hit territories still reeling from Irma. Martinique, a French island south of Dominica, suffered power outages but avoided major damage.
RICARDO ARDUENGO / AFP/Getty Images
Friends play in the beach before the anticipated arrival of Hurricane Maria, in San Juan on September 18, 2017. Hurricane Maria has grown into a maximum-strength Category Five storm, US forecasters said Monday, as it was bearing down on the Caribbean island of Dominica.
Frank Phazin / AP
This photo provided by Frank Phazian shows flooding caused by Hurricane Maria near Le Raizet, Guadeloupe, Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2017. (Frank Phazian via AP)
HECTOR RETAMAL / AFP/Getty Images
Trees are toppled in a parking lot at Roberto Clemente Coliseum in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on September 20, 2017, during the passage of the Hurricane Maria. Maria made landfall on Puerto Rico on Wednesday, pummeling the US territory after already killing at least two people on its passage through the Caribbean. The US National Hurricane Center warned of "large and destructive waves" as Maria came ashore near Yabucoa on the southeast coast.
Carlos Giusti / AP
A resident wades through a flooded road in the Toa Ville community two days after the impact of Hurricane Maria in Toa Baja, Puerto Rico, Friday, Sept. 22, 2017. Because flooding, thousands of people are being evacuated from Toa Baja after the municipal government opened the gates of the Rio La Plata Dam. (AP Photo/Carlos Giusti)
RICARDO ARDUENGO / AFP/Getty Images
Hurricane Maria hits Puerto Rico in Fajardo. on September 19, 2017. Maria made landfall on Puerto Rico on Wednesday, pummeling the US territory after already killing at least two people on its passage through the Caribbean. The US National Hurricane Center warned of "large and destructive waves" as Maria came ashore near Yabucoa on the southeast coast.
Dennis M. Rivera Pichardo / For The Washington Post
Hurricane Maria left a path of destruction across Puerto Rico, including in the capital. San Juan.
HECTOR RETAMAL / AFP/Getty Images
A man looks as trees are toppled in a parking lot at Roberto Clemente Coliseum in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on September 20, 2017, during the passage of the Hurricane Maria. Maria made landfall on Puerto Rico on Wednesday, pummeling the US territory after already killing at least two people on its passage through the Caribbean. The US National Hurricane Center warned of "large and destructive waves" as Maria came ashore near Yabucoa on the southeast coast.
LIONEL CHAMOISEAU / AFP/Getty Images
A resident stands at her doorstep as she looks at strong waves in Saint-Pierre, on the French Caribbean island of Martinique, after it was hit by Hurricane Maria, on September 19, 2017. Martinique suffered power outages but avoided major damage.
RICARDO ARDUENGO / AFP/Getty Images
Partially flooded houses are seen in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria in Catano, Puerto Rico, on September 22, 2017. Puerto Rico battled dangerous floods Friday after Hurricane Maria ravaged the island, as rescuers raced against time to reach residents trapped in their homes and the death toll climbed to 33. Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rossello called Maria the most devastating storm in a century after it destroyed the US territory's electricity and telecommunications infrastructure.
Freeman Rogers / AP
Trees stand barren and debris lays on the roadside, caused by Hurricane Maria in Road Town, on the island of Tortola, in the British Virgin Islands, early Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2017. (AP Photo/Freeman Rogers)
RICARDO ARDUENGO / AFP/Getty Images
A coin weighing scale lies between debris from a destroyed bar as Hurricane Maria hits Puerto Rico in Fajardo, on September 20, 2017. Maria made landfall on Puerto Rico, pummeling the US territory after already killing at least two people on its passage through the Caribbean. The US National Hurricane Center warned of "large and destructive waves" as Maria came ashore near Yabucoa on the southeast coast.
CEDRIK-ISHAM CALVADOS / AFP/Getty Images
A picture taken on September 19, 2017 shows the powerful winds and rains of hurricane Maria battering the city of Petit-Bourg on the French overseas Caribbean island of Guadeloupe. Hurricane Maria strengthened into a "potentially catastrophic" Category Five storm as it barrelled into eastern Caribbean islands still reeling from Irma, forcing residents to evacuate in powerful winds and lashing rain.
Alex Wroblewski / Getty Images
Property in Loiza, Puerto Rico days after Hurricane Maria made landfall, on September 22, 2017. Many on the island have lost power, running water, and cell phone service after Hurricane Maria, a category 4 hurricane, passed through.
HECTOR RETAMAL / AFP/Getty Images
Inhabitants stand in flood water in front of a house flooded in Juana Matos, Catano, Puerto Rico, on September 21, 2017. Puerto Rico braced for potentially calamitous flash flooding after being pummeled by Hurricane Maria which devastated the island and knocked out the entire electricity grid. The hurricane, which Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rossello called "the most devastating storm in a century," had battered the island of 3.4 million people after roaring ashore early Wednesday with deadly winds and heavy rain.
RICARDO ARDUENGO / AFP/Getty Images
A boy sits on a beach alone before the anticipated arrival of Hurricane Maria in San Juan, Puerto Rico on September 18, 2017. Hurricane Maria has grown into a maximum-strength Category Five storm, US forecasters said Monday, as it was bearing down on the Caribbean island of Dominica.
LIONEL CHAMOISEAU / AFP/Getty Images
A picture shows damages at a restaurant in Le Carbet, on the French Caribbean island of Martinique, after it was hit by Hurricane Maria, on September 19, 2017. Hurricane Maria smashed into the eastern Caribbean island of Dominica on September 19, with its prime minister describing devastating damage as winds and rain from the storm also hit territories still reeling from Irma. Martinique, a French island south of Dominica, suffered power outages but avoided major damage.

By David Harris | Orlando Sentinel

PUBLISHED: September 19, 2017 at 9:05 p.m. | UPDATED: August 21, 2019 at 8:29 p.m.

Hurricane Maria intensified Tuesday night, carrying sustained winds of 175 mph as the “extremely dangerous” storm barreled toward a possible direct hit on Puerto Rico.

The Category 5 hurricane could bring a storm surge of 6 to 9 feet, according to the National Hurricane Center, which called it a “potentially catastrophic” storm. So far, Maria does not pose a threat to Florida as the track shows the hurricane will remain well east of the state.

Authorities in the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico warned that people in wooden or flimsy homes should find safe shelter before the storm’s expected arrival there Wednesday.

“You have to evacuate. Otherwise, you’re going to die,” said Hector Pesquera, the island’s public-safety commissioner. “I don’t know how to make this any clearer.”

The storm, which is coming on the heels of Hurricane Irma, was about 145 miles southeast of San Juan, Puerto Rico, as of 9 p.m. and headed west-northwest at 10 mph.

Hurricane warnings were in effect for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The hurricane center told residents that preparations should be “rushed to completion.”

“A life-threatening storm surge, accompanied by large and destructive waves, is expected for the Leeward Islands, the U.S. and British Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico,” the hurricane center said.

In Puerto Rico, nearly 70,000 people were still without power following their brush with Irma.

Gov. Ricardo Rosselló said Puerto Rico has 500 shelters capable of taking in up to 133,000 people in a worst-case scenario. He also said the Federal Emergency Management Agency was ready to bring drinking water and help restore power.

“This is going to impact all of Puerto Rico with a force and violence that we haven’t seen for several generations,” Rosselló said. “We’re going to lose a lot of infrastructure in Puerto Rico. We’re going to have to rebuild.”

Rosselló warned that an island-wide power outage could last a “long time” given the power company’s deteriorated infrastructure.

Forecasters warned Maria could intensify during the next 24 hours or longer, noting its eye had shrunk to a compact 10 miles across and warning: “Maria is developing the dreaded pinhole eye.”

That generally means a strong hurricane will get even mightier, said Brian McNoldy, a hurricane researcher at the University of Miami. He compared it to a spinning ice skater bringing in her arms and rotating faster.

“You just don’t see those in weaker hurricanes,” McNoldy said.

The storm’s hurricane-force winds extended out about 35 miles and tropical storm-force winds out as far as 125 miles.

Meanwhile, Hurricane Jose is expected to produced dangerous surf and rip currents along the U.S. East Coast. As of 8 p.m.Tuesday, Jose had sustained winds of 75 mph and was 265 miles south-southwest of Nantucket, Mass.

Jose is expected to weaken by Wednesday and will not make landfall. Parts of New York, Connecticut and Rhode Island will see rain that could cause isolated flooding.

Hurricane Maria smashed into Dominica with 160 mph winds overnight Monday, ripping the roof off even the prime minister’s residence and causing what he called “mind-boggling” devastation Tuesday as it plunged into a Caribbean region already ravaged by Hurricane Irma.

Dominica Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit said on his Facebook page that “initial reports are of widespread devastation” and said he feared there would be deaths because of rain-fed landslides.

He said even his own house had lost its roof, adding: “I am at the complete mercy of the hurricane. House is flooding.” Seven minutes later, he reported he had been rescued.

Maria’s eye roared over the island late Monday night. Fierce winds and rain lashed mountainous Dominica for hours.

A police official on the island, Inspector Pellam Jno Baptiste, said late Monday night that there were no immediate reports of casualties but it was too dangerous for officers to check conditions.

“Where we are, we can’t move,” he said in a brief phone interview while hunkered down against the region’s second Category 5 hurricane this month.

“The winds are merciless! We shall survive by the grace of God,” Skerrit wrote at the start of a series of increasingly harrowing posts on Facebook.

A few minutes later, he messaged he could hear the sound of galvanized steel roofs tearing off houses.

He then wrote that he thought his home had been damaged, and added: “Rough! Rough! Rough!”

Officials said one person has died on the French Caribbean island of Guadeloupe after being hit by a falling tree. It’s the first death attributed to Hurricane Maria.

In Guadeloupe, authorities say the person who died did not comply with orders to remain indoors. They say two other people are reported missing after their boat sank off La Desirade island, just east of Guadeloupe.

About 80,000 homes — 40 percent of the island — are without power. Flooding has been reported, especially along the southern coast.

On the nearby island of Martinique, officials said about 25,000 households were without electricity and two small towns without water after Maria roared past.

Close to Maria’s path is the island of St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands, where territorial Gov. Kenneth Mapp said Tuesday would be “a very, very long night.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

dharris@orlandosentinel.com

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