Hurricane Maria has intensified into a category 5 storm as it begins its rampage through the eastern Caribbean islands. Dominica has been one of the first to feel its effects.




Key Words: Dominica’s prime minister gives harrowing live updates as Hurricane Maria hits https://t.co/SguSCqV6Fh— mssmoney (@mssmoney_1) September 19, 2017





Maria is the fourth major Atlantic hurricane this year and its potentially catastrophic force appears to be moving roughly along the same track as Irma, the hurricane that devastated the region earlier this month.




#Breaking: Hurricane Maria is now a Category 5 with 160 mph winds as it closes in on Dominica. #HurricaneMaria #Hurricane #Category5 #Maria pic.twitter.com/FmVf6tw0mR— Jesse M (@MrJesseM1) September 19, 2017





Last time spared Irma’s full onslaught, (Irma didn’t make landfall) Puerto Rico is now bracing itself for winds of up to 260 Km/h and storm surges of possibly three metres high.

The US territory has opened shelters and stock-piled supplies but locals are not convinced there have been adequate preparations:

“The problem in Puerto Rico is that the electricity and water cut off . The power system is precarious,” said a worried Benjamin, a local resident.

“What worries me most,” said Juan,“is that having already gone through one, then another (hurricane) comes along.”

Warnings have also gone out on Martinique, the US Virgin Islands and St Kitts and Nevis.

Many communities are still recovering from the last hurricane and there are fears Maria may whip up debris left by Irma posing an added threat.