It’s expected that Hurricane Fiona will make its way to the Dominican Republic next. Source: Twitter.
The electricity grid in Puerto Rico has taken a major hit after Hurricane Fiona has left 1.4 million households without power.
Severe flooding, heavy rainfall and strong winds have wreaked havoc across the Caribbean Island which has left three million people without power says PowerOutage US.
It’s expected to take several days for the electricity grid to be back up and running with only those lucky enough to have solar power or a generator with access to electricity.
The Category 1 weather system has seen maximum sustained winds of up to 140km/h while remote parts of the nation have seen 76 centimetres of rainfall over night but the National Hurricane Center says more damage is on the way.
“These rains will produce life-threatening and catastrophic flash and urban flooding across Puerto Rico and the eastern Dominican Republic, along with mudslides and landslides in areas of higher terrain,” they said.
Ports have been closed along with beaches and casinos with flights in and out of the international airport also cancelled.
There have also been reports of numerous road closures and landslides with an estimated 125 shelters opened for humanitarian assistance.
Severe flooding in Puerto Rico ?? right now as Hurricane Fiona moves in. Over 2 feet of rain expected.
? Via @GDELISCARpic.twitter.com/TfB7L29yxX
— Scott Duncan (@ScottDuncanWX) September 18, 2022
US President Joe Biden declared a federal disaster with Puerto Rico now able to access aid and funds, however several hospitals and health centres are still without power and much needed supplies.
Puerto Rican authorities say that there have been no casualties as of yet but the French Caribbean Island of Guadeloupe has reported a death.
The man was said to have died after his home was swept away by flood waters.
Hurricane Fiona has officially hit Puerto Rico and the entire island is currently without electricity, according to NPRpic.twitter.com/hxQl07CRCu
— Fifty Shades of Whey (@davenewworld_2) September 18, 2022
Fiona comes only five years on from Hurricane Maria, a Category 5 which devastated Puerto Rico and was one of the worst recorded weather systems in the Island’s history.
Over 3000 people were directly and indirectly killed over Puerto Rico, Dominica, and Saint Croix.
At it’s peak, the highest winds were recorded at 280km/h.
