Caribbean braces for second major storm in a week

The Caribbean is bracing for another devastating storm, just days after Irma smashed into the low-lying islands. Jose, a Category 4 hurricane, is expected to make landfall today with towering waves and a deluge of rain. The French overseas territories of St. Martin and St. Barts suffered an estimated $1.44 billion in damage from Irma, which smashed buildings and tossed boats around like toys. The islands’ electrical and water systems suffered major damage. The former Dutch colony of St. Maarten also suffered severe damage from Irma and is bracing for Jose to pass close by. Meanwhile, in the Gulf of Mexico, Katia made landfall in southeastern Mexico as a Category 1 hurricane, quickly weakening into a tropical storm as it moved inland. The storm struck north of Tecolutla in Veracruz state, a region with a history of deadly mudslides and flooding.