Hurricane Irma threatens Caribbean, Florida

The U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico are bracing for Hurricane Irma, a Category 5 storm that could eventually hit Florida and other states along the east coast. The National Hurricane Center said it was still too early to predict the storm’s future track, but “everyone in hurricane-prone areas should ensure that they have their hurricane plan in place.” Irma’s center was expected to move near or over islands in the northeast Caribbean late Tuesday and early Wednesday. The eye was then expected to pass to within about 50 miles of Puerto Rico. The storm could dump up to 10 inches of rain, cause landslides and flash floods, and generate waves of up to 23 feet. The director of Puerto Rico’s electric company warned residents to prepare for power outages lasting anywhere from a week to six months.