#HurricaneIrma strengthened to a category 4 hurricane today and people are preparing for its impact. A state of emergency has been declared for #PuertoRico as well as Florida. “Despite the economic challenges Puerto Rico is facing, the approved budget has $15 million for the emergency fund,” Governor Ricardo Rosselló said in a statement. The island which has a population of 3.4 million only has 456 shelters that are prepared to house just over 62,000 people.
Florida Governor Rick Scott’s executive order states, “Hurricane Irma poses a severe threat to the entire State of Florida and requires that timely precautions are taken to protect the communities, critical infrastructure, and general welfare of this State.” Scott also urged Florida residents to use the Labor Day holiday to prepare storm kits and to stock up on food and supplies.
Irma, whose name translates to “war goddess,” is expected to “directly affect Hispaniola, the Turks and Caicos, the Bahamas, and Cuba as a dangerous major hurricane later this week,” according to the National Hurricane Center. However, they say it’s too early to be certain of the storm’s path.
“There is an increasing chance of seeing some impacts from Irma in the Florida Peninsula and the Florida Keys later this week and this weekend,” the NHC said. “In addition, rough surf and dangerous marine conditions will begin to affect the southeastern U.S. coast by later this week.”
Keep these areas in your prayers, Roommates!
TSR STAFF: Talia O. @theclosetratchet on IG, @tallyohhh on Twitter
Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2017/09/04/puerto-rico-declares-state-of-emergency-ahead-of-hurricane-irma.html
