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Which Caribbean islands have been worst hit by Hurricane Maria – and where else is in its path?

Puerto Rico is anticipating Maria's arrival tomorrow - This content is subject to copyright.
Puerto Rico is anticipating Maria's arrival tomorrow - This content is subject to copyright.

Barely a week after Hurricane Irma devastated the Caribbean, another “extremely dangerous” category five storm is threatening the region.

Hurricane Maria – the fourth named storm since Irma – has already caused extensive damage across Dominica and is barrelling towards Puerto Rico and the British Virgin Islands, to which the Foreign Office is advising against all travel.

The National Weather Service has issued a number of hurricane warnings, declaring the threat to life and property as “extreme”. Winds of 160mph are expected.

Which islands have been hit?

The eye passed over Dominica last night. As the hurricane was causing chaos on the island, prime minister Roosevelt Skerrit posted on social media a statement declaring the “widespread devastation”.

“So far the winds have swept away roofs of almost every person I have spoken to or otherwise made contact with,” he said. “Come tomorrow morning we will hit the road, as soon as the all clear is given, in search of the injured and those trapped in the rubble.

“I am honestly not preoccupied with physical damage at this time, because it is devastating... indeed, mind boggling. My focus now is in rescuing the trapped and securing medical assistance for the injured.

“We will need help, my friend, we will need help of all kinds.”

Which islands are preparing for the hurricane?

If it keeps to its trajectory, Maria is set to directly hit Puerto Rico early on Wednesday.

A statement from the Puerto Rico Tourism Company said it was encouraging all hotels and resorts to “finish all emergency preparations as soon as possible and safeguard the lives of all staff members and guests”.

Hurricane Maria storm path forecast
Hurricane Maria storm path forecast

San Juan International is set to close Tuesday evening, but the PRTC said it expected all major airlines to continue to operate flights “weather permitting”.

Hurricane warnings have also been issued for the US and British Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, St Kitts and Nevis, and Montserrat. A tropical storm warning is also in force for Martinique, Antigua and Barbuda, Saba, St Eustatius, St Maarten, St Lucia and Anguilla.

The US National Hurricane Center said the storm would likely intensify into Wednesday, noting that its eye had shrunk to a compact 10 miles across and warning: "Maria is developing the dreaded pinhole eye."

Contrary to Irma, Maria looks set to swing north, turning right at the Bahamas, rather than heading to Cuba and Florida.

At a glance | Caribbean hurricanes
At a glance | Caribbean hurricanes

Has the Foreign Office issued advice?

Yes, the FCO has urged British nationals in the region to monitor updates from the US National Hurricane Centre and follow the instructions of the local authorities, including any evacuation orders.

It is also currently advising against all travel to the British Virgin Islands, where Maria is expected to make landfall.

“Following the extensive damage caused by Hurricane Irma, there’s a high risk of further severe damage. Coastal flooding is also highly likely,” it said.

“If you’re in the British Virgin Islands you should identify shelter immediately and be ready to take cover when the hurricane approaches.”

It has also issued warnings to travellers in Anguilla and Turks and Caicos of the impending hurricane.

Puerto Rico is preparing for the arrival of Maria - Credit: Getty
Puerto Rico is preparing for the arrival of Maria Credit: Getty

Have flights been affected?

While Irma caused widespread disruption to flights leaving the UK for the Caribbean, Maria is not set to do so.

British Airways said it was monitoring the situation and keeping its schedule under review. It offered any customers due to fly to the region up to September 24 the opportunity to delay until September 30, or use the value of the fare to rebook to alternative destination.

BA said a number of flights to St Lucia, Antigua and St Kitts, among others, had been impacted by Maria, with some delayed or cancelled. Visit the airline's website for more information.

A spokesperson for Virgin Atlantic said that Monday’s flights between Gatwick and St Lucia ran today instead, and that Tuesday’s flights between Gatwick and Antigua will operate tomorrow.

“We aren’t anticipating anything beyond the St Lucia and Antigua delays at this stage,” said a spokesperson, “however we’re closely watching the hurricane path and are in touch with airports in the Caribbean to ensure it’s safe to operate.”

Thomas Cook said it was continuing to monitor the situation. “A hurricane watch has been issued in the Dominican Republic, so we have taken the precaution of arranging for eight members of our Special Assistance Team to fly to the destination tomorrow. Alongside our resort staff, they will keep our customers already in the destination updated on the hurricane’s progress and will be on hand to offer further assistance where needed,” a statement said, urging anyone with concerns to contact the operator on 01733 224 536.

What about Hurricane Jose?

Jose has slowed down and is moving north off the coast of the Eastern Seaboard. The National Hurricane Centre anticipates it will diminish into the weekend and not make landfall.

There are warnings, however, of high winds, on the coastal regions of Rhode Island and New York.

Hurricane Irma leaves path of destruction in Caribbean as it hits Florida, in pictures
Hurricane Irma leaves path of destruction in Caribbean as it hits Florida, in pictures