CARIBBEAN ISLANDS
A new Category 3 storm system named Hurricane Maria, which is following a similar path to Hurricane Irma, is heading toward the Caribbean, threatening a direct hit on Puerto Rico and other nearby islands.
According to USA Today, “a potential impact on the East Coast will depend on steering currents in the upper atmosphere over the western Atlantic and the eastern U.S.” that are currently unpredictable.
Puerto Rico, Haiti and the Dominican Republic could be hit by Hurricane Maria as soon as Wednesday. Puerto Rico President Ricardo Rossello said the government has prepared hundreds of shelters.
Meanwhile, Hurricane Jose’s 75 mph winds will bring rip currents and rough surf to the U.S. East Coast. Tropical storm warnings have already been posted along much of the southeastern New England coast.
Editor's Note: Hurricane Maria has grown to a Category 4 storm as of the evening on Sept. 18.
