Hurricane Irma caused widespread power outages, flooding, and property damage in its path, with estimates of total damages ranging from $50 to $100 billion. The aftermath of hurricane led to a significant mobilization of emergency responders, aid organizations, and volunteers to help those affected by the hurricane, particularly in the Caribbean islands that were hit the hardest.
Hurricane Irma Path
Hurricane Irma formed over the eastern Atlantic Ocean on August 30, 2017 and rapidly intensified. It first made landfall in the Leeward Islands on September 6. The hurricane then moved northwest towards Puerto Rico, causing widespread power outages and damage to buildings and infrastructure.
Irma then passed over the Dominican Republic and Haiti, causing flooding and landslides. The hurricane continued northwest towards the Turks and Caicos Islands and the Bahamas. Irma then turned north towards Florida, making landfall in the Florida Keys on September 10. The hurricane then moved north along the west coast of Florida. Irma continued north into Georgia and South Carolina, before dissipating over the southeastern United States.
What Category was Hurricane Irma
Hurricane Irma was classified as a Category 5 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, meaning it had sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour and a minimum central pressure of 920 millibars. The hurricane reached this intensity on September 5, 2017, and maintained it for several days, making it one of the longest-lived Category 5 hurricanes on record. It weakened slightly as it approached Florida, Hurricane still made landfall as a powerful Category 4 hurricane in the Florida Keys.
Damage From Hurricane Irma
Hurricane Irma caused significant damage in the areas it impacted.
- The hurricane caused catastrophic damage in several Caribbean islands, including Barbuda, Saint Martin, British Virgin Islands and U.S. Virgin Islands.
- Buildings, homes, and infrastructure were destroyed, and many people lost their lives.
- The islands faced significant challenges in the aftermath of the hurricane, including a lack of electricity, clean water, and food.
Florida
- Hurricane Irma made landfall in the Florida Keys on September 10, 2017, as a Category 4 hurricane.
- The hurricane caused significant damage to buildings, homes, and infrastructure, particularly in the Florida Keys and the city of Miami.
- Many homes and buildings suffered roof damage, and there was widespread flooding.
- Millions of people lost power, and many were without electricity for days or even weeks.
- The hurricane caused billions of dollars in damage in Florida alone.
Other States
- While Florida was the hardest-hit state, Hurricane Irma also caused damage in other southeastern U.S. states, including Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina.
- The hurricane caused power outages, flooding, and property damage in these states as it moved northward.
Overall, Hurricane Irma caused catastrophic damage and loss of life in several Caribbean islands, including Barbuda, Saint Martin, and the British and U.S. Virgin Islands. It was responsible for at least 134 deaths across the Caribbean and Florida, making it one of the deadliest hurricanes in recent history.