Puerto Rico is reporting catastrophic damage including widespread power outages after being pummeled by Hurricane Fiona. The storm barreled through the U.S. territory this weekend, knocking out the power grid. At least 2,000 people are in shelters. Authorities say no deaths have been reported, but that it’s too early to assess the full scope of the damage.
The storm was forecast to continue unleashing torrential rainfall through much of Monday; up to 30 inches of rain already fell in some parts of the island. The rains are heavy enough to produce what the National Weather Service calls “life-threatening and catastrophic flooding” along with mud and landslides, making for extremely challenging conditions to start cleanup and repairs.
In a tweet Monday, Gov. Phil Murphy said New Jersey stands ready to provide assistance.
Hurricane Fiona made landfall Monday in the Dominican Republic, bringing as much as 15 inches of rain in the eastern region and 90 mile-per-hour winds.
