- Title: USA: Puerto Rico prepares for Tropical Storm Maria
- Date: 11th September 2011
- Summary: TOA BAJA, PUERTO RICO (SEPTEMBER 10, 2011) (REUTERS) CONSTRUCTION CRANE DREDGING MOUTH OF THE RIO DE LA PLATA RIVER WHERE IT MEETS THE ATLANTIC OCEAN CRANE LIFTING SAND AND DIRT BULLDOZER PUSHING SAND AN DIRT IN MOUTH OF RIVER WATER TOWER IN DISTANCE BULLDOZER PUSHING SOIL IN MOUTH OF RIVER BAYAMON, PUERTO RICO (SEPTEMBER 10, 2011) (REUTERS) CARS LINED UP AT GAS STATION MAN FILLING VEHICLE WITH FUEL WOMAN AT GAS PUMP WIDE OF GAS STATION VARIOUS OF PEOPLE FUELING VEHICLES WORKER WITH SHOVEL CLEARING DRAIN VARIOUS OF WORK CREWS CLEARING DRAINS AND DEBRIS FROM SIDE OF STREET TRUJILLO ALTO, PUERTO RICO (SEPTEMBER 10, 2011) (REUTERS) VARIOUS OF WATER GUSHING THROUGH CARRAIZO HYRDOELECTRIC DAM WATER FLOWING FROM DAM VARIOUS OF DAM AND WATER PASSING THROUGH
- Embargoed: 26th September 2011 13:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Usa, Usa
- Country: USA
- Topics: Disasters,Weather
- Reuters ID: LVACQMTV6BSCY26JANJKHW74OIUF
- Story Text: The Caribbean islands that had received a lashing from Hurricane Irene last month looked set to be spared any major impact from Tropical Storm Maria, which was losing organization as it tracked northwestward Saturday (September 10).
The Miami-based National Hurricane Center said Maria could weaken to a tropical depression later on Saturday.
While it could still regain tropical storm strength in a day or so, forecasters said Maria would likely spare Puerto Rico of a direct hit as it passes to the north of the island overnight Saturday into Sunday (September 11).
Nevertheless, crews worked to dredge the mouth of the Rio de la Plata of debris, and clear roads and gutters in preparation of heavy rains. Lines resulted at gas stations as residents topped-off their vehicles with fuel, just in case power is lost.
Forecasters say Maria will bypass Hispaniola and the Bahamas in the next few days.
Longer-range forecasts saw the storm veering northwards from Wednesday on a path that appeared to keep it out to sea and away from the U.S. East Coast, but forecasters caution that predictions beyond three days are subject to wide error.
At 11 a.m. (1500 GMT) on Saturday, the center of Maria was located about 25 miles (40 km) northeast of Antigua in the Leeward Islands, carrying winds of 40 mph (65 kph).
Tropical storm warnings and watches for the islands were discontinued. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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