Irma is one of the most powerful hurricanes to reach the US mainland in years, and its enormous strength and capability for destruction can’t be overstated. But words aren’t as compelling as pictures when it comes to describing this historical storm. Here are some images from the path of Hurricane Irma — before its arrival, during its current lashing of Florida, and the aftermath in Cuba and the Caribbean.
The scene in Boca Raton, Florida — winds in the state from Hurricane Irma have reached 130 mph. Photo by Marc Serota/Getty Images. Hurricane-induced waves at the Anglins Fishing Pier in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images.
Flooding in Miami as seen from the SLS Brickell. Photo by Fabiolopesmiami on Instagram. Even with the storm tracking up the opposite coast of Florida, winds from Irma still brought down trees in Ft. Lauderdale. Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images.
The largest mandatory evacuation in US history was ordered in Florida this week, causing heavy traffic on the Florida Turnpike, where tolls were waived to ease evacuation efforts. Photo by Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun-Sentinel/TNS via Getty Images.
Commercial ops at MCO have ceased. Valuable equipment protected, jet bridges tied & our Emergency Ops Center activated. Be safe, all. #Irmapic.twitter.com/qzZbZhdxwh
Pets are welcome in this emergency shelter in the Miami area. Photo by SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images. Irma has already passed over Cuba, but caused significant damage and flooding in some areas in the island nation. Photo by ADALBERTO ROQUE/AFP/Getty Images. Buildings in Havana, Cuba, collapsed from Irma’s winds and raw power. Photo by YAMIL LAGE/AFP/Getty Images. Streets in some areas outside of Havana have flooded. Photo by ADALBERTO ROQUE/AFP/Getty Images. Cuban citizens wading through the flooding (and keeping their companions safe). Photo by YAMIL LAGE/AFP/Getty Images.
If you have photos of Hurricane Irma, please feel free to share them with us on Twitter or Facebook. And on behalf of everyone here at The Points Guy, we hope wherever you are, you’re safe and close to your loved ones as this storm passes through.
