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Deaths, Destruction Reported As Hurricane Irma Pummels The Caribbean

Authorities say at least 10 people are dead after the storm hammered multiple islands, including Barbuda, St. Martin and the British Virgin Islands.

By: Briana Koeneman

Posted at 10:41 AM, Sep 07, 2017

and last updated 2017-09-07 10:41:11-04

Hurricane Irma already caused several deaths and major damage in the Caribbean.

Authorities say at least 10 people are dead after the storm hammered multiple islands — including Barbuda, St. Martin and the British Virgin Islands. The death toll is expected to rise in the coming days.

Local officials report widespread devastation from the powerful hurricane. Footage from the affected areas shows flooded streets, damaged buildings and downed trees.

Puerto Rico avoided a direct hit, but Irma still managed to knock out power for more than 1 million residents and leave thousands without safe drinking water.

The Category 5 storm managed to keep a wind speed of around 185 miles per hour for more than 24 hours —one of the the longest ever to stay that strong.

And forecasters expect Irma to remain a Category 4 or 5 hurricane as it marches toward Florida.

The storm is expected to reach Florida early Sunday morning. Officials are already ordering evacuations across the state, and residents are scrambling to make last-minute preparations.