A Dangerous Storm Hurricane Irma was over 400 miles wide. It was so big that it could have covered Michigan, West Virginia, Kentucky and North Carolina at the same time. This was one of the largest hurricanes of all time to affect the US. Irma also had extremely fast winds: up to 185 miles per hour.

In the Path Hurricane Irma hit many countries and states across the Caribbean, South America and USA. Among the first places affected by Hurricane Irma were the Caribbean Islands. In Barbuda, Hurricane Irma damaged or destroyed more than 90% of all buildings on the island. Hurricane Irma also hit Cuba, Puerto Rico, Florida and many more areas.

Staying Safe As hurricane Irma approached, some people evacuated and left areas that were in danger. Other people stayed in places that were likely to be hit by Hurricane Irma. They took many precautions to ‘shelter-in-place’, including: boarding their windows to protect their homes from the high wind speeds; putting sandbags around their property to shield it from flood damage; stocking up on essential food items and clean water.

The Aftermath It will take billions of dollars and many years to rebuild what Hurricane Irma destroyed. Buildings and homes will need to be reconstructed, and businesses restored. Governments and other organizations are already pledging their support. You can discuss with your classmates, teachers and parents how you could help in the relief effort.