US forecasts report that Hurricane Fiona continues to strengthen, posing a threat to lives in parts of the Caribbean.
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported that the category two storm with 110mph (175km/h) winds could become a category four storm, the second-highest classification.
Rain is falling on Puerto Rico, where at least two people have perished and 90 percent of the island remains without electricity.
The damage, according to the president of the Dominican Republic, is “substantial.”
Luis Abinader has proclaimed three eastern provinces disaster zones in response to the National Hurricane Center’s warnings of “severe rains and life-threatening flash flooding” in eastern areas.
As floodwaters increased in the country, several communities were cut off, hundreds of people were forced to abandon their homes, and others were left without electricity.
Lexie Wilcox, a resident of the most eastern province of Altagracia, stated that it was the worst hurricane she had ever encountered and that it had a greater impact on her community than Hurricane Maria in 2017.
On Monday morning, there were fallen trees, blocked roads, and significant floods.
She spent the night unable to sleep and cleaning up rainfall.
The roof of her shed has been partially blown off, and a security sign has been blasted off her home.
Ms. Wilcox and her neighbors are without power, and it may take days to restore service while the storm continues.
Connection resumed briefly on Monday, just long enough for Canadian Ms. Wilcox to witness the conclusion of Queen Elizabeth II’s burial as the cyclone raged outside.
Monday at 23:00 (03:00 GMT), the National Hurricane Center (NHC) issued an update warning of persistent danger to life in Puerto Rico due to “catastrophic flooding.”
Fiona made landfall there on Sunday, triggering severe deluges, landslides, and mudslides.
Following a discussion with the island’s governor, US Vice President Joe Biden vowed to increase support for the island.
Images shared on social media depicted submerged automobiles and individuals struggling to wade through water-filled streets, while rescue efforts continue.
A 58-year-old guy died after being washed away by a river, while a 30-year-old male perished in a generator fire.
The hurricane prompted a blackout throughout the whole island, which providers warned may take days to repair.
After Hurricane Maria ravaged Puerto Rico in 2017, the island’s electrical grid remains unstable. Hurricane Maria was the most powerful hurricane in the territory’s recorded history.
As the storm passes, 30in (76cm) of precipitation is possible in some regions of the island.
According to the NHC, the center of the hurricane is likely to approach the easternmost Turks & Caicos Islands next.
The Bahamas were also predicted to experience storm conditions, while Bermuda residents were cautioned to monitor Fiona’s development.
