And for the first time in 85 years, Puerto Rico is expected to suffer a direct landfall from a Category 4 hurricane.
Puerto Rico's governor has declared a state of emergency ahead of the landfall, which will likely happen Wednesday.
Puerto Rico's governor ordered evacuations Monday ahead of Tuesday's deteriorating conditions. "Our call is for people to evacuate areas that are prone to floods and landslides, in addition to vulnerable structures. It is time to seek refuge with a family member, friend, or move to a state shelter because rescuers will not go out and risk their lives once winds reach 50 miles per hour."
Maria's size means all of Puerto Rico will experience hurricane conditions.
http://www.cnn.com/2017/09/18/americas/atlantic-storms-maria-jose-lee/index.html