It was difficult to focus for many of the Puerto Ricans living in Florida on Sept. 6, 2017, as they worried about their families while Hurricane Irma neared the island.
- TRACK THE TROPICS: Storm positions, forecast models, formation potential
- CLOSINGS: Latest school, college closings | Travel closures
- SANDBAG LOCATIONS: Tampa area sandbags
- EVACUATION MAPS: County-by-county evacuation maps, info
- CHECKLIST: Hurricane preparedness checklist
Fortunately, the eye of the storm traveled just northeast of Puerto Rico, missing much of the island.
Yeiline De Jesus checked in with her family often during the afternoon. They live in Guayama, a town in Puerto Rico's southeast region.
Around 7:30 p.m., De Jesus’s sister Jeniffer told her there still wasn’t much damage in their town, not even their home, but the rain and wind had picked up. She also told her there wasn’t any electricity or water.
It was good news for De Jesus, who was worried throughout the day.
“It’s very scary for everyone in Puerto Rico,” said Yeiline De Jesus.
While her family was fine, De Jesus was concerned about the images she saw of what’s happening north of her hometown, in Puerto Rico’s outer islands such as Culebra and Vieques.
“It’s awful. The damage is very bad,” said De Jesus.
She also fears what may happen to her brand new home when Hurricane Irma heads north to Florida.
“I’m worried because this is my new house, so yeah I am so nervous for that and people are going to be crazy because we don’t have water and food in the stores," De Jesus said. "Yes, this is crazy."