Hurricane Georges

Hurricane Irma, one of the most powerful Atlantic storms in a century, drove toward Florida on Sept. 8 as it lashed the Caribbean with winds and torrential rain, leaving behind at least 14 deaths and a swathe of catastrophic destruction.

The hurricane battered the Turks and Caicos Islands early Sept. 8 and Cuba evacuated tourists from beachside resorts. 

The authorities of the Bahamas have begun the largest evacuation in the history of the country because of Hurricane Irma, the world news agencies reported.