Photos: Hurricane Maria deals another blow to storm-hit Caribbean

WASHINGTON — A busy, destructive hurricane season this year continues. Soon after Irma, Hurricane Maria took aim at the Caribbean, striking the tiny eastern Caribbean island of Dominica Monday before making landfall in Puerto Rico Wednesday.

Broken canopies lay around Cortecito Beach after the crossing of Hurricane Maria over Bavaro, Dominican Republic, Thursday, Sept. 21, 2017. Rain from the storm will continue in the Dominican Republic for the next two days according to meteorologists. (AP Photo/Tatiana Fernandez)

AP Photo/Tatiana Fernandez

"Whats important is ones life" says Rufina Fernandez standing in front of her daughters ruined house while eating a coconut a day after the impact of Hurricane Maria, in Yabucoa, Puerto Rico, Thursday, September 21, 2017. As of Thursday evening, Maria was moving off the northern coast of the Dominican Republic with winds of 120 mph (195 kph). The storm was expected to approach the Turks and Caicos Islands and the Bahamas late Thursday and early Friday. (AP Photo/Carlos Giusti) — “Whats important is ones life” says Rufina Fernandez standing in front of her daughters ruined house while eating a coconut a day after the impact of Hurricane Maria, in Yabucoa, Puerto Rico, Thursday, September 21, 2017. As of Thursday evening, Maria was moving off the northern coast of the Dominican Republic with winds of 120 mph (195 kph). The storm was expected to approach the Turks and Caicos Islands and the Bahamas late Thursday and early Friday. (AP Photo/Carlos Giusti)

A completely ruined house is seen in El Negro community a day after the impact of Hurricane Maria, in Puerto Rico, Thursday, September 21, 2017. As of Thursday evening, Maria was moving off the northern coast of the Dominican Republic with winds of 120 mph (195 kph). The storm was expected to approach the Turks and Caicos Islands and the Bahamas late Thursday and early Friday. (AP Photo/Carlos Giusti)

A man cuts a tree that fell over a restaurant after the crossing of Hurricane Maria over Bavaro, Dominican Republic, Thursday, Sept. 21, 2017. Rain from the storm will continue in the Dominican Republic for the next two days according to meteorologists. (AP Photo/Tatiana Fernandez)

A gift shop damaged in the crossing of Hurricane Maria is shown on Cofrecito Beach, Bavaro, Dominican Republic, Thursday, Sept. 21, 2017. Rain from the storm will continue in the Dominican Republic for the next two days according to meteorologists. (AP Photo/Tatiana Fernandez)

A plantain field stands under water after the passing of Hurricane Maria in Yabucoa, Puerto Rico, Thursday, September 21, 2017. As of Thursday evening, Maria was moving off the northern coast of the Dominican Republic with winds of 120 mph (195 kph). The storm was expected to approach the Turks and Caicos Islands and the Bahamas late Thursday and early Friday. (AP Photo/Carlos Giusti)

People wait in line to buy bread at Ortiz bakery after the passing of Hurricane Maria, in Yabucoa, Puerto Rico, Thursday, September 21, 2017. As of Thursday evening, Maria was moving off the northern coast of the Dominican Republic with winds of 120 mph (195 kph). The storm was expected to approach the Turks and Caicos Islands and the Bahamas late Thursday and early Friday. (AP Photo/Carlos Giusti)

Locals arrive at a water collection point a day after the impact of Hurricane Maria, in Yabucoa, Puerto Rico, Thursday, September 21, 2017. As of Thursday evening, Maria was moving off the northern coast of the Dominican Republic with winds of 120 mph (195 kph). The storm was expected to approach the Turks and Caicos Islands and the Bahamas late Thursday and early Friday. (AP Photo/Carlos Giusti)

Rescue vehicles from the Emergency Management Agency stand trapped under an awning during the impact of Hurricane Maria, which hit the eastern region of the island, in Humacao, Puerto Rico, Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2017. The U.S. National Hurricane Center says Maria has lost its major hurricane status, after raking Puerto Rico. But forecasters say some strengthening is in the forecast and Maria could again become a major hurricane by Thursday. (AP Photo/Carlos Giusti)

People walk through a flooded area after the impact of Hurricane Maria, which hit the eastern region of the island, in Humacao, Puerto Rico, Wednesday, September 20, 2017. The strongest hurricane to hit Puerto Rico in more than 80 years destroyed hundreds of homes, knocked out power across the entire island and turned some streets into raging rivers in an onslaught that could plunge the U.S. territory deeper into financial crisis. (AP Photo/Carlos Giusti)

A man looks out of a door of a boarded up gas starion after Hurricane Maria hit the eastern region of the island, in Humacao, Puerto Rico, Tuesday, September 20, 2017. The strongest hurricane to hit Puerto Rico in more than 80 years destroyed hundreds of homes, knocked out power across the entire island and turned some streets into raging rivers in an onslaught that could plunge the U.S. territory deeper into financial crisis. (AP Photo/Carlos Giusti)

A family helps clean the road after Hurricane Maria hit the eastern region of the island, in Humacao, Puerto Rico, Tuesday, September 20, 2017. The strongest hurricane to hit Puerto Rico in more than 80 years destroyed hundreds of homes, knocked out power across the entire island and turned some streets into raging rivers in an onslaught that could plunge the U.S. territory deeper into financial crisis. (AP Photo/Carlos Giusti)

Rescue personnel from the Emergency Management Agency drive through a flooded road after Hurricane Maria hit the eastern region of the island, in Humacao, Puerto Rico, Tuesday, September 20, 2017. The strongest hurricane to hit Puerto Rico in more than 80 years destroyed hundreds of homes, knocked out power across the entire island and turned some streets into raging rivers in an onslaught that could plunge the U.S. territory deeper into financial crisis. (AP Photo/Carlos Giusti)

Electricity poles and lines lay toppled on the road after Hurricane Maria hit the eastern region of the island, in Humacao, Puerto Rico, Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2017. The strongest hurricane to hit Puerto Rico in more than 80 years destroyed hundreds of homes, knocked out power across the entire island and turned some streets into raging rivers in an onslaught that could plunge the U.S. territory deeper into financial crisis. (AP Photo/Carlos Giusti)

AP Photo/Carlos Giusti

Power lines are down after the impact of Hurricane Maria, which hit the eastern region of the island in Humacao, Puerto Rico, Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2017. (AP Photo/Carlos Giusti)

AP Photo/Carlos Giusti

CORRECTS TO REMOVE REFERENCE OF HURRICANE CATEGORY - A municipal police officer arrives at the Emergency Management Agency after being removed from their flooded station by rescue personnel during the impact of Hurricane Maria, which hit the eastern region of the island, in Humacao, Puerto Rico, Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2017. (AP Photo/Carlos Giusti) — A municipal police officer arrives at the Emergency Management Agency after being removed from their flooded station by rescue personnel during the impact of Hurricane Maria, which hit the eastern region of the island, in Humacao, Puerto Rico, Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2017. (AP Photo/Carlos Giusti)

A municipal police officer arrives at the Emergency Management Agency after being removed from their flooded station by rescue personnel during the impact of Hurricane Maria, which that hit the eastern region of the island, in Humacao, Puerto Rico, Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2017. The U.S. National Hurricane Center says Maria has lost its major hurricane status, after raking Puerto Rico. But forecasters say some strengthening is in the forecast and Maria could again become a major hurricane by Thursday. (AP Photo/Carlos Giusti)

Hurricane Maria drenches the airport in Guadeloupe on its rampage through the Caribbean. (Screenshot via Inform)

In this photo replaced by Jason Heskew, an electric pole lays after it snapped in half during Hurricane Maria in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2017. The strongest hurricane to hit Puerto Rico in over 80 years tore off roofs and doors, knocked out power across the entire island and unleashed heavy flooding. (Jason Heskew via AP)

Jason Heskew via AP

In this photo provided by Jason Heskew, a downed tree blocks a street during Hurricane Maria in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2017. The strongest hurricane to hit Puerto Rico in over 80 years tore off roofs and doors, knocked out power across the entire island and unleashed heavy flooding. (Jason Heskew via AP)

Jason Heskew via AP

Wind from Hurricane Maria howled through the streets near San Juan in the early morning of Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2017. (Screenshot via Inform)

A member of a rescue team covers his eyes as he waits to assist in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria in Humacao, Puerto Rico, Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2017. (AP Photo/Carlos Giusti)

AP Photo/Carlos Giusti

A group of evacuees take part in a prayer circle at a makeshift shelter at the Juan Ponce de Leon Elementary School before the arrival of Hurricane Maria, in Humacao, Puerto Rico, Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2017. Puerto Rico is likely to take a direct hit by the category 5 hurricane. Authorities warned people who live in wooden or flimsy homes should find safe shelter before the storm’s expected arrival on Wednesday. (AP Photo/Carlos Giusti)

AP Photo/Carlos Giusti

Evacuee Guillermina Reyes, 90, sits with with her pet dog Blackie at the Juan Ponce de Leon Elementary School before the arrival of Hurricane Maria, in Humacao, Puerto Rico, Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2017. Puerto Rico is likely to take a direct hit by the category 5 hurricane. Authorities warned people who live in wooden or flimsy homes should find safe shelter before the storm's expected arrival on Wednesday. (AP Photo/Carlos Giusti) — Evacuee Guillermina Reyes, 90, sits with with her pet dog Blackie at the Juan Ponce de Leon Elementary School before the arrival of Hurricane Maria, in Humacao, Puerto Rico, Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2017. Puerto Rico is likely to take a direct hit by the category 5 hurricane. Authorities warned people who live in wooden or flimsy homes should find safe shelter before the storm’s expected arrival on Wednesday. (AP Photo/Carlos Giusti)

A woman seeking shelter prays her rosary at the Juan Ponce de Leon Elementary School before the arrival of Hurricane Maria, in Humacao, Puerto Rico, Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2017. Puerto Rico is likely to take a direct hit by the category 5 hurricane. Authorities warned people who live in wooden or flimsy homes should find safe shelter before the storm’s expected arrival on Wednesday. (AP Photo/Carlos Giusti)

AP Photo/Carlos Giusti

Winds from Hurricane Maria brought down a fence in San Juan on Wednesday. (Screenshot via Inform)

Rescue team members Candida Lozada, left, and Stephanie Rivera, right, embrace as they wait to assist in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria in Humacao, Puerto Rico, Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2017. (AP Photo/Carlos Giusti)

AP Photo/Carlos Giusti

Two girls play on cots at Humacao Arena refugee center while waiting for the imminent impact of Maria, a Category 5 hurricane that threatens to hit the eastern region of the island with sustained winds of 175 miles per hour, in Humacao, Puerto Rico, Tuesday, September 19, 2017. About 137 citizens arrived at the refuge from different parts of the eastern region of the Island. (AP Photo/Carlos Giusti)

AP Photo/Carlos Giusti

This photo provided by Frank Phazian shows flooding caused by Hurricane Maria near Le Raizet, Guadeloupe, Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2017. (Frank Phazian via AP)

A small plane lays flipped over, one week after the passing of Hurricane Irma, at the airport parking lot on the outskirts of Gustavia, St. Barthelemy, part of the French Antilles, Monday, Sept. 18, 2017. Hurricane Maria is passing far south of St. Barthelemy on Tuesday and charging into the eastern Caribbean that threatens islands already devastated by Hurricane Irma. (Enrico Dagnino via AP)

This photo provided by Jenny Promeneur shows storm damage to her grandmother's tool shed/dog house, caused by Hurricane Maria in Bouillante, Guadeloupe, Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2017. (Jenny Promeneur via AP) — This photo provided by Jenny Promeneur shows storm damage to her grandmother’s tool shed/dog house, caused by Hurricane Maria in Bouillante, Guadeloupe, Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2017. (Jenny Promeneur via AP)

A road is empty in Sainte-Anne on the French Caribbean island of Guadeloupe, early Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2017, after the passing of Hurricane Maria. (AP Photo/Dominique Chomereau-Lamotte)

Rescue team members Candida Lozada, left, and Stephanie Rivera, second from left, Mary Rodriguez, left at right side, and Zuly Ruiz, right at right side, merge into a hug desperate to go out to attend several calls for help from citizens in need of assistance during the impact of Maria, a Category 5 hurricane that started to hit the eastern region of the island, in Humacao, Puerto Rico, Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2017. At that point, Maria downgraded to a category 4 hurricane. (AP Photo/Carlos Giusti)

People walk by a fallen tree off the shore of Sainte-Anne on the French Caribbean island of Guadeloupe, early Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2017, after the passing of Hurricane Maria. (AP Photo/Dominique Chomereau-Lamotte)

Feelings of frustration surround the members of the rescue team from the municipality of Humacao, desperate to go out to attend several calls for help from citizens in need of assistance during the impact of Maria, a Category 5 hurricane that started to hit the eastern region of the island, in Humacao, Puerto Rico, Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2017. At that point, Maria downgraded to a category 4 hurricane. (AP Photo/Carlos Giusti)

Team leader Joey Rivera gives a speech while feelings of frustration surround the members of the rescue team from the municipality of Humacao, desperate to go out to attend several calls for help from citizens in need of assistance during the impact of Maria, a Category 5 hurricane that started to hit the eastern region of the island, in Humacao, Puerto Rico, Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2017. Puerto Rico faced Wednesday what officials said could be the strongest hurricane to ever hit the U.S. territory as they warned it would decimate the power company's crumbling infrastructure and force the government to rebuild dozens of communities.(AP Photo/Carlos Giusti) — Team leader Joey Rivera gives a speech while feelings of frustration surround the members of the rescue team from the municipality of Humacao, desperate to go out to attend several calls for help from citizens in need of assistance during the impact of Maria, a Category 5 hurricane that started to hit the eastern region of the island, in Humacao, Puerto Rico, Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2017. Puerto Rico faced Wednesday what officials said could be the strongest hurricane to ever hit the U.S. territory as they warned it would decimate the power company’s crumbling infrastructure and force the government to rebuild dozens of communities. (AP Photo/Carlos Giusti)

Luis Fonseca fills a container with gasoline at a gas station one day before the forecasted arrival of Hurricane Maria in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2017. Authorities in the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico, which faces the possibility of a direct hit, warned that people in wooden or flimsy homes should find safe shelter before the storm’s expected arrival there on Wednesday. (AP Photo/Carlos Giusti)

A woman sweeps the front of a storefront boarded up in preparation for Hurricane Maria, in Humacao, Puerto Rico, Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2017. Puerto Rico is likely to take a direct hit by the category 5 hurricane. Authorities warned people who live in wooden or flimsy homes should find safe shelter before the storm's expected arrival on Wednesday. (AP Photo/Carlos Giusti) — A woman sweeps the front of a storefront boarded up in preparation for Hurricane Maria, in Humacao, Puerto Rico, Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2017. Puerto Rico is likely to take a direct hit by the category 5 hurricane. Authorities warned people who live in wooden or flimsy homes should find safe shelter before the storm’s expected arrival on Wednesday. (AP Photo/Carlos Giusti)

Residents install aluminum storm panels in preparation for Hurricane Maria, in Humacao, Puerto Rico, Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2017. Puerto Rico is likely to take a direct hit by the category 5 hurricane. Authorities warned people who live in wooden or flimsy homes should find safe shelter before the storm's expected arrival on Wednesday. (AP Photo/Carlos Giusti) — Residents install aluminum storm panels in preparation for Hurricane Maria, in Humacao, Puerto Rico, Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2017. Puerto Rico is likely to take a direct hit by the category 5 hurricane. Authorities warned people who live in wooden or flimsy homes should find safe shelter before the storm’s expected arrival on Wednesday. (AP Photo/Carlos Giusti)

Evacuees pray in a circle at the Juan Ponce de Leon Elementary School before the arrival of Hurricane Maria, in Humacao, Puerto Rico, Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2017. Puerto Rico is likely to take a direct hit by the category 5 hurricane. Authorities warned people who live in wooden or flimsy homes should find safe shelter before the storm's expected arrival on Wednesday. (AP Photo/Carlos Giusti) — Evacuees pray in a circle at the Juan Ponce de Leon Elementary School before the arrival of Hurricane Maria, in Humacao, Puerto Rico, Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2017. Puerto Rico is likely to take a direct hit by the category 5 hurricane. Authorities warned people who live in wooden or flimsy homes should find safe shelter before the storm’s expected arrival on Wednesday. (AP Photo/Carlos Giusti)

Evacuees Amanda Colon and her baby boy, Avery Colon, take refuge at the Juan Ponce de Leon Elementary School before the arrival of Hurricane Maria, in Humacao, Puerto Rico, Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2017. Puerto Rico is likely to take a direct hit by the category 5 hurricane. Authorities warned people who live in wooden or flimsy homes should find safe shelter before the storm's expected arrival on Wednesday. (AP Photo/Carlos Giusti) — Evacuees Amanda Colon and her baby boy, Avery Colon, take refuge at the Juan Ponce de Leon Elementary School before the arrival of Hurricane Maria, in Humacao, Puerto Rico, Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2017. Puerto Rico is likely to take a direct hit by the category 5 hurricane. Authorities warned people who live in wooden or flimsy homes should find safe shelter before the storm’s expected arrival on Wednesday. (AP Photo/Carlos Giusti)

A woman and a child rest on cots while waiting at Humacao Arena refugee center for the imminent impact of Maria, a Category 5 hurricane that threatens to hit the eastern region of the island with sustained winds of 175 miles per hour, in Humacao, Puerto Rico, Tuesday, September 19, 2017. About 137 citizens arrived at the refuge from different parts of the eastern region of the Island. (AP Photo/Carlos Giusti)

AP Photo/Carlos Giusti

A man rests on a cot while waiting at Humacao Arena refugee center for the imminent impact of Maria, a Category 5 hurricane that threatens to hit the eastern region of the island with sustained winds of 175 miles per hour, in Humacao, Puerto Rico, Tuesday, September 19, 2017. About 137 citizens arrived at the refuge from different parts of the eastern region of the Island. (AP Photo/Carlos Giusti)

AP Photo/Carlos Giusti

Citizens rest while waiting at Humacao Arena refugee center for the imminent impact of Maria, a Category 5 hurricane that threatens to hit the eastern region of the island with sustained winds of 175 miles per hour, in Humacao, Puerto Rico, Tuesday, September 19, 2017. About 137 citizens arrived at the refuge from different parts of the eastern region of the Island. (AP Photo/Carlos Giusti)

AP Photo/Carlos Giusti

David Cruz Marrero watches the waves at Punta Santiago pier hours before the imminent impact of Maria, a Category 5 hurricane that threatens to hit the eastern region of the island with sustained winds of 165 miles per hour, in Humacao, Puerto Rico, Tuesday, September 19, 2017. (AP Photo/Carlos Giusti)

AP Photo/Carlos Giusti

A woman passes out trays of food to evacuees taking shelter at the Juan Ponce de Leon Elementary School before the arrival of Hurricane Maria, in Humacao, Puerto Rico, Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2017. Puerto Rico is likely to take a direct hit by the category 5 hurricane. Authorities warned people who live in wooden or flimsy homes should find safe shelter before the storm's expected arrival on Wednesday. (AP Photo/Carlos Giusti) — A woman passes out trays of food to evacuees taking shelter at the Juan Ponce de Leon Elementary School before the arrival of Hurricane Maria, in Humacao, Puerto Rico, Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2017. Puerto Rico is likely to take a direct hit by the category 5 hurricane. Authorities warned people who live in wooden or flimsy homes should find safe shelter before the storm’s expected arrival on Wednesday. (AP Photo/Carlos Giusti)

Women eat at the Juan Ponce de Leon Elementary School before the arrival of Hurricane Maria, in Humacao, Puerto Rico, Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2017. Puerto Rico is likely to take a direct hit by the category 5 hurricane. Authorities warned people who live in wooden or flimsy homes should find safe shelter before the storm's expected arrival on Wednesday. (AP Photo/Carlos Giusti) — Women eat at the Juan Ponce de Leon Elementary School before the arrival of Hurricane Maria, in Humacao, Puerto Rico, Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2017. Puerto Rico is likely to take a direct hit by the category 5 hurricane. Authorities warned people who live in wooden or flimsy homes should find safe shelter before the storm’s expected arrival on Wednesday. (AP Photo/Carlos Giusti)

This Monday, Sept. 18, 2017, GOES East satellite image provided by NASA taken at 20:30 UTC, shows the eye of Hurricane Maria as it nears Dominica. The National Hurricane Center in Miami said Monday evening that Air Force Reserve hurricane hunter planes found that Maria had strengthened into a storm with 160 mph (260 kph) winds. (NASA via AP)

NASA via AP

Men board up buildings ahead of Hurricane Maria in Sainte-Anne on the French Caribbean island of Guadeloupe, Monday, Sept. 18, 2017. Hurricane Maria grew into a Category 3 storm on Monday as it barreled toward a potentially devastating collision with islands in the eastern Caribbean. (AP Photo/Dominique Chomereau-Lamotte)

AP Photo/Dominique Chomereau-Lamotte

A man pulls in a boat ahead of Hurricane Maria in the Galbas area of Sainte-Anne on the French Caribbean island of Guadeloupe, early Monday, Sept. 18, 2017. Hurricane Maria grew into a Category 3 storm on Monday as it barreled toward a potentially devastating collision with islands in the eastern Caribbean. (AP Photo/Dominique Chomereau-Lamotte)

AP Photo/Dominique Chomereau-Lamotte

Men remove boats from the water ahead of Hurricane Maria in the Galbas area of Sainte-Anne on the French Caribbean island of Guadeloupe, early Monday, Sept. 18, 2017. Hurricane Maria grew into a Category 3 storm on Monday as it barreled toward a potentially devastating collision with islands in the eastern Caribbean. (AP Photo/Dominique Chomereau-Lamotte)

AP Photo/Dominique Chomereau-Lamotte

Men remove a boat from the water ahead of Hurricane Maria in the Galbas area of Sainte-Anne on the French Caribbean island of Guadeloupe, early Monday, Sept. 18, 2017. Hurricane Maria grew into a Category 3 storm on Monday as it barreled toward a potentially devastating collision with islands in the eastern Caribbean. (AP Photo/Dominique Chomereau-Lamotte)

AP Photo/Dominique Chomereau-Lamotte