Hurricane Gonzalo continues to intensify as it was formed Monday in the Caribbean. After hitting Antigua and nearby islands with heavy rain and dangerous wind it's now on course to move out to the sea.
As it passed Antigua, the storm tore roofs and knocked down trees, before it began moving into stronger force near territories of St. Martin and Anguilla and was recognized as a hurricane.
"It's intensified at a pretty brisk pace since yesterday and we expect it to strengthen," stated Michael Brennan, a senior hurricane specialist in U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami.
The center of the developing hurricane was seen to bypass east of the U.S. and British Virgin Islands. Based on reports, the intensifying hurricane will not reach the U.S. mainland, but weather forecasters stated that it could develop into a major hurricane over Open Ocean and could be a great threat to Bermuda shortly in the week.
As of 8 p.m. of Oct 13, the center of hurricane was located in north of St. Martin Gonzalo nearly 5 miles (10 kilometers) and east of St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands of about 125 miles (205 kilometers).
Gonzalo had maximum sustained winds of 80 mph (130 kph) and was touching at a speed of 12 mph (19 kph) toward the northwest.
It was reported that it slammed British Virgin Islands that affected nearly 30,000 residents. Government offices, school and airports were cover up as hurricane Gonzalo moved toward the tiny territory.
International airport in St. Thomas in the territory of the U.S. Virgin Islands closed at 7 p.m. after cancellation of flights. Every seaport was also shuttered.
Strong winds and heavy rain hit Antigua for some hours on Monday as the storm passes through the Northern Leeward Islands. There was massive blocking of roads due to downed trees, power cut and people also reported lost of their homes.
Based on National Hurricane Center, Gonzalo is predicted to give up to 8 inches (20 centimeters) of rain in the U.S. and British Virgin Islands, Leeward Islands and Puerto Rico.
