NPR

Irma Tears A Path Of Destruction Through Parts Of The Caribbean

Although the massive storm appeared to have largely spared Antigua and Barbuda, initial reports are that residents of St. Martin were not so lucky.
A woman looks at heavy surf as Hurricane Irma approaches Puerto Rico in Luquillo, on Wednesday.

Updated at 1 p.m. ET

Carving its way through the Caribbean, the monstrous Category 5 hurricane called Irma ripped apart structures, beached boats and flooded streets in St. Martin as it headed westward toward the British Virgin Islands.

However, the storm largely spared Antigua and Barbuda, where residents had been prepared for the worst.

Following an anxious night as the center of Irma, packing winds of 185 mph, skirted the island just to the north, Antigua's Prime

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