DEVELOPING: Puerto Rico declares state of emergency ahead of Category 4 Irma

Puerto Rico’s governor declared a state of emergency on Monday ahead of powerful Hurricane Irma, which has strengthened into a Category 4 storm. The National Guard was also activated as the U.S. territory prepares for the storm to hit on Wednesday, the U.S. National Hurricane Center said.

“Despite the economic challenges Puerto Rico is facing, the approved budget has $15 million for the emergency fund,” Gov. Ricardo Rosselló said in a statement. Government workers on the islands of the eastern Caribbean are clearing drains and pruning trees as authorities urge residents to prepare for Hurricane Irma, a Category 4 storm likely to begin buffeting that area Tuesday. READ MORE