From Philly to Puerto Rico: Families watch loved ones in Irma's path
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Steps from his front door, Raul Cartegana recorded video of the 185 mph winds racing through his block in Sabana Seca, Toa Baja, Puerto Rico Wednesday night.
Then suddenly, a transformer exploded and knocked out power.
In Spanish, Cartegana yelled, "It's gone," referring to the electricity, and feverishly ran indoors.
Cartegana's cousin, Monica Parrilla, lives in Philadelphia and viewed the video he sent her.
She told Action News, as she watched, she thought to herself, "Will I see them? It's scary."
The north side of the island is bearing the brunt of Hurricane Irma, while residents on the southern end brace for heavy wind and rain.
Local resident Asdrey Irizarry has family in Puerto Rico.
"It just breaks my heart because I wish I was there. It sounds crazy, but I wish I was there, but I'm tied. I can't do anything and I'm watching from over here," Irizarry told Action News by phone.
Action News spoke with Carmen Febo-San Miguel, Executive Director of Philadelphia's Taller Puertorriqueno. Taller elevates and promotes Puerto Rican and Latino culture through arts and cultural programming.
"Unfortunately, with storms there's really nothing to do. You have to hunker down and do the best you can and wait," Miguel said.
Family members miles away in Philadelphia wait and brace not just for Irma, but for Hurricane Jose to spare their loved ones.
"With the second hurricane following right up, my biggest concern is how soon will they have electricity?" Parrilla said, adding, "God protect the entire island, that's all I can ask for."
Families say they're already starting to mobilize and collect items to get to their relatives when the storm is over.
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