Puerto Rico forecast to take 'potentially catastrophic' direct hit from Hurricane Maria

'You have to evacuate. Otherwise, you're going to die,' warns US territory's safety commissioner as devastation of Dominica emerges

At least six people have reportedly been killed and 90% of buildings destroyed after Hurricane Maria lashed the Caribbean island of Dominica, as Puerto Rico braced for its turn in the eye of a "potentially catastrophic" category five storm.

Puerto Rican officials urged residents to evacuate to government-run shelters on the island, which is expected to take a direct hit from a storm that currently has sustained wind speeds of 165mph (270km/h). Thousands of people have already fled to safety.