In the past few weeks, the weather has been a pretty hot topic in the United States with Hurricanes Harvey and Irma wreaking havoc across the lower U.S. Harvey left huge destruction in southeast Texas that created 40 to 52 inches of rainfall and wind speeds that exceeded 130 mph. Irma tore an extremely lethal path through Florida and some parts of Georgia and South Carolina. Irma caused at least 68 fatalities and left the southeast coast in a scramble.

“Irma is and will be among the most devastating hurricanes ever to hit the Leeward Islands with 185 mph winds,” said WXII News Meteorologist Michelle Kennedy. “Now with at least 68 people dead from Irma’s impact, it is Irma’s record size, intensity, and span that will be studied and remembered.

FEMA is still working hard to get people back into their homes safely and quickly. With many homes torn down, due to the vicious winds and debris, agencies are working to get those homes back into living condition. FEMA and the U.S. Coast Guard have saved the lives of over 1,332 people across the Caribbean and Florida.

“FEMA does do now more to warn of all storms through the WEA or Wireless Emergency Alert system- this may save many lives as the public relies heavily on mobile devices,” said Kennedy. “However, evacuating millions along our coasts within 48 hours or less, convincing people they need to leave, and pinpointing landfall, as well as intensity, are the top challenges we face during hurricane season.”

Luckily for those in the path of Irma, FEMA was able to reach Florida in time for most residents to evacuate safely, which was a huge improvement from Katrina

“Katrina’s death toll of one thousand eight hundred thirty six people was an unimaginable number prior to the storm in a well developed country- it was simply horrifying to watch,” added Kennedy. “This taught us part of the lesson of response and emergency communication.”

While Irma was devastating, it may only be the first hurricane that makes it’s way into the spotlight. Hurricane Maria is now touching down in Puerto Rico with great force. The category three hurricane, is leaving Puerto Rico with up to eight inches of rainfall, only adding to the feet of water that had previously fallen.  In some parts, the island may not have power for up to a month.