Dorian intensifies into hurricane, heading for Puerto Rico

Hurricane Dorian unleashed its fury on the U.S. Virgin Islands Wednesday, lashing out as a Category 1.

The heavy wind and rain slamming the islands.

It's expected soon to bear down on Puerto Rico...

where homes and businesses are boarded up...

schools closed...

and cruise-liners diverted...

as residents hunker down.

(SOUNDBITE) NICK RUSSO, FEMA, SAYING:

"This is not a good place to be in the next two or three days."

In the face of a potential emergency- President Donald Trump attacked the U.S. territory on Twitter, calling it "one of the most corrupt places on earth. Their political system is broken and their politicians are either Incompetent or Corrupt." He added "and by the way, I'm the best thing that's ever happened to Puerto Rico!"

Trump approved an emergency declaration for Puerto Rico late Tuesday, allowing for the Federal Emergency Management Agency to provide assistance.

Meanwhile residents of San Juan are not taking any chances ...

(SOUNDBITE) (SPANISH) LOCAL RESIDENT, ERARIO REYES CARRSQUILLO, SAYING:

"Supposedly we're going to get a lot of rain, strong wind - they say 70 miles per hour. This is a lot and we have to protect ourselves."

Some here are still recovering from the devastating back-to-back hurricanes in 2017, that killed about 3,000 people.

Dorian is also forecast to hit the U.S. mainland- potentially strengthening to a Category 3 hurricane on Labor Day weekend.

Florida's governor warning folks to "be ready and listen"

(SOUNDBITE) GOV. RON DESANTIS, (R)FLORIDA SAYING:

"...and potentially impact from southern Florida all the way up to Virginia at this point. "

Residents of Orange County, Florida are storing up on sandbags early ahead of a storm.

(SOUNDBITE) SUSAN RAUSCH, HOMEOWNER:

"We'll put these in front of the French doors and any other doors to stop any water from coming in."

Dorian is expected to dump 4 to 8 inches of rain on Florida, according to the National Hurricane Center.