Hurricane Dorian has pounded the northernmost islands of the Bahamas with winds gusting to more than 355kmh, ripping roofs off buildings and causing severe flooding.
Social media footage showed roads littered in twisted metal and splintered wood, and apartment complexes completely underwater.
The National Hurricane Centre warned of storm surges that could reach 18ft to 23ft above normal levels.
The category 5 storm forced Georgia and Carolina to issue evacuation orders for their coastal communities on Sunday night.
It was still unclear if there were casualties.

Thailand and Cambodia sign truce to halt fierce border conflict
World's longest expressway tunnel opens in China
Malaysia ex-PM Najib jailed for 15 more years in 1MDB case
US launches strike against ISIS in northwest Nigeria
Israel formally recognises Somaliland as independent state
