Many residents in Yonkers who have family in Hurricane Irma's direct path say they are feeling helpless as it barrels close to Puerto Rico.

The intense Category 5 storm is bringing winds up to 185 mph. The governor of Puerto Rico has declared a state of emergency and called in the National Guard.

Yonkers is home to thousands of Puerto Ricans, many of whom are scared about family who can't evacuate the island.

"You have to stay there whatever happens, you have to brave and confront whatever is coming. So it's really sad because you really cannot leave, you have to stay and prepare for the worst," says Lucy Cassanova, of Yonkers.

Cassanova says her sister, nieces and nephews are on the island. She believes the island will be devastated if the storm continues on its path.