Hurricane Irma has severely damaged one of the most famous airports in the world
Among the victims of the storm's 185 mph winds is the island's famed Princess Juliana International Airport.
Among the victims of the storm's 185 mph winds is the island's famed Princess Juliana International Airport.
In the photos that have emerged from St. Martin, the airport's terminal looks to be severely damaged while at least one of the airport's jet bridges has collapsed. The runway is also covered in sand and debris.
In addition, a camera located on Maho Beach at the foot of the runway shows the sheer intensity of Irma's power.
The importance of Princess Juliana International is the role it plays as a major transit point for tourists visiting the region. However, its celebrity status comes from its runway's proximity to Maho Beach allowing tourists up close and personal views of airliners skimming overhead to land or feel the jet blast of aircraft taking off.
According to the Guardian, the Irma made landfall on St. Martin a few hours ago, causing heavy flooding and a blackout.
Here's a video from a camera located near the runway of Princess Juliana International Airport.