AKIPRESS.COM - The most powerful storm to hit the Caribbean islands of the Bahamas since records began has torn roofs from buildings and caused severe flooding, BBC reports.

Hurricane Dorian, a category five storm, has sustained winds of up to 180mph (285km/h).

A "life-threatening" storm surge of 23ft (7m) is also predicted in places, officials warn.

The hurricane is moving slowly westwards and may hit areas of the eastern US seaboard.

The US states of Florida, Georgia, North and South Carolina have all declared states of emergency.

Areas of the Abaco islands were under water after the storm hit the Bahamas' Elbow Cay soon after midday (16:00 GMT) on Sunday.

The storm also battered Grand Bahama island with high winds and torrential rainfall.

Bahamas residents posted footage showing floodwaters engulfing some homes after high winds had torn their roofs off. Videos also show capsized boats floating in floodwaters filled with debris.