Fresno man stranded in the Caribbean as Hurricane Irma ravages region

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Hundreds of PG&E crews are now in Florida as Hurricane Irma knocks out power to millions of people. Crews are getting ready to head out to the hard hit areas to work on restoring power.

Several Red Cross volunteers are also in the area to help people escape the flood waters. But while they headed to the disaster zone to help, one Central Valley man is struggling to come back home.

Hurricane Irma continues to storm through Florida, turning streets into rivers in the Miami area. Its powerful winds are knocking over power lines.

Millions of Floridians have evacuated, and the dozens who stayed behind are now seeking shelter. Red Cross volunteers say thousands of Floridians were seeking refuge at their shelters.

A Red Cross executive director from Fresno arrived in Florida on Friday. He says several more volunteers are on their way from California to help Irma victims.

"Right now, we're very much into response mode here in Florida," Barry Falke explained. "You know, the storm is really now starting to hit and is headed north."

The dangerous storm started its path of destruction in the Caribbean. One Fresno man is now stranded in Turks and Caicos after enduring the storm from his hotel.

"All we could hear is debris bouncing off the outside wall of the building," Aaron Van Curen said over Skype.

He says the island's airport is closed. After several attempts at finding help, he says it's a matter of if and when he'll be able to come back.

"You can get help if you're in Cuba. You can get help if you're in Barbados or help in the Bahamas, or you can get it anywhere except Turks and Caicos."

While some are stuck in the midst of disaster others are rushing to help. PG&E crews are now in Florida to help their power and light company restore and rebuild.

"They're developing their work plan strategy for tomorrow," Angie Gibson with PG&E said. "We have regularly scheduled meetings with FPL throughout the day today to ensure we're aligned."

Irma is expected to move north, continuing its path along the west coast of Florida. Van Curen says there's a possibility he will be able to fly back on the 15th.

As far as PG&E, they're going to be spending their time helping replace power poles and lines, and hopefully, restore power as soon as possible.