Omar, which reached Category 3 status, knocked down trees, caused some flooding and minor mudslides in the U.S. Virgin Islands, but there were no immediate reports of deaths or major damage.

Hurricane Omar is gaining strength quickly and is now a major Category 3 storm with top winds of 120 miles-per-hour.

Forecasters say hurricane has top winds of 105 mph and is expected to continue strengthening as it barrels toward the U.S. and British Virgin Islands.

National Hurricane Center predicts storm will likely pass by Puerto Rico overnight Weds. and possibly deliver a direct blow to nearby US and British Virgin Islands.

"This isn't like standing around watching a wreck. This is like standing around, waiting for a wreck," said one official. "You know exactly where it's going to happen."

Forecasters said it remains a dangerous storm.

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Marie became a tropical storm Wednesday morning and was centered 575 miles southwest of the southern tip of the peninsula.

The hurricane-induced gas shortage was expected to last only a few days; now 3rd week.

Maine emergency responders had braced for wind gusts as high as 60 mph and waves up to 20 feet, but it became clear that the state was escaping a direct hit.