President Trump signed an emergency declaration for the US Virgin Islands on Monday, as Hurricane Maria continues churning toward the Caribbean as a Category 3 storm.

Maria “rapidly” intensified into a major hurricane Monday morning and is forecasted to move over the Leeward Islands later in the day, according to the National Hurricane Center.

The US Virgin Islands, which are still reeling from Hurricane Irma, are now bracing for a hit from Maria on Wednesday.

“Pres. Trump again declares emergency for US Virgin Islands as Hurricane Maria bears down,” NBC News tweeted.

Many island residents are heading to shelters or evacuating off the islands of St. Thomas and St. John, which suffered widespread destruction when Irma tore through the Caribbean earlier this month.

“It’s critical people make the tough decision to walk away from their property and take along what is most important — their loved ones,” said Gov. Kenneth Mapp wrote in a statement.