A powerful category three Hurricane Irene roared across The Bahamas archipelago last evening, knocking down trees and destroying homes.

There were no immediate reports of major injuries or deaths but property damage appeared to be extensive.

Reports indicated that Acklins and Crooked islands, in southern Bahamas were hard hit with an estimated 90 per cent of the homes in two settlements severely damaged or destroyed.

Captain Stephen Russell, the director of The Bahamas National Emergency Management Agency said he was getting disturbing reports from the two islands.

Hundreds of people live on both islands.