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Hurricane Matthew, ‘Extremely Dangerous,’ Threatens Jacksonville Hurricane Matthew, ‘Extremely Dangerous,’ Threatens Jacksonville
(35 minutes later)
Hurricane Matthew churned north along the coast of Florida on Friday, staying far enough offshore to spare the state a direct hit, but still caused flooding, wind damage and power failures. By Friday evening, it was a Category 2 storm, with sustained winds of up to 110 miles per hour, and government officials and forecasters shifted their focus to the threat of more serious damage on Saturday as the storm approaches Savannah and Charleston.Hurricane Matthew churned north along the coast of Florida on Friday, staying far enough offshore to spare the state a direct hit, but still caused flooding, wind damage and power failures. By Friday evening, it was a Category 2 storm, with sustained winds of up to 110 miles per hour, and government officials and forecasters shifted their focus to the threat of more serious damage on Saturday as the storm approaches Savannah and Charleston.
The storm was blamed for the deaths of more than 800 people in Haiti, according to a Reuters report based on information from civil protection and local officials.The storm was blamed for the deaths of more than 800 people in Haiti, according to a Reuters report based on information from civil protection and local officials.
For much of the day, officials warned that Jacksonville, by far the largest population center along the hurricane’s path with almost 1.6 million in the metropolitan area, could suffer the worst damage. But while there was flooding in the area, the eye of the storm remained about 40 miles offshore as it passed Jacksonville.For much of the day, officials warned that Jacksonville, by far the largest population center along the hurricane’s path with almost 1.6 million in the metropolitan area, could suffer the worst damage. But while there was flooding in the area, the eye of the storm remained about 40 miles offshore as it passed Jacksonville.
Dispatches from our reporters on the ground; a live storm tracker map; and answers to reader questions will be updated below.Dispatches from our reporters on the ground; a live storm tracker map; and answers to reader questions will be updated below.
■ At 6 p.m., the hurricane’s center was 40 miles east of Jacksonville, and and 50 miles east-southeast of Fernandina Beach. The storm was moving at about 12 m.p.h. ■ At 8 p.m., the hurricane’s center was 55 miles east-northeast of Jacksonville, and 50 miles east-southeast of Fernandina Beach. The storm was moving at about 12 m.p.h., with maximum sustained winds of 110 m.p.h.
■ Gov. Rick Scott said that by Friday morning, more than 22,000 people had checked into the 145 public shelters that opened in Florida, and more were expected.
■ Florida officials blamed the storm for at least three deaths: one in St. Lucie County, one in Volusia County and one in Putnam County. Early on Friday, the St. Lucie County fire service received a call to aid a woman who had suffered a heart attack, but winds approaching hurricane force prevented emergency vehicles from responding. Around noon, another woman was killed in Volusia, Fla., when a tree fell on her after she went outside to feed animals, according to James T. Dinneen, the Volusia County manager. In Putnam County, between Gainesville and Daytona Beach, the sheriff’s office said a woman had been killed when a tree fell onto a camper. Another man was injured.■ Florida officials blamed the storm for at least three deaths: one in St. Lucie County, one in Volusia County and one in Putnam County. Early on Friday, the St. Lucie County fire service received a call to aid a woman who had suffered a heart attack, but winds approaching hurricane force prevented emergency vehicles from responding. Around noon, another woman was killed in Volusia, Fla., when a tree fell on her after she went outside to feed animals, according to James T. Dinneen, the Volusia County manager. In Putnam County, between Gainesville and Daytona Beach, the sheriff’s office said a woman had been killed when a tree fell onto a camper. Another man was injured.
■ Florida officials said Friday afternoon that more than 1 million customers were without electricity.■ Florida officials said Friday afternoon that more than 1 million customers were without electricity.
■ Significant flooding hit cities south of Jacksonville, including St. Augustine and Ormond Beach, on Friday.■ Significant flooding hit cities south of Jacksonville, including St. Augustine and Ormond Beach, on Friday.
■ Matthew is predicted to continue to parallel the coast into Georgia and the Carolinas, putting Savannah, Charleston and Wilmington, N.C., at risk, before turning out to sea.■ Matthew is predicted to continue to parallel the coast into Georgia and the Carolinas, putting Savannah, Charleston and Wilmington, N.C., at risk, before turning out to sea.
■ The National Weather Service extended its hurricane warning northward into North Carolina. The Weather Service downgraded the hurricane warning for Florida’s south-central coast to a tropical storm warning, and lifted the tropical storm warning for the state’s southern coast.■ The National Weather Service extended its hurricane warning northward into North Carolina. The Weather Service downgraded the hurricane warning for Florida’s south-central coast to a tropical storm warning, and lifted the tropical storm warning for the state’s southern coast.
■ President Obama warned against complacency. “I just want to emphasize to everybody that this is still a really dangerous hurricane, that the potential for storm surge, flooding, loss of life and severe property damage continues to exist,” he told reporters at the White House. “Pay attention to what your local officials are telling you. If they tell you to evacuate, you need to get out of there and move to higher ground.” The president has declared a state of emergency in Florida, Georgia and South Carolina, allowing federal agencies to coordinate relief efforts.■ President Obama warned against complacency. “I just want to emphasize to everybody that this is still a really dangerous hurricane, that the potential for storm surge, flooding, loss of life and severe property damage continues to exist,” he told reporters at the White House. “Pay attention to what your local officials are telling you. If they tell you to evacuate, you need to get out of there and move to higher ground.” The president has declared a state of emergency in Florida, Georgia and South Carolina, allowing federal agencies to coordinate relief efforts.
■ To cover the storm and its aftermath, The New York Times has deployed journalists in Miami; Orlando, Fla.; Port St. Lucie, Fla.; Titusville, Fla.; Jacksonville, Fla.; Atlanta; and Charleston, S.C. Follow our correspondents on Twitter.■ To cover the storm and its aftermath, The New York Times has deployed journalists in Miami; Orlando, Fla.; Port St. Lucie, Fla.; Titusville, Fla.; Jacksonville, Fla.; Atlanta; and Charleston, S.C. Follow our correspondents on Twitter.
The Kennedy Space Center, and the space program that depends on it, may have dodged a bullet.The Kennedy Space Center, and the space program that depends on it, may have dodged a bullet.
As Hurricane Matthew moved north, it passed Cape Canaveral, according to NASA blog, with recorded sustained winds of 90 miles per hour and gusts up to 107 miles per hour — lower than initially feared but still enough to cause damage.As Hurricane Matthew moved north, it passed Cape Canaveral, according to NASA blog, with recorded sustained winds of 90 miles per hour and gusts up to 107 miles per hour — lower than initially feared but still enough to cause damage.
A 10:07 a.m. posting said there was “limited roof damage” and debris around the facility.A 10:07 a.m. posting said there was “limited roof damage” and debris around the facility.
A damage assessment and recovery team will be brought in for a formal examination on Saturday.A damage assessment and recovery team will be brought in for a formal examination on Saturday.
William Harwood, who covers the space program for CBS from the area, spent the night at the Brevard County Emergency Operations Center and reported rainfall totals at 8 to 12 inches at the space center, with a storm surge of one to five feet. It was “much lower than expected,” he wrote in a on Twitter. — JOHN SCHWARTZ in New YorkWilliam Harwood, who covers the space program for CBS from the area, spent the night at the Brevard County Emergency Operations Center and reported rainfall totals at 8 to 12 inches at the space center, with a storm surge of one to five feet. It was “much lower than expected,” he wrote in a on Twitter. — JOHN SCHWARTZ in New York
Mr. Scott, a Republican, declined to extend the deadline after a call from Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign to accommodate people disrupted by the hurricane. Read more »Mr. Scott, a Republican, declined to extend the deadline after a call from Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign to accommodate people disrupted by the hurricane. Read more »
As the hurricane moved up the coast, South Carolina officials pleaded for residents to leave coastal areas and barrier islands, warning that the storm could bring heavy rains and deadly flooding.As the hurricane moved up the coast, South Carolina officials pleaded for residents to leave coastal areas and barrier islands, warning that the storm could bring heavy rains and deadly flooding.
“It is getting worse,” Gov. Nikki R. Haley said at a news conference on Friday morning. “We are looking at major storm surges, we are looking at major winds.”“It is getting worse,” Gov. Nikki R. Haley said at a news conference on Friday morning. “We are looking at major storm surges, we are looking at major winds.”
As of 11 a.m., South Carolina’s entire coast was under a hurricane warning and a storm surge watch, said John Quagliariello, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service. He said the storm might make landfall in South Carolina on Saturday.As of 11 a.m., South Carolina’s entire coast was under a hurricane warning and a storm surge watch, said John Quagliariello, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service. He said the storm might make landfall in South Carolina on Saturday.
“Right now we’re looking at the potential for disasters and life-threatening storm surge inundation along the coast,” Mr. Quagliariello said. With as much as eight to 14 inches of rain in the forecast, he said, “we’re looking at the potential for deadly flooding on the Charleston peninsula.”“Right now we’re looking at the potential for disasters and life-threatening storm surge inundation along the coast,” Mr. Quagliariello said. With as much as eight to 14 inches of rain in the forecast, he said, “we’re looking at the potential for deadly flooding on the Charleston peninsula.”
Ms. Haley said that 310,000 people had evacuated, out of a target population of 500,000 potential evacuees, and that officials were going door to door, urging residents to leave. She said she was especially concerned about the state’s barrier islands.Ms. Haley said that 310,000 people had evacuated, out of a target population of 500,000 potential evacuees, and that officials were going door to door, urging residents to leave. She said she was especially concerned about the state’s barrier islands.
“Daniel Island — they’re not moving,” Ms. Haley said. “We need you to do this. The water that’s going to come in is going to be dangerous.”“Daniel Island — they’re not moving,” Ms. Haley said. “We need you to do this. The water that’s going to come in is going to be dangerous.”
— JESS BIDGOOD in Charleston, S.C.— JESS BIDGOOD in Charleston, S.C.
Forecasters say there are hints that the storm could take a path back toward the coastline, at a reduced strength. Read more from John Schwartz »Forecasters say there are hints that the storm could take a path back toward the coastline, at a reduced strength. Read more from John Schwartz »
On Friday afternoon in Charleston, S.C., officials warned of potentially record-setting high tides, urged people to evacuate if they had not done so and set a curfew, from midnight until 6 a.m. Saturday, for those who remained.On Friday afternoon in Charleston, S.C., officials warned of potentially record-setting high tides, urged people to evacuate if they had not done so and set a curfew, from midnight until 6 a.m. Saturday, for those who remained.
But as the wind whistled and rain began to spit on this peninsular city, those who remained here seemed remarkably relaxed.But as the wind whistled and rain began to spit on this peninsular city, those who remained here seemed remarkably relaxed.
“There’s parties all over,” said Elle Norton, 58, as she boarded up the windows of her pale pink house in downtown Charleston, and brought her potted plants inside. “I have to go to the store now to get some appetizers.”“There’s parties all over,” said Elle Norton, 58, as she boarded up the windows of her pale pink house in downtown Charleston, and brought her potted plants inside. “I have to go to the store now to get some appetizers.”
To Ms. Norton and many others here, the emptiness of Charleston’s palm-tree-lined streets, where antebellum architecture is dotted with hidden courtyards and lush window boxes, was a refreshing break, because the city is usually brimming with tourists.To Ms. Norton and many others here, the emptiness of Charleston’s palm-tree-lined streets, where antebellum architecture is dotted with hidden courtyards and lush window boxes, was a refreshing break, because the city is usually brimming with tourists.
“It’s so pleasant just hearing the birds,” Ms. Norton said.“It’s so pleasant just hearing the birds,” Ms. Norton said.
A few streets over, Normandy Farm Bakery had filled the case it normally reserved for oysters — of which there were only three left — with hot dogs and beer, and strung up a random assortment of celebratory balloons outside to signal they were staying open.A few streets over, Normandy Farm Bakery had filled the case it normally reserved for oysters — of which there were only three left — with hot dogs and beer, and strung up a random assortment of celebratory balloons outside to signal they were staying open.
“You ride it out in your house, you’re gonna go bananas,” said the owner, Mike Ray, who seemed unmoved by the dire warnings from public officials. “I don’t think it’s gonna flood right here.”“You ride it out in your house, you’re gonna go bananas,” said the owner, Mike Ray, who seemed unmoved by the dire warnings from public officials. “I don’t think it’s gonna flood right here.”
Nearby, Jerome Monroe, a local handy man, closed the shutters on a fine arts gallery. He was planning to ride out the storm inside the Footlight Player’s Theater, where he would use a ShopVac to try to minimize flooding, though he knew he was powerless to prevent it entirely.Nearby, Jerome Monroe, a local handy man, closed the shutters on a fine arts gallery. He was planning to ride out the storm inside the Footlight Player’s Theater, where he would use a ShopVac to try to minimize flooding, though he knew he was powerless to prevent it entirely.
“When the water comes,” Mr. Monroe said, “you’re not stopping it.” — JESSICA BIDGOOD in Charleston, S.C.“When the water comes,” Mr. Monroe said, “you’re not stopping it.” — JESSICA BIDGOOD in Charleston, S.C.
The Haitian government says more than 280 people had died during the hurricane, but on Friday Reuters reported that its own tally, based on information from civil protection and local officials, showed that at least 842 were confirmed dead.The Haitian government says more than 280 people had died during the hurricane, but on Friday Reuters reported that its own tally, based on information from civil protection and local officials, showed that at least 842 were confirmed dead.
Now that transportation and at least some communication to those areas have been restored, a fuller picture of the damage is emerging, officials said at a news conference held by the Ministry of Interior. — AZAM AHMED in MiamiNow that transportation and at least some communication to those areas have been restored, a fuller picture of the damage is emerging, officials said at a news conference held by the Ministry of Interior. — AZAM AHMED in Miami
John Schwartz, a New York Times reporter who covers climate change and the environment, is answering reader questions about the storm. He rode out his first hurricane, Carla, in his hometown, Galveston, Tex., at age 4. He has covered the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, as well as other storms for The Times.John Schwartz, a New York Times reporter who covers climate change and the environment, is answering reader questions about the storm. He rode out his first hurricane, Carla, in his hometown, Galveston, Tex., at age 4. He has covered the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, as well as other storms for The Times.
Ask your hurricane questions here.Ask your hurricane questions here.
Why do weather agencies and the news media keep getting the forecasts so wrong and overstate the severity of hurricanes? Is this some kind of insurance liability issue, where they are afraid of getting sued if they don’t paint a ‘doomsday’ picture? — JimWhy do weather agencies and the news media keep getting the forecasts so wrong and overstate the severity of hurricanes? Is this some kind of insurance liability issue, where they are afraid of getting sued if they don’t paint a ‘doomsday’ picture? — Jim
The conservative approach isn’t about liability, Jim, it’s about saving lives. The storm track that Matthew has followed has been well within the range of possibilities that the National Hurricane Center has been talking about all along. This is still a dangerous storm, and just because some stretches of the Florida coast have not been hit as catastrophically as was possible, that does not mean the rest of Florida or Georgia or South Carolina are in the clear.The conservative approach isn’t about liability, Jim, it’s about saving lives. The storm track that Matthew has followed has been well within the range of possibilities that the National Hurricane Center has been talking about all along. This is still a dangerous storm, and just because some stretches of the Florida coast have not been hit as catastrophically as was possible, that does not mean the rest of Florida or Georgia or South Carolina are in the clear.
Marshall Shepherd, the director of Atmospheric Sciences Program, University of Georgia, has been fiercely defending the warnings on Twitter, and I’ll let him do the talking here:Marshall Shepherd, the director of Atmospheric Sciences Program, University of Georgia, has been fiercely defending the warnings on Twitter, and I’ll let him do the talking here:
Chris W. Landsea, science and operations officer for the National Hurricane Center, said that while the storm has weakened somewhat, it is now spread over a larger area, and “a larger hurricane can cause more storm surge,” and a larger wind field; the wind damage, in other words, can be felt over a larger area. So a slightly weaker but larger storm is “kind of a wash, as far as impacts,” he said.Chris W. Landsea, science and operations officer for the National Hurricane Center, said that while the storm has weakened somewhat, it is now spread over a larger area, and “a larger hurricane can cause more storm surge,” and a larger wind field; the wind damage, in other words, can be felt over a larger area. So a slightly weaker but larger storm is “kind of a wash, as far as impacts,” he said.
I grew up in Houston and also rode out Carla as a child as well as Henrietta in Cabo as an adult. I certainly believe in climate change, but is the hurricane season really worse now? What about the 1900 Galveston hurricane? — Jackie BerryI grew up in Houston and also rode out Carla as a child as well as Henrietta in Cabo as an adult. I certainly believe in climate change, but is the hurricane season really worse now? What about the 1900 Galveston hurricane? — Jackie Berry
There have always been hurricanes, and many have been profoundly destructive. The Great Storm of 1900 killed at least 6,000 people on Galveston Island, and remains the deadliest natural disaster in United States history.There have always been hurricanes, and many have been profoundly destructive. The Great Storm of 1900 killed at least 6,000 people on Galveston Island, and remains the deadliest natural disaster in United States history.
But climate change isn’t about these isolated incidents. It’s the long-term trend, and the long-term trend is not good.But climate change isn’t about these isolated incidents. It’s the long-term trend, and the long-term trend is not good.
People remember the 1900 storm — and the haunting song about it, Wasn’t that a Mighty Storm? and Erik Larson’s book “Isaac’s Storm” — because it stands out in the damage that it did. What climate change is doing is dumping more heat into the oceans and more moisture into the air — conditions that are likely, over time, to make the strong storms that do develop become more powerful, and possibly more frequent, as well.People remember the 1900 storm — and the haunting song about it, Wasn’t that a Mighty Storm? and Erik Larson’s book “Isaac’s Storm” — because it stands out in the damage that it did. What climate change is doing is dumping more heat into the oceans and more moisture into the air — conditions that are likely, over time, to make the strong storms that do develop become more powerful, and possibly more frequent, as well.
Katharine Hayhoe, a climate scientist at Texas Tech University, noted that while global average temperatures are rising, “20 times more heat is going into the ocean” than into the atmosphere, and so that’s a lot of power in the sea for hurricanes to draw on. And, in fact, while the 1900 storm was terribly destructive, much of that tragedy could be blamed on the lack of warning in those pre-satellite times.Katharine Hayhoe, a climate scientist at Texas Tech University, noted that while global average temperatures are rising, “20 times more heat is going into the ocean” than into the atmosphere, and so that’s a lot of power in the sea for hurricanes to draw on. And, in fact, while the 1900 storm was terribly destructive, much of that tragedy could be blamed on the lack of warning in those pre-satellite times.
It’s hard to attribute any single weather event to climate change, but it’s clear that climate change sets up conditions that can lead to more 1900 storms, more Katrinas, more Sandys. When I wrote about the science of attribution last year, Andrew E. Dessler, a climate researcher at Texas A & M, told me determining whether an extreme weather event like a flood is caused by climate change is like trying to figure out which of Barry Bonds’s home runs were caused by his steroid use.It’s hard to attribute any single weather event to climate change, but it’s clear that climate change sets up conditions that can lead to more 1900 storms, more Katrinas, more Sandys. When I wrote about the science of attribution last year, Andrew E. Dessler, a climate researcher at Texas A & M, told me determining whether an extreme weather event like a flood is caused by climate change is like trying to figure out which of Barry Bonds’s home runs were caused by his steroid use.
“You know statistically some of them were, but you don’t know which ones,” he said. “Almost certainly, it would have rained a lot even without climate change — but it’s possible climate change juiced it, added a little bit.”“You know statistically some of them were, but you don’t know which ones,” he said. “Almost certainly, it would have rained a lot even without climate change — but it’s possible climate change juiced it, added a little bit.”