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Hurricane Irma: storm heads for Miami Dade, Florida's most populous county – latest news Hurricane Irma: storm heads for Miami Dade, Florida's most populous county – latest news
(35 minutes later)
11.58pm BST
23:58
Claire Phipps
This is Claire Phipps picking up the live blog.
In the British Virgin Islands, governor Gus Jaspert has declared a state of emergency in the wake of Irma – and with Hurricane Jose threatening to reach them this weekend.
Jaspert asked people on the BVI to avoid using roads unless “absolutely necessary” in order to prioritise emergency services. He added:
I would like to appeal to you to remain calm and to reassure we are doing all we can to assist you.
Please, could any public service organisation or anyone with a truck that could offer assistance and have not made contact with the [national emergency operations centre], do so now.
Let us all continue to help each other however we can and continue to pray for each other, may God bless and protect the territory and our people.
11.37pm BST11.37pm BST
23:3723:37
What we know so farWhat we know so far
Alan YuhasAlan Yuhas
The eye of Hurricane Irma, still a category 5 storm with sustained winds of 175mph (290kph), has moved westward off the northern coast of Hispaniola, its arms raking across Dominican Republic and Haiti. The storm is currently bearing down on the British territories of Turks and Caicos, and projected to move toward the southern Bahamas.The eye of Hurricane Irma, still a category 5 storm with sustained winds of 175mph (290kph), has moved westward off the northern coast of Hispaniola, its arms raking across Dominican Republic and Haiti. The storm is currently bearing down on the British territories of Turks and Caicos, and projected to move toward the southern Bahamas.
At least 12 people have been confirmed dead in the wake of the storm. The confirmed fatalities include an infant on Barbuda, one person in Anguilla, three people in Puerto Rico, three in the US Virgin Islands, and four in the French territory of St Martin.At least 12 people have been confirmed dead in the wake of the storm. The confirmed fatalities include an infant on Barbuda, one person in Anguilla, three people in Puerto Rico, three in the US Virgin Islands, and four in the French territory of St Martin.
Thousands more remain in shelters, their homes damaged or destroyed. In Puerto Rico, almost a million people are without power and 50,000 without water, according to the US territory’s department of emergency relief.Thousands more remain in shelters, their homes damaged or destroyed. In Puerto Rico, almost a million people are without power and 50,000 without water, according to the US territory’s department of emergency relief.
South Florida was placed on watch, with more than 750,000 people ordered to evacuate barrier islands and coastal areas. The NWS warned that storm surges of five to 10ft (up to 3 metres) could begin in the next 48 hours. Governor Rick Scott said that a storm surge moved by a storm this strong “could cover your house”, and pleaded with residents not to underestimate the hurricane. More than 500,000 people were ordered to evacuate from coastal Georgia.South Florida was placed on watch, with more than 750,000 people ordered to evacuate barrier islands and coastal areas. The NWS warned that storm surges of five to 10ft (up to 3 metres) could begin in the next 48 hours. Governor Rick Scott said that a storm surge moved by a storm this strong “could cover your house”, and pleaded with residents not to underestimate the hurricane. More than 500,000 people were ordered to evacuate from coastal Georgia.
“Every Florida family must be prepared to evacuate regardless of the coast you live on,” Scott said, stressing the gigantic scale of the storm. “We can rebuild your home but we cannot rebuild your life.”“Every Florida family must be prepared to evacuate regardless of the coast you live on,” Scott said, stressing the gigantic scale of the storm. “We can rebuild your home but we cannot rebuild your life.”
The storm is expected to descend somewhere on the Florida coast on Friday night or early Saturday, though it remains unclear where or when exactly the hurricane will fall the mainland. The Keys will have no rescue services or hospitals from Friday morning onward, authorities warned.The storm is expected to descend somewhere on the Florida coast on Friday night or early Saturday, though it remains unclear where or when exactly the hurricane will fall the mainland. The Keys will have no rescue services or hospitals from Friday morning onward, authorities warned.
The National Weather Service warned residents that winds and floods could make buildings “uninhabitable for weeks or months”, and authorities raced to bring fuel to areas with shortages.The National Weather Service warned residents that winds and floods could make buildings “uninhabitable for weeks or months”, and authorities raced to bring fuel to areas with shortages.
On Barbuda, prime minister Gaston Browne said Irma had made 90% of the tiny island’s structures “literally rubble” and that half the population was homeless. On French-administered St Martin, local councilman Daniel Gibbs told a local radio station “95% of the island is destroyed”. French authorities have sent naval ships with supplies to the island, and the UK has sent a vessel with supplies to its Virgin Islands territories.On Barbuda, prime minister Gaston Browne said Irma had made 90% of the tiny island’s structures “literally rubble” and that half the population was homeless. On French-administered St Martin, local councilman Daniel Gibbs told a local radio station “95% of the island is destroyed”. French authorities have sent naval ships with supplies to the island, and the UK has sent a vessel with supplies to its Virgin Islands territories.
In Haiti and the Dominican Republican, authorities closed all schools. Haitian president Jovenal Moïse urged people in rural areas to head to shelters and out of the mountains. On the Bahamas, prime minister Hubert Minnis ordered people to leave six southern islands, the largest evacuation in the country’s history.In Haiti and the Dominican Republican, authorities closed all schools. Haitian president Jovenal Moïse urged people in rural areas to head to shelters and out of the mountains. On the Bahamas, prime minister Hubert Minnis ordered people to leave six southern islands, the largest evacuation in the country’s history.
East of the Caribbean, hurricane Jose grew to a category three storm, on course to strike some of the small islands that have barely emerged from Irma’s winds.East of the Caribbean, hurricane Jose grew to a category three storm, on course to strike some of the small islands that have barely emerged from Irma’s winds.
11.23pm BST11.23pm BST
23:2323:23
The governor of Puerto Rico is meeting with residents and surveying the damage, writing on Twitter: “our people of Culbera and their city government can count on the support and attention of the central government for their recovery.”The governor of Puerto Rico is meeting with residents and surveying the damage, writing on Twitter: “our people of Culbera and their city government can count on the support and attention of the central government for their recovery.”
Nuestra gente de #Culebra y el Gobierno Municipal cuenta el respaldo y la atención del Gobierno Central para la recuperación. pic.twitter.com/x4TIKOGcsgNuestra gente de #Culebra y el Gobierno Municipal cuenta el respaldo y la atención del Gobierno Central para la recuperación. pic.twitter.com/x4TIKOGcsg
And in Dominican Republic, United Nations staff begin to take stock of what’s left from Irma’s recent departure.And in Dominican Republic, United Nations staff begin to take stock of what’s left from Irma’s recent departure.
[FOTOS] Situación hoy en #Nagua #RepDom por el #HuracanIrma #Irma #HurricaneIrma @PNUDLAC @pnud pic.twitter.com/unJJhVBuDt[FOTOS] Situación hoy en #Nagua #RepDom por el #HuracanIrma #Irma #HurricaneIrma @PNUDLAC @pnud pic.twitter.com/unJJhVBuDt
10.57pm BST10.57pm BST
22:5722:57
Northbound routes out of Florida have become jammed with traffic, as more than half a million people flee southern evacuation zones of the state and airports prepare for their final flights before closing on Friday. Hundreds of thousands more were ordered to evacuate coastal areas of Georgia, as the state’s governor prepared for worst-case scenarios.Northbound routes out of Florida have become jammed with traffic, as more than half a million people flee southern evacuation zones of the state and airports prepare for their final flights before closing on Friday. Hundreds of thousands more were ordered to evacuate coastal areas of Georgia, as the state’s governor prepared for worst-case scenarios.
The AP reports from I-95 and I-75, the largest roads leading north out of Florida and Georgia.The AP reports from I-95 and I-75, the largest roads leading north out of Florida and Georgia.
Mari and Neal Michaud loaded their two children and dog into their small sport-utility vehicle and left their home near Cocoa Beach about 10am, bound for an impromptu vacation in Washington, D.C. Using a phone app and calls to search for fuel along the way, they finally arrived at a convenience store that had gasoline nearly five hours later.Mari and Neal Michaud loaded their two children and dog into their small sport-utility vehicle and left their home near Cocoa Beach about 10am, bound for an impromptu vacation in Washington, D.C. Using a phone app and calls to search for fuel along the way, they finally arrived at a convenience store that had gasoline nearly five hours later.
The 60-mile trip up Interstate 95 should have taken an hour, said Mari Michaud.The 60-mile trip up Interstate 95 should have taken an hour, said Mari Michaud.
“There was no gas and it’s gridlock. People are stranded on the sides of the highway,” she said. “It’s 92 degrees out and little kids are out on the grass on the side of the road. No one can help them.”“There was no gas and it’s gridlock. People are stranded on the sides of the highway,” she said. “It’s 92 degrees out and little kids are out on the grass on the side of the road. No one can help them.”
NEW: @ABC now estimates 1.2M Florida residents are under a mandatory evacuation ahead of Hurricane #Irma.NEW: @ABC now estimates 1.2M Florida residents are under a mandatory evacuation ahead of Hurricane #Irma.
Noel Marsden said he, his girlfriend, her son and their dog left Pembroke Pines north of Miami with plans to ride out Irma in Savannah, only to find the city was also shutting down because of Irma. Marsden isn’t sure where they’ll all end up.Noel Marsden said he, his girlfriend, her son and their dog left Pembroke Pines north of Miami with plans to ride out Irma in Savannah, only to find the city was also shutting down because of Irma. Marsden isn’t sure where they’ll all end up.
“I’ve got a buddy in Atlanta and a buddy in Charlotte. We’ll wind up one of those two places because there are not hotels, I can tell you that,” he said.“I’ve got a buddy in Atlanta and a buddy in Charlotte. We’ll wind up one of those two places because there are not hotels, I can tell you that,” he said.
The last time Georgia was struck by a hurricane of force Category 3 or higher happened in 1898. The last Category 5 storm to hit Florida was Andrew in 1992. Its winds topped 165 mph (265 kph), killing 65 people and inflicting $26 billion in damage. It was at the time the most expensive natural disaster in U.S. history.The last time Georgia was struck by a hurricane of force Category 3 or higher happened in 1898. The last Category 5 storm to hit Florida was Andrew in 1992. Its winds topped 165 mph (265 kph), killing 65 people and inflicting $26 billion in damage. It was at the time the most expensive natural disaster in U.S. history.
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.13pm BSTat 11.13pm BST
10.26pm BST10.26pm BST
22:2622:26
Death toll rises to 12 confirmedDeath toll rises to 12 confirmed
The Associated Press reports that three people have died in the US Virgin Islands, according to American officials there.The Associated Press reports that three people have died in the US Virgin Islands, according to American officials there.
Governor spokesman Samuel Topp said Thursday that the deaths occurred in the St. Thomas and St. Johns district. Officials say crews are clearing many roads that remain inaccessible. The category storm destroyed homes, schools and roads as it roared through the northeast Caribbean this week and heads toward Florida.Governor spokesman Samuel Topp said Thursday that the deaths occurred in the St. Thomas and St. Johns district. Officials say crews are clearing many roads that remain inaccessible. The category storm destroyed homes, schools and roads as it roared through the northeast Caribbean this week and heads toward Florida.
Nine other people were confirmed killed by the storm around the Caribbean: an infant on Barbuda, one person in Anguilla, three people in Puerto Rico, and four in the French territory of St Martin. France’s interior minister at first said eight people had been killed, but the nation’s prime minister later said he could only confirm four killed. Officials said they expect the toll to increase as search and rescue efforts begin.Nine other people were confirmed killed by the storm around the Caribbean: an infant on Barbuda, one person in Anguilla, three people in Puerto Rico, and four in the French territory of St Martin. France’s interior minister at first said eight people had been killed, but the nation’s prime minister later said he could only confirm four killed. Officials said they expect the toll to increase as search and rescue efforts begin.
10.14pm BST10.14pm BST
22:1422:14
More than 250,000 people have been ordered to evacuate from parts of Palm Beach County, officials said, effective Friday morning at 10am local time.More than 250,000 people have been ordered to evacuate from parts of Palm Beach County, officials said, effective Friday morning at 10am local time.
The areas include barrier islands, areas near Jupiter, mobile homes, and low coastal areas and neighborhoods and towns along the intracostal waterways running up and down the coast. The storm surge, in particular, will be unusually large and dangerous.The areas include barrier islands, areas near Jupiter, mobile homes, and low coastal areas and neighborhoods and towns along the intracostal waterways running up and down the coast. The storm surge, in particular, will be unusually large and dangerous.
“It’s not something that we’ve seen in our lifetime. The strength of this storm is remarkable and it’s not remarkable in a good way,” a local official says at a press briefing.”“It’s not something that we’ve seen in our lifetime. The strength of this storm is remarkable and it’s not remarkable in a good way,” a local official says at a press briefing.”
County officials are urging people who are not in evacuation zones to have battery-powered lights, extra charges for cell phones, bottled water, and sealed food, among other supplies. “It may be days before public assistance can get to you,” the official says.County officials are urging people who are not in evacuation zones to have battery-powered lights, extra charges for cell phones, bottled water, and sealed food, among other supplies. “It may be days before public assistance can get to you,” the official says.
He adds that there are four general population shelters opening in the county on Friday at 3pm local time. “The message from the state, from the governor, is that there are a lot of people on the highway, a lot of people trying to get some place, and the roads are not able to handle that.”He adds that there are four general population shelters opening in the county on Friday at 3pm local time. “The message from the state, from the governor, is that there are a lot of people on the highway, a lot of people trying to get some place, and the roads are not able to handle that.”
BREAKING: 261,000 Palm Beach County residents either urged or ordered to evacuate ahead of Hurricane Irma https://t.co/oSECYmrkIL pic.twitter.com/34mQ9WsJwrBREAKING: 261,000 Palm Beach County residents either urged or ordered to evacuate ahead of Hurricane Irma https://t.co/oSECYmrkIL pic.twitter.com/34mQ9WsJwr
9.56pm BST9.56pm BST
21:5621:56
Florida falls squarely in 5pm forecastFlorida falls squarely in 5pm forecast
American forecasters have just updated their projections for Irma with an ominous tack west, toward Miami-Dade County – the most populous county in Florida – and a path through the center of the state.American forecasters have just updated their projections for Irma with an ominous tack west, toward Miami-Dade County – the most populous county in Florida – and a path through the center of the state.
HERE is the 5pm track-- suggests #Irma could go right over Orlando and more inland areas. @TTerryWFTV with a calm, steady voice on #WFTV. pic.twitter.com/Kua7aa1yYWHERE is the 5pm track-- suggests #Irma could go right over Orlando and more inland areas. @TTerryWFTV with a calm, steady voice on #WFTV. pic.twitter.com/Kua7aa1yYW
UpdatedUpdated
at 10.34pm BSTat 10.34pm BST
9.50pm BST9.50pm BST
21:5021:50
Hurricane Jose grows to category 3Hurricane Jose grows to category 3
The National Weather Service has upgrade hurricane Jose, currently east of the Caribbean and heading toward the same islands just struck by Irma, to a category three storm, with additional growth possible in the next 24 to 36 hours.The National Weather Service has upgrade hurricane Jose, currently east of the Caribbean and heading toward the same islands just struck by Irma, to a category three storm, with additional growth possible in the next 24 to 36 hours.
Hurricane watches are in effect for Antigua and Barbuda, and tropical storm watches for Anguilla, Montserrat, St Kitts, and Nevis – islands that all either suffered brutal storms or narrowly avoided devastation from Irma.Hurricane watches are in effect for Antigua and Barbuda, and tropical storm watches for Anguilla, Montserrat, St Kitts, and Nevis – islands that all either suffered brutal storms or narrowly avoided devastation from Irma.
JUST IN: Jose strengthens to major Category 3 hurricane with 120 mph winds pic.twitter.com/2NAbmCf3oyJUST IN: Jose strengthens to major Category 3 hurricane with 120 mph winds pic.twitter.com/2NAbmCf3oy
9.39pm BST9.39pm BST
21:3921:39
As recovery workers reach St Maarten, the Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico in the wake of Irma, so do photographers, conveying the scope of the storm.As recovery workers reach St Maarten, the Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico in the wake of Irma, so do photographers, conveying the scope of the storm.
9.30pm BST9.30pm BST
21:3021:30
Though a northward swerve appears increasingly unlikely for hurricane Irma before landfall on Florida, Georgia governor Nathan Deal has ordered mandatory evacuations from coastal areas of his state.Though a northward swerve appears increasingly unlikely for hurricane Irma before landfall on Florida, Georgia governor Nathan Deal has ordered mandatory evacuations from coastal areas of his state.
Like his colleagues in Florida, Deal appears to be taking no chances with Irma’s general northern trajectory, ordering people to prepare and leave the area sooner rather than later. The state’s emergency services have provided maps and more detail about the areas affected by the order.Like his colleagues in Florida, Deal appears to be taking no chances with Irma’s general northern trajectory, ordering people to prepare and leave the area sooner rather than later. The state’s emergency services have provided maps and more detail about the areas affected by the order.
Per @GovernorDeal: all areas E of I-95, all of Chatham Co. & some areas W of I-95 are under a MANDATORY evacuation. See maps for more info pic.twitter.com/8VJQ588T76Per @GovernorDeal: all areas E of I-95, all of Chatham Co. & some areas W of I-95 are under a MANDATORY evacuation. See maps for more info pic.twitter.com/8VJQ588T76
UpdatedUpdated
at 9.40pm BSTat 9.40pm BST
9.23pm BST9.23pm BST
21:2321:23
Time is running out for flights departing from southern Florida. Fort Lauderdale airport, which is with Miami International one of the major hubs of south Florida, will close its doors on Friday evening.Time is running out for flights departing from southern Florida. Fort Lauderdale airport, which is with Miami International one of the major hubs of south Florida, will close its doors on Friday evening.
Miami International has not yet said when its last flight will depart before the storm, but warned people that it should not be considered a haven from the hurricane. “The airport is not a designated shelter during a storm, and operational needs at MIA may require occupants to be evacuated to nearby shelters. Resources like food and water may also not be readily available in the airport during or after the storm.”Miami International has not yet said when its last flight will depart before the storm, but warned people that it should not be considered a haven from the hurricane. “The airport is not a designated shelter during a storm, and operational needs at MIA may require occupants to be evacuated to nearby shelters. Resources like food and water may also not be readily available in the airport during or after the storm.”
pic.twitter.com/fRR8OFSypFpic.twitter.com/fRR8OFSypF
UpdatedUpdated
at 9.24pm BSTat 9.24pm BST
9.16pm BST9.16pm BST
21:1621:16
Eric Blake, a National Hurricane Center scientist, has described Irma in stark, dire terms, urging people to listen to emergency managers and do everything possible to protect themselves and loved ones.Eric Blake, a National Hurricane Center scientist, has described Irma in stark, dire terms, urging people to listen to emergency managers and do everything possible to protect themselves and loved ones.
“This hurricane is as serious as any I have seen. No hype, just the hard facts. Take every life saving precaution you can,” Blake tweeted. “I have little doubt #Irma will go down as one of the most infamous in Atlantic hurricane history.”“This hurricane is as serious as any I have seen. No hype, just the hard facts. Take every life saving precaution you can,” Blake tweeted. “I have little doubt #Irma will go down as one of the most infamous in Atlantic hurricane history.”
“Trust the NHC professionals for the best possible forecast. Protect you and your loved ones. I hope I have a house to return to. I know it sounds dire. But a Category 4/5 into South Florida is one of those scenarios that sends chills.”“Trust the NHC professionals for the best possible forecast. Protect you and your loved ones. I hope I have a house to return to. I know it sounds dire. But a Category 4/5 into South Florida is one of those scenarios that sends chills.”
#Irma has me sick to my stomach. Need to be very lucky for it to miss Florida now. Prepare & follow advice of your local emergency manager. pic.twitter.com/Pk0QJTVhaB#Irma has me sick to my stomach. Need to be very lucky for it to miss Florida now. Prepare & follow advice of your local emergency manager. pic.twitter.com/Pk0QJTVhaB