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Hurricane Irma live updates: storm pummels Haiti and heads for Bahamas and Florida Hurricane Irma live updates: storm pummels Haiti and heads for Bahamas and Florida
(35 minutes later)
3.07am BST
03:07
Haiti has felt the edges of Hurricane Irma as it careered away from the Dominican Republic towards the Turks and Caicos Islands, and reports so far suggest it has been spared the worst effects of the category 5.
But the north of Haiti, including the port city of Cap-Haïtien, have experienced heavy rainfall and strong winds from Irma’s outer fringes as it passed. There are reports of buildings damaged and trees felled.
Two people were reportedly injured in Cap-Haïtien when a tree crashed into their home.
And a bridge linking the Dominican Republic to Haiti has collapsed.
Hurricane Irma: Bridge connecting Dominican Republic with Haiti collapses during Masacre river increased flow. pic.twitter.com/lBt5tzhWoE
3.01am BST
03:01
Captain Stephen Russell, of the Bahamas national emergency management agency, has told CNN of the approaching hurricane:
We are prepared as best as we can be.
He says some people are in shelters, but most who were evacuated from southern islands have sought refuge with family members and friends.
We are urging all persons throughout the Bahamas – whether they are visitors, residents, in the Bahamas at this time – to find a way to safeguard themselves from the impact of Hurricane Irma …
Find a safe place, a safe shelter.
He says people in low-lying areas should seek to move to higher ground, away from the coast into the interior.
He says a storm surge of up to 25ft (7.6m) could be witnessed.
The destructive force of a 25ft surge: that is our greatest concern. It can really cause catastrophic results
2.54am BST
02:54
Turks and Caicos is currently suffering Irma’s attack.
Virginia Clerveaux, director of the Turks and Caicos department of disaster management and emergencies, told the BBC that people had been asked to find safe shelter:
We are now trying to remind them that this is a category five, and in the history of the Turks and Caicos islands this is the largest storm we have ever been impacted or threatened by.
The highest point on the islands is only 163ft (50m) and the US National Hurricane Center has warned that Irma could bring waves of 15-20 feet (4.5-6 metres) above normal levels.
Updated
at 3.00am BST
2.36am BST
02:36
Irma continues its sobering record-breaking streak: with sustained wind speeds of 185mph (295kph) for 33 hours, it is the longest storm of such intensity since satellite monitoring began in the 1970s.
Wind speeds have now dipped slightly to 175mph over the Turks and Caicos Islands, still a category 5 hurricane.
2.31am BST2.31am BST
02:3102:31
The five living former US presidents – Barack Obama, the two George Bushes, Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter – have launched a fundraising drive, the One America appeal.The five living former US presidents – Barack Obama, the two George Bushes, Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter – have launched a fundraising drive, the One America appeal.
Originally conceived to help victims of Hurricane Harvey, the appeal will now be expanded to aid Americans affected by Hurricane Irma, the donations website says.Originally conceived to help victims of Hurricane Harvey, the appeal will now be expanded to aid Americans affected by Hurricane Irma, the donations website says.
Americans always answer the call. https://t.co/SV1jixOExu pic.twitter.com/ktEvL6s89dAmericans always answer the call. https://t.co/SV1jixOExu pic.twitter.com/ktEvL6s89d
2.16am BST2.16am BST
02:1602:16
Irma remains a category five hurricane with wind speeds of 175mph (280kph) – slightly down from its peak of 185mph – as it batters the Turks and Caicos Islands.Irma remains a category five hurricane with wind speeds of 175mph (280kph) – slightly down from its peak of 185mph – as it batters the Turks and Caicos Islands.
This image shows the eye of Irma as it passes right over the islands:This image shows the eye of Irma as it passes right over the islands:
The Turks and Caicos Islands are currently being hit by some of the strongest winds in Hurricane #Irma. https://t.co/u2rb8Z4m4m pic.twitter.com/QjAaR9h95WThe Turks and Caicos Islands are currently being hit by some of the strongest winds in Hurricane #Irma. https://t.co/u2rb8Z4m4m pic.twitter.com/QjAaR9h95W
And this shows the intensity as Irma passed across Anguilla, St Martin, the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico before heading to Turks and Caicos:And this shows the intensity as Irma passed across Anguilla, St Martin, the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico before heading to Turks and Caicos:
Watch the centre of Super-Category 5 #H_Irma pass over #Anguilla, #StMartin & the #BritishAndUSVirginIslands enroute to the #TurksAndCaicos pic.twitter.com/Cy1CD53x2hWatch the centre of Super-Category 5 #H_Irma pass over #Anguilla, #StMartin & the #BritishAndUSVirginIslands enroute to the #TurksAndCaicos pic.twitter.com/Cy1CD53x2h
2.05am BST2.05am BST
02:0502:05
Florida governor Rick Scott has ordered all state offices, schools, colleges and universities to close from Friday until at least Monday “to ensure we have every space available for sheltering and staging”.Florida governor Rick Scott has ordered all state offices, schools, colleges and universities to close from Friday until at least Monday “to ensure we have every space available for sheltering and staging”.
Scott added:Scott added:
Every family must be prepared to evacuate.Every family must be prepared to evacuate.
1.55am BST1.55am BST
01:5501:55
A voluntary evacuation began on Thursday from the tiny island of Barbuda – where upwards of 90% of homes were destroyed – to its larger sister island of Antigua.A voluntary evacuation began on Thursday from the tiny island of Barbuda – where upwards of 90% of homes were destroyed – to its larger sister island of Antigua.
Barbuda also faces the prospect of Hurricane Jose, currently a category 3 storm, striking this weekend.Barbuda also faces the prospect of Hurricane Jose, currently a category 3 storm, striking this weekend.
Website 365Antigua says supplies are needed for evacuees arriving from Barbuda, including for several babies who are expected on a boat in around an hour from now:Website 365Antigua says supplies are needed for evacuees arriving from Barbuda, including for several babies who are expected on a boat in around an hour from now:
25 babies will be coming in from Barbuda on the 10pm boat. All items such as formula, bottles, diapers, blankets, wipes will be needed.25 babies will be coming in from Barbuda on the 10pm boat. All items such as formula, bottles, diapers, blankets, wipes will be needed.
Please bring these items to multi-purpose center, St John’s, Antigua.Please bring these items to multi-purpose center, St John’s, Antigua.
UpdatedUpdated
at 1.55am BSTat 1.55am BST
1.39am BST1.39am BST
01:3901:39
Concerning news from Florida, via Associated Press:Concerning news from Florida, via Associated Press:
As Hurricane Irma threatens to pound Miami with winds of mind-boggling power, a heavyweight hazard looms over the city’s skyline: two dozen enormous construction cranes.As Hurricane Irma threatens to pound Miami with winds of mind-boggling power, a heavyweight hazard looms over the city’s skyline: two dozen enormous construction cranes.
Because those cranes were not designed to withstand a storm of Irma’s ferocity, city officials are telling people who live in the shadows of the giant devices to leave.Because those cranes were not designed to withstand a storm of Irma’s ferocity, city officials are telling people who live in the shadows of the giant devices to leave.
Construction sites across Irma’s potential path in Florida are being locked down to prevent building materials, tools and debris from becoming flying missiles in hurricane winds.Construction sites across Irma’s potential path in Florida are being locked down to prevent building materials, tools and debris from becoming flying missiles in hurricane winds.
The horizontal arms of the tall tower cranes, however, will remain loose despite the potential danger of collapse. City officials say they cannot be tied down or moved.The horizontal arms of the tall tower cranes, however, will remain loose despite the potential danger of collapse. City officials say they cannot be tied down or moved.
Miami officials say it would take two weeks to move the cranes. The counterbalance on tower cranes weigh up to 30,000lb (13,600kg).Miami officials say it would take two weeks to move the cranes. The counterbalance on tower cranes weigh up to 30,000lb (13,600kg).
1.21am BST1.21am BST
01:2101:21
Death toll in US Virgin Islands rises to fourDeath toll in US Virgin Islands rises to four
A government spokesman has said four people are now known to have been killed by Hurricane Irma in the US Virgin Islands, taking the total confirmed across the Caribbean so far to at least 13.A government spokesman has said four people are now known to have been killed by Hurricane Irma in the US Virgin Islands, taking the total confirmed across the Caribbean so far to at least 13.
USVI spokesman Lonnie Soury said the death toll could rise:USVI spokesman Lonnie Soury said the death toll could rise:
We are not sanguine that there aren’t more.We are not sanguine that there aren’t more.
Other confirmed fatalities include an infant on Barbuda, one person in Anguilla, three people in Puerto Rico and four in the French territory of St Martin.Other confirmed fatalities include an infant on Barbuda, one person in Anguilla, three people in Puerto Rico and four in the French territory of St Martin.
1.12am BST1.12am BST
01:1201:12
John Freeman, the governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands, has been speaking to CNN as Hurricane Irma reaches the islands. Freeman says the message to people there is:John Freeman, the governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands, has been speaking to CNN as Hurricane Irma reaches the islands. Freeman says the message to people there is:
Hunker down, stay where you are … Nobody can get to you either – people are, for a little while, on their own.Hunker down, stay where you are … Nobody can get to you either – people are, for a little while, on their own.
He says authorities took steps before the storms came, moving some people to shelters, and bringing heavily pregnant women and dialysis patients into hospitals.He says authorities took steps before the storms came, moving some people to shelters, and bringing heavily pregnant women and dialysis patients into hospitals.
Power is out, he says:Power is out, he says:
Water production goes down, of course, with the electricity. On Grand Turk, the water went down quite early because the electricity went down quite early.Water production goes down, of course, with the electricity. On Grand Turk, the water went down quite early because the electricity went down quite early.
But, Freeman adds, “people here have been used to hurricanes” and have been collecting water before the winds hit.But, Freeman adds, “people here have been used to hurricanes” and have been collecting water before the winds hit.
1.06am BST1.06am BST
01:0601:06
Irma hits Turks and Caicos IslandsIrma hits Turks and Caicos Islands
The US National Hurricane Center has issued an update on Irma’s progress. Here are the key points:The US National Hurricane Center has issued an update on Irma’s progress. Here are the key points:
Irma is currently hitting the Turks and Caicos IslandsIrma is currently hitting the Turks and Caicos Islands
The hurricane is currently 55 miles (85km) west-south-west of Grand Turk, with maximum sustained winds of 175mph (280kmh).The hurricane is currently 55 miles (85km) west-south-west of Grand Turk, with maximum sustained winds of 175mph (280kmh).
Hurricane warnings remain in place for Turks and Caicos, Haiti, south-eastern, central and north-western Bahamas, western parts of the Dominican Republic, and Cuba.Hurricane warnings remain in place for Turks and Caicos, Haiti, south-eastern, central and north-western Bahamas, western parts of the Dominican Republic, and Cuba.
A hurricane warning means “preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion” in those areas as hurricane conditions are expected.A hurricane warning means “preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion” in those areas as hurricane conditions are expected.
UpdatedUpdated
at 1.07am BSTat 1.07am BST
12.58am BST12.58am BST
00:5800:58
Puerto Rico governor Ricardo Rosselló has also declared a disaster in the tiny islands of Culebra and Vieques, to Puerto Rico’s east, which were hard-hit by the storm.Puerto Rico governor Ricardo Rosselló has also declared a disaster in the tiny islands of Culebra and Vieques, to Puerto Rico’s east, which were hard-hit by the storm.
So far there has been little information from the islands about the extent of the damage there.So far there has been little information from the islands about the extent of the damage there.
12.42am BST12.42am BST
00:4200:42
Even as Irma continues to wreak havoc across the Caribbean, attention turns to recovery for those islands already hit.Even as Irma continues to wreak havoc across the Caribbean, attention turns to recovery for those islands already hit.
Many affected islands have links with the UK, France, US and the Netherlands, and those countries have mobilised – some less speedily than others – to engage in relief efforts.Many affected islands have links with the UK, France, US and the Netherlands, and those countries have mobilised – some less speedily than others – to engage in relief efforts.
The French interior minister, Gerard Collomb, said the country had sent 100,000 food rations – four days of supplies – to its overseas collectivities of St Martin and Saint Barthélemy:The French interior minister, Gerard Collomb, said the country had sent 100,000 food rations – four days of supplies – to its overseas collectivities of St Martin and Saint Barthélemy:
It’s a tragedy. We’ll need to rebuild both islands. Most of the schools have been destroyed.It’s a tragedy. We’ll need to rebuild both islands. Most of the schools have been destroyed.
Mark Rutte, the Dutch prime minister, said the storm had “caused wide-scale destruction of infrastructure, houses and businesses” on St Maarten, the Netherlands-administered part of St Martin:Mark Rutte, the Dutch prime minister, said the storm had “caused wide-scale destruction of infrastructure, houses and businesses” on St Maarten, the Netherlands-administered part of St Martin:
There is no power, no gasoline, no running water. Houses are under water, cars are floating through the streets, inhabitants are sitting in the dark in ruined houses and are cut off from the outside world.There is no power, no gasoline, no running water. Houses are under water, cars are floating through the streets, inhabitants are sitting in the dark in ruined houses and are cut off from the outside world.
The US military is sending troops to the US Virgin Islands, where governor Kenneth Mapp described the situation as “very chilling”.The US military is sending troops to the US Virgin Islands, where governor Kenneth Mapp described the situation as “very chilling”.
Britain said it was sending troops and the HMS Ocean – currently in the Mediterranean – to Anguilla, Montserrat and the British Virgin Islands.Britain said it was sending troops and the HMS Ocean – currently in the Mediterranean – to Anguilla, Montserrat and the British Virgin Islands.
12.17am BST12.17am BST
00:1700:17
Irma now has Haiti in its sights. Authorities there have admitted they are ill-prepared for the category five onslaught, with the risks of flash flooding and landslides high.Irma now has Haiti in its sights. Authorities there have admitted they are ill-prepared for the category five onslaught, with the risks of flash flooding and landslides high.
Heavy rain is already pummelling the north coast and several areas have already lost power.Heavy rain is already pummelling the north coast and several areas have already lost power.
And so it begins, #HurricaineIrma pic.twitter.com/jCjXZLRxUyAnd so it begins, #HurricaineIrma pic.twitter.com/jCjXZLRxUy
11.58pm BST11.58pm BST
23:5823:58
Claire PhippsClaire Phipps
This is Claire Phipps picking up the live blog.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.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: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.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.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.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.