This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2017/sep/07/hurricane-irma-live-latest-updates-caribbean

The article has changed 73 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 44 Version 45
Hurricane Irma: Trump warns of 'epic' storm as full scale of devastation emerges – latest updates Hurricane Irma: Trump warns of 'epic' storm as full scale of devastation emerges – latest updates
(35 minutes later)
4.57pm BST
16:57
Death toll rises to 23
The Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency has released a statement saying that it has confirmed four deaths on the British Virgin Islands, raising the toll to 23 killed.
The storm has killed at least 19 others, including nine on the French territories of St Martin and St Barts, four in the US Virgin Islands, three on Puerto Rico, one on Dutch St Martin, one in Barbuda, and one in Anguilla. Officials have said they expect the death toll to increase.
The CDEMA gave few details in its statement, but said that the Tortola airport is working but that it’s tower has been “compromised” by the storm. The agency estimated that 90% of Anguilla’s power infrastructure was damaged, 90% of government buildings damaged, and that the island suffered “significant damage to [its] main water supply”.
4.31pm BST4.31pm BST
16:3116:31
Seven cities near Lake Okeechobee, a huge inland lake in southern Florida, have been given a mandatory evacuation notice.Seven cities near Lake Okeechobee, a huge inland lake in southern Florida, have been given a mandatory evacuation notice.
Residents have been ordered to evacuate from South Bay, Lake Harbor, Pahokee, Moore Haven, Clewiston, Belle Glade and Canal Point. Governor Rick Scott said that a critical dike on the lake was inspected on Friday morning, and will receive regular inspections as long as crews are able. He also said the US army corps of engineers assured him that the dike “will not be compromised”, though it may have some spillover, since the storm is far faster-moving than hurricane Harvey, which flooded Houston.Residents have been ordered to evacuate from South Bay, Lake Harbor, Pahokee, Moore Haven, Clewiston, Belle Glade and Canal Point. Governor Rick Scott said that a critical dike on the lake was inspected on Friday morning, and will receive regular inspections as long as crews are able. He also said the US army corps of engineers assured him that the dike “will not be compromised”, though it may have some spillover, since the storm is far faster-moving than hurricane Harvey, which flooded Houston.
4.25pm BST4.25pm BST
16:2516:25
Northern Cuba and the southern Bahamas are now suffering Irma’s 150mph winds, glimpses of which are seeping through on social media. Local Bahamian broadcaster Shenique Miller has posted video of the winds.Northern Cuba and the southern Bahamas are now suffering Irma’s 150mph winds, glimpses of which are seeping through on social media. Local Bahamian broadcaster Shenique Miller has posted video of the winds.
#IrmaHurricane2017 Southern Bahamas #Acklins #HurricaneIrma pic.twitter.com/4Qa6y2wHT3#IrmaHurricane2017 Southern Bahamas #Acklins #HurricaneIrma pic.twitter.com/4Qa6y2wHT3
And on the British territories of Turks and Caicos, Miami Herald correspondent Jacqueline Charles tweets a photo of a flooded, desolate airport in the aftermath of the storm.And on the British territories of Turks and Caicos, Miami Herald correspondent Jacqueline Charles tweets a photo of a flooded, desolate airport in the aftermath of the storm.
The #TurksandCaicos airport on #Providenciales thanks to #Irma pic.twitter.com/6dQXeGmAEJThe #TurksandCaicos airport on #Providenciales thanks to #Irma pic.twitter.com/6dQXeGmAEJ
4.12pm BST4.12pm BST
16:1216:12
Authorities warn again that everyone should leave the Florida Keys immediately. Governor Rick Scott said on Thursday that the archipelago will be entirely without support for the duration of the storm, cut off by winds and storm surges, with its hospital closed.Authorities warn again that everyone should leave the Florida Keys immediately. Governor Rick Scott said on Thursday that the archipelago will be entirely without support for the duration of the storm, cut off by winds and storm surges, with its hospital closed.
If you have not evacuated yet, you are encouraged to do so now. we're facing a potentially catastrophic hurricane. It's not safe to stay.If you have not evacuated yet, you are encouraged to do so now. we're facing a potentially catastrophic hurricane. It's not safe to stay.
And Irma is finding new strength in the warm waters closer to the mainland, notes meteorologist John Morales, a south Florida stalwart who saw hurricane Andrew firsthand in 1992.And Irma is finding new strength in the warm waters closer to the mainland, notes meteorologist John Morales, a south Florida stalwart who saw hurricane Andrew firsthand in 1992.
I repeat: eyewall replacement cycle completed. New Irma eye is nearly double the size it was yesterday. Many more to experience dreaded eye.I repeat: eyewall replacement cycle completed. New Irma eye is nearly double the size it was yesterday. Many more to experience dreaded eye.
4.05pm BST4.05pm BST
16:0516:05
Hurricane Jose grows to category fourHurricane Jose grows to category four
Hurricane Jose, east of the Caribbean and heading west, has grown to a category four storm, the National Weather Service has announced.Hurricane Jose, east of the Caribbean and heading west, has grown to a category four storm, the National Weather Service has announced.
Thousands remain trapped on St Martin, St Barts, and the Virgin Islands in Jose’s path. On the devastated island of Barbuda, officials have ordered people to evacuate to nearby Antigua, which was spared the degree of destruction. Jose is tentatively projected to veer north, into the open ocean, before nearing Cuba or the mainland, but it may yet change direction.Thousands remain trapped on St Martin, St Barts, and the Virgin Islands in Jose’s path. On the devastated island of Barbuda, officials have ordered people to evacuate to nearby Antigua, which was spared the degree of destruction. Jose is tentatively projected to veer north, into the open ocean, before nearing Cuba or the mainland, but it may yet change direction.
Some forecasters also fear that the warm waters around coastal Florida – in the high 80s off parts of Palm Beach County – may reinvigorate Irma, turning the gigantic category four storm back into a category five.Some forecasters also fear that the warm waters around coastal Florida – in the high 80s off parts of Palm Beach County – may reinvigorate Irma, turning the gigantic category four storm back into a category five.
2 Atlantic hurricanes currently have winds of 150 mph (#Irma and #Jose) - 1st time on record Atlantic has had 2 150+ mph storms at same time pic.twitter.com/SZm1VMTCOs2 Atlantic hurricanes currently have winds of 150 mph (#Irma and #Jose) - 1st time on record Atlantic has had 2 150+ mph storms at same time pic.twitter.com/SZm1VMTCOs
3.52pm BST3.52pm BST
15:5215:52
Footage of waves pouring into a home on Anguilla, filmed by a resident in his kitchen and provided by Rupert Jones, former attorney general of the British territory.Footage of waves pouring into a home on Anguilla, filmed by a resident in his kitchen and provided by Rupert Jones, former attorney general of the British territory.
3.45pm BST3.45pm BST
15:4515:45
Mar-a-Lago, Donald Trump’s resort in Palm Beach County, has been ordered to evacuate along with other coastal stretches and barrier islands of south Florida.Mar-a-Lago, Donald Trump’s resort in Palm Beach County, has been ordered to evacuate along with other coastal stretches and barrier islands of south Florida.
More than 100,000 Palm Beach County residents were given mandatory evacuation alerts on Thursday night and Friday morning, and more than a million people ordered to leave their homes along coastal areas, mostly from the densely populated Miami-Dade County.More than 100,000 Palm Beach County residents were given mandatory evacuation alerts on Thursday night and Friday morning, and more than a million people ordered to leave their homes along coastal areas, mostly from the densely populated Miami-Dade County.
Governor Rick Scott warned that all Floridians should be ready to evacuate, if necessary: a total of 20 million people.Governor Rick Scott warned that all Floridians should be ready to evacuate, if necessary: a total of 20 million people.
3.38pm BST3.38pm BST
15:3815:38
With only about a day before hurricane Irma reaches south Florida, FlightRadar24, a site that tracks aircraft in real-time, shows the state is swarming with flights. Dozens of flights were cancelled or delayed from the region’s major airports over the last 24 hours, as people tried to leave the state.With only about a day before hurricane Irma reaches south Florida, FlightRadar24, a site that tracks aircraft in real-time, shows the state is swarming with flights. Dozens of flights were cancelled or delayed from the region’s major airports over the last 24 hours, as people tried to leave the state.
Fort Lauderdale’s international airport will close Friday night, and Miami International has warned that people should not attempt to use it as a shelter from the storm.Fort Lauderdale’s international airport will close Friday night, and Miami International has warned that people should not attempt to use it as a shelter from the storm.
Irma is tracking steadily toward the mainland, currently moving above Cuba’s northern coast. (Google has not yet updated its graphics to show the storm as category four.)Irma is tracking steadily toward the mainland, currently moving above Cuba’s northern coast. (Google has not yet updated its graphics to show the storm as category four.)
3.23pm BST3.23pm BST
15:2315:23
With time running out before Irma makes land, much of south Florida has emptied out, leaving behind boarded up homes, vulnerable marinas, and scattered families and reporters bracing for the storm.With time running out before Irma makes land, much of south Florida has emptied out, leaving behind boarded up homes, vulnerable marinas, and scattered families and reporters bracing for the storm.
Eerily quiet on #clearwaterbeach this morn. Houses boarded up, streets empty, bracing for #hurricaneirma #tbtirma pic.twitter.com/KRaFMy3rTnEerily quiet on #clearwaterbeach this morn. Houses boarded up, streets empty, bracing for #hurricaneirma #tbtirma pic.twitter.com/KRaFMy3rTn
Eerie calm at the Delray Beach marina, where neighboring homes are in an evacuation zone. #HurricaneIrma pic.twitter.com/VaEBUYNK66Eerie calm at the Delray Beach marina, where neighboring homes are in an evacuation zone. #HurricaneIrma pic.twitter.com/VaEBUYNK66
3.14pm BST3.14pm BST
15:1415:14
Various Florida authorities are offering last minute advice for people who are barricading into their own homes before the storm. Residents can also call an emergency information hotline: 1.800.342.3557.Various Florida authorities are offering last minute advice for people who are barricading into their own homes before the storm. Residents can also call an emergency information hotline: 1.800.342.3557.
#Hurricane Pro Tip: Fill up your washing machine with ice & fill with items you want to keep chilled. Close the lid & it'll stay cool.#Hurricane Pro Tip: Fill up your washing machine with ice & fill with items you want to keep chilled. Close the lid & it'll stay cool.
This is a good one! We have also heard that if you store things in your closed and locked dishwasher, they will stay dry. https://t.co/LaZ4oDGoIqThis is a good one! We have also heard that if you store things in your closed and locked dishwasher, they will stay dry. https://t.co/LaZ4oDGoIq
Floridians- See important #HurricaneIrma contact info below or find your county’s emergency management info here: https://t.co/DoWh2FqLTn pic.twitter.com/aFini3NeLRFloridians- See important #HurricaneIrma contact info below or find your county’s emergency management info here: https://t.co/DoWh2FqLTn pic.twitter.com/aFini3NeLR
*Update: BuzzFeed’s Jane Lytvynenko, doing yeoman’s work of countering misinformation about hurricane Irma and preparation, has received counter-counsel on the advice given by Miami Beach.*Update: BuzzFeed’s Jane Lytvynenko, doing yeoman’s work of countering misinformation about hurricane Irma and preparation, has received counter-counsel on the advice given by Miami Beach.
Hello Jane, we do not recommend storing valuables in the Dishwasher.Hello Jane, we do not recommend storing valuables in the Dishwasher.
UpdatedUpdated
at 4.23pm BSTat 4.23pm BST
3.02pm BST
15:02
A reporter asks the governor about Lake Okeechobee, where there’s concern about whether a dike will withstand the hurricane.
Scott says that the dike was inspected this morning and “they don’t believe that the dike is at risk.” Expecting 10-12in of rain, “they don’t believe we’re expecting anything other than water spilling over the top.”
He promises another briefing later Friday, and leaves with another appeal: “evacuate. Keep everybody safe.”
2.58pm BST
14:58
“Please be compassionate with your employees,” the governor urges employers. “If you’re told to evacuate, leave. Get out quickly. Do not put yourself or your family’s life at risk.”
“If you are in an evacuation zone in south Florida, you need to leave.”
He stresses at length that the state is doing everything it can to get fuel around the state, and that the GasBuddy app can help guide people to where it’s available. Residents who cannot evacuate zones on their own should call 1.800.342.3557, he says.
“We will do everything we can to get you out, but you have to call now if you’re in an evacuation zone. We cannot save you in the storm.”
Scott adds that he’s ordered the closure of all local schools and universities to ensure that there’s as much available safe spaces. Residents still have time to reach shelters, he adds.
“We are running out of time. the storm is almost here,” he says. “This is a catastrophicc storm our state has never seen. We can rebuild your home, we cannot rebuild your life. Protecting everyone’s life is our number one priority.”
“Floridians are strong, we’re resilient. After the storm passes, we’ll be here to lift everyone up. We will get through this together.”
2.51pm BST
14:51
Florida governor: all should be ready to evacuate
Governor Rick Scott is providing an update on the monstrous storm bearing down on Florida, and warned residents that there may be storm surges from three to 10ft in parts of the state.
“This storm is wider than our entire state. All Floridians should be prepared to evacuate soon,” Scott says. He thanks people who are on their way inland and to the north, and asks them for their patience.
“I know many of you are stuck in traffic, I’m sure it’s very frustrating. Evacuations are not convenient but they are absolutely meant to keep you safe.”
Trust your local officials, Scott urges residents, saying that national guard troops and police are mobilized to help people, and that in certain parts of highways drivers can use improvised shoulder lanes. “You do not need to evacuate out of state or hundreds of miles away to stay safe,” he says, telling people to look up local shelters.
Google is coordinating with state officials, Scott says, to show road closures and detours in real time. Tolls have been waived on all Florida highways.
2.34pm BST
14:34
What we know so far
Hurricane Irma remains an “extremely dangerous” hurricane, but it has been downgraded from category 5 to 4 with slightly decreased wind speeds of 150mph (250kph), as it ploughs over the Bahamas, 400 miles south-east of Florida.
Captain Stephen Russell, of the Bahamas national emergency management agency, said he fears for hundreds of islanders who ignored evacuation orders. “The destructive force of a 25ft surge: that is our greatest concern. It can really cause catastrophic results,” he said.
Two other hurricanes in the region, Jose and Katia, have gained strength. Jose, now has sustained wind speeds of 125mp. In the coming days it is forecast to pass near the same Leeward Islands that were battered by Irma.
A full-scale hurricane warning is in place for south Florida and mass evacuations have been ordered before Irma is expected to make landfall on Saturday.
Donald Trump has warned that the impact of Irma could be “tougher” than Hurricane Harvey. Among the properties forced to evacuate in Florida is Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort. Brock Long, head of the US Federal Emergency Management Agency, warned that no one inFlorida has experienced a storm with the intensity of Irma.
Cuba is evacuating tourists from coastal resorts and warning residents to move inland.
The hurricane also pummelled the Turks and Caicos Islands, where power failed and the governor, John Freeman, warned residents: “Hunker down, stay where you are … Nobody can get to you – people are, for a little while, on their own.”
Across the Caribbean, at least 18 people are confirmed to have died in the storm: an infant on Barbuda, one person in Anguilla, three people in Puerto Rico, four in the US Virgin Islands, and nine in the French territory of St Martin. Lonnie Soury, a spokesman for the US Virgin Islands, said the toll was expected to rise.
A state of emergency has declared on the British Virgin Islands amid unconfirmed reports of casualties. Roads are closes and communication is patchy.
The first aid flight has reached the Franco-Dutch island of St Martin, after Dutch troops cleared the runway in St Maarten. Netherlands prime minister Mark Rutte said there had been enormous destruction and upheaval including serious looting.
The UK and France have also mobilised personnel and aid for their overseas territories that were caught in the onslaught. UK aid has delivered to Anguilla, and ship carrying supplies has reached the British Virgin Islands.
Theresa May is chairing a meeting of the government’s emergency committee, Corbra. After complaints that the British government’s response has been slow, ministers authorised £32m in emergency aid and dispatched a military task group. HMS Ocean – currently in the Mediterranean – will be deployed but will take 10-14 days to reach the Caribbean.
A voluntary evacuation began from the tiny island of Barbuda – where upwards of 90% of homes were destroyed – to its larger sister island of Antigua, with the prospect of Hurricane Jose, a category 3 storm, striking this weekend.
Updated
at 2.43pm BST
2.25pm BST
14:25
Irma has left the Franco-Dutch island of St Martin like “war zone,” Belgium tourist Flaming Maarten told the Dutch Red Cross.
It quotes him saying: “Everyone was prepared for the hurricane’s arrival, but no one had expected such an impact.”
He said he had to flee to a friend’s house after the home he was staying in was completely destroyed “We are terrified, but we are unharmed,” Maarten said.
There is no power, no water and supplies are running low, he said. All the luggage that he and is girlfriend had has been lost.
“The streets are full of debris and trees,” he said.
1.51pm BST
13:51
Trump: 'Irma is of epic proportion'
In his latest tweets Donald Trump has warned that the impact of Irma could be “tougher” than Hurricane Harvey.
Our incredible U.S. Coast Guard saved more than 15,000 lives last week with Harvey. Irma could be even tougher. We love our Coast Guard!
The death toll from Harvey which was downgraded to a tropical storm by the time it hit Texas, was 70 according to officials cited by Fox News.
Hurricane Irma is of epic proportion, perhaps bigger than we have ever seen. Be safe and get out of its way,if possible. Federal G is ready!
Among the properties forced to evacuate in Florida is Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort, according to the Miami Herald reports:
President Donald Trump’s seaside Mar-a-Lago resort has been ordered to evacuate because of Hurricane Irma, along with the barrier islands and low-lying areas of Palm Beach County.
Trump has returned repeatedly to the private club – which he bought in 1985 – to relax and conduct state business since becoming president.
Updated
at 2.02pm BST
1.47pm BST
13:47
The estimated death toll from the storm varies. Reuters reckons that at least 19 people have been killed.
French Interior Minister Gerard Collomb said that nine people were killed and at least seven were missing after the hurricane crashed into France’s Caribbean islands of St. Martin and St Barts.
“One hundred and twelve people were injured,” Collomb said, adding there could be more victims.
Four people died in the US Virgin islands, a government spokesman said, and a major hospital was badly damaged by the wind. A US amphibious assault ship arrived in the US Virgin Islands on Thursday and sent helicopters for medical evacuations from the destroyed hospital.
A man was reported missing after trying to cross a river in Cerca La Source in Haiti’s Central Plateau region.
On Barbuda one person died and the eastern Caribbean island was reduced “to rubble,” Prime Minister Gaston Browne said.
In the British overseas territory of Anguilla, another person was killed and the hospital and airport were damaged, emergency service officials said.
Three people were killed in Puerto Rico and around two-thirds of the population had lost electricity, Governor Ricardo Rossello said after the storm rolled by the U.S. territory’s northern coast. A surfer was also reported killed in Barbados.
1.39pm BST
13:39
Theresa May has spoken of the devastation in the Caribbean ahead of chairing a meeting of the Government’s Cobra emergencies committee, PA reports.
She went to the meeting after cutting short a visit to Lord’s cricket ground, where the Test match between England and the West Indies was suspended because of rain.
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 live sports extra’s Test Match Special at Lord’s, May said:
“We are sitting here looking at this rain, but at least we are not in the Caribbean at the moment, when we see the terrible devastation of that hurricane that’s gone through and another one coming through as well.
“I’ve just been able to talk to somebody whose family is out in Antigua, and hearing first-hand what it’s like and the steps they’ve had to take. It is devastating, absolutely devastating.”
“There will be people here supporting the West Indies, people supporting England. I’m sure everybody here has at the back of their mind the terrible devastation and the impact that the hurricane has had.
“We want to do everything we can and will do everything we can to support people, but also to help them rebuild.”
1.33pm BST
13:33
The Met Office reckons Irma is passing over Acklins island in the Bahamas. The island is home to more than 400 people. It is feared that more than 100 ignored evacuation orders.
The eye of Hurricane #Irma now passing to the south of Acklins Island in the #Bahamas with winds near 150 mph pic.twitter.com/MZT41rF9ta
1.22pm BST
13:22
Fema director: Irma will be 'devastating'
Brock Long, head of the US Federal Emergency Management Agency, warned that no one in Florida has experienced a storm with the intensity of Irma.
“It’s not a question of if Florida is going to be impacted, it’s a question of how bad,” he tells reporters.
Speaking at Fema headquarters in Washington on Friday, Long said those in low-lying areas who’ve been told to evacuate “need to get out and heed the warning.”
More than 8,000 Fema staff have been deployed to prepare for Irma and help with the continuing recovery effort from Hurricane Harvey, which caused massive flooding in southeastern Texas last week.
"I don't know anyone in Florida who has experienced a storm like this." @FEMA_Brock on impacts of #IrmaHurricane vs Andrew comparisons.
Press conference, pro tip @FEMA_Brock "we're going to need neighbors checking neighbors" after Irma hits. #HurricaineIrma
Updated
at 3.08pm BST