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Hurricane Irma: Florida braces for epic storm as death toll hits 23 – latest updates Hurricane Irma: Florida braces for epic storm as death toll hits 23 – latest updates
(35 minutes later)
10.58pm BST
22:58
As state and federal agencies make their final pleas to Floridians, the National Hurricane Center scientist Taylor Trogdon stresses the sheer enormity of hurricane Irma.
The storm, currently cast its eye across the waters north of Cuba, will make landfall on the peninsula sometime late Saturday or early Sunday.
Everyone across south Florida who prepared their home, evacuated, or both, be confident in that decision. Impacts will be wide-ranging. pic.twitter.com/0zmaujGgGe
10.38pm BST
22:38
Miami has become eerily desolate in anticipation of hurricane Irma, with boarded up buildings, empty streets, and plastic wrap and police cordons around gas stations.
Miami Int’l Airport essentially a ghost town after handling more passengers today than any day in the last 10 years, spox tells @ABC. #Irma pic.twitter.com/tKGJN2rczR
10.26pm BST
22:26
The 5pm forecast from the National Hurricane Center and the National Weather Service show hurricane Irma on the verge of returning to a category five storm, energized by the warm waters off Cuba and Florida.
The projection looks especially dire for the Florida Keys and south-west Florida.
5pm track from from NHC paints a grim picture for the Keys and southwest Florida. NHC brings #Irma to Cat 5 160 mph before hitting the Keys. pic.twitter.com/aZAu24xQCR
***THIS IS AS REAL AS IT GETS******NOWHERE IN THE FLORIDA KEYS WILL BE SAFE******YOU STILL HAVE TIME TO EVACUATE***Please RT. #Irma pic.twitter.com/VWLMEDWoUs
10.20pm BST10.20pm BST
22:2022:20
President Donald Trump has signed a $15.3bn aid package for areas affected by hurricane Harvey, hours after Congress overcame dissent by Republicans on a spending package.President Donald Trump has signed a $15.3bn aid package for areas affected by hurricane Harvey, hours after Congress overcame dissent by Republicans on a spending package.
The deal does not yet account for the expected high costs from hurricane Irma. In 1992, hurricane Andrew struck west of Miami, destroyed more than 60,000 homes, and killed 65 people. The recovery cost an estimated $26.5bn. Andrew struck as a category five storm, but was in some ways pales in comparison to Irma.The deal does not yet account for the expected high costs from hurricane Irma. In 1992, hurricane Andrew struck west of Miami, destroyed more than 60,000 homes, and killed 65 people. The recovery cost an estimated $26.5bn. Andrew struck as a category five storm, but was in some ways pales in comparison to Irma.
Irma is expected to make landfall as a category four storm, but its width is far larger than Andrew’s, and it held sustained winds of 185mph for 24 hours – longer than any recorded storm. Its winds are expected to devastate south Florida, and an analysis by the reinsurance company Swiss Re estimated that its damages could cost the US more than $100bn.Irma is expected to make landfall as a category four storm, but its width is far larger than Andrew’s, and it held sustained winds of 185mph for 24 hours – longer than any recorded storm. Its winds are expected to devastate south Florida, and an analysis by the reinsurance company Swiss Re estimated that its damages could cost the US more than $100bn.
.@POTUS just signed H.R. 601 providing much needed support for storm survivors. Our thoughts and prayers are with all impacted..@POTUS just signed H.R. 601 providing much needed support for storm survivors. Our thoughts and prayers are with all impacted.
10.10pm BST10.10pm BST
22:1022:10
French authorities in St Martin and St Barts have reported two more deaths, according to the AP, and police in Broward County, Florida, have said a 57-year-old man died while preparing for the storm.French authorities in St Martin and St Barts have reported two more deaths, according to the AP, and police in Broward County, Florida, have said a 57-year-old man died while preparing for the storm.
The Davie Police Department said on Friday that the man, who was affixing storm shutters to the second story of a home, fell from a two-story ladder and struck his head on a patio below.The Davie Police Department said on Friday that the man, who was affixing storm shutters to the second story of a home, fell from a two-story ladder and struck his head on a patio below.
The AP has also spoken with the surf instructor and family friend of a teenager who died off Barbados, in waves made dangerous by Irma. There are now 11 confirmed deaths on St Martin and St Barts, four in the US Virgin Islands, three on Puerto Rico, two on Dutch St Maarten, and one person killed on Barbuda and Anguilla respectively. There were also four reported deaths on the British Virgin Islands, though local authorities have not yet confirmed the report.The AP has also spoken with the surf instructor and family friend of a teenager who died off Barbados, in waves made dangerous by Irma. There are now 11 confirmed deaths on St Martin and St Barts, four in the US Virgin Islands, three on Puerto Rico, two on Dutch St Maarten, and one person killed on Barbuda and Anguilla respectively. There were also four reported deaths on the British Virgin Islands, though local authorities have not yet confirmed the report.
9.59pm BST9.59pm BST
21:5921:59
Hurricane Katia is approaching the coast of Mexico, the National Weather Service has said in its latest update, warning that the storm will make landfall on Friday night or early Saturday.Hurricane Katia is approaching the coast of Mexico, the National Weather Service has said in its latest update, warning that the storm will make landfall on Friday night or early Saturday.
The storm will have maximum winds around 105mph (165kph), and that “a dangerous storm surge will raise water levels by as much as five to eight feet above normal tide levels” in the area of landfall, the agency said. “Near the coast, the surge will be accompanied by large and destructive waves.”The storm will have maximum winds around 105mph (165kph), and that “a dangerous storm surge will raise water levels by as much as five to eight feet above normal tide levels” in the area of landfall, the agency said. “Near the coast, the surge will be accompanied by large and destructive waves.”
The storm is expected to bring 10-15in of rain over Veracruz, eastern Hidalgo and Puebla, and two to five inches over Tamaulipas, east San Luis Potosi, western Hidalgo, eastern Queretaro and southern Veracruz. “This rainfall will likely cause life-threatening flash floods and mudslides, especialy in areas of mountainous terrain.”The storm is expected to bring 10-15in of rain over Veracruz, eastern Hidalgo and Puebla, and two to five inches over Tamaulipas, east San Luis Potosi, western Hidalgo, eastern Queretaro and southern Veracruz. “This rainfall will likely cause life-threatening flash floods and mudslides, especialy in areas of mountainous terrain.”
Mexico is already reeling from the strongest earthquake in 85 years, which struck on Thursday night and caused the deaths of at least 58 people. The epicenter of the quake was just off Mexico’s Pacific coast.Mexico is already reeling from the strongest earthquake in 85 years, which struck on Thursday night and caused the deaths of at least 58 people. The epicenter of the quake was just off Mexico’s Pacific coast.
Hurricane #Katia Advisory 13: Katia Nearing the Coast of Mexico. Dangerous Storm Surge Expected. https://t.co/VqHn0uj6EMHurricane #Katia Advisory 13: Katia Nearing the Coast of Mexico. Dangerous Storm Surge Expected. https://t.co/VqHn0uj6EM
9.37pm BST9.37pm BST
21:3721:37
*Update: Climate Central has retracted a simulation of Irma’s potential effect on Miami and other south Florida cities, saying in a statement that it had used “an incorrect tidal point reference” in calculating the severity of floods.*Update: Climate Central has retracted a simulation of Irma’s potential effect on Miami and other south Florida cities, saying in a statement that it had used “an incorrect tidal point reference” in calculating the severity of floods.
Our previous visualization contained an error that we regret. Details below pic.twitter.com/ThZoR6BSggOur previous visualization contained an error that we regret. Details below pic.twitter.com/ThZoR6BSgg
UpdatedUpdated
at 10.01pm BSTat 10.01pm BST
9.21pm BST9.21pm BST
21:2121:21
Mayor Sharief echoes her peers around the state, warning residents that once the storm strikes, much of the state will be paralyzed for its duration.Mayor Sharief echoes her peers around the state, warning residents that once the storm strikes, much of the state will be paralyzed for its duration.
“Our law enforcement personnel and fire department personnel will not be able to reach you,” Sharief warns. “When wind speedsreach 45mph our vehicles will no longer be able to respond to 911 calls.”“Our law enforcement personnel and fire department personnel will not be able to reach you,” Sharief warns. “When wind speedsreach 45mph our vehicles will no longer be able to respond to 911 calls.”
Meanwhile, Miami has emptied out of nearly everyone save the journalists there to cover Irma.Meanwhile, Miami has emptied out of nearly everyone save the journalists there to cover Irma.
Miami is a ghost town. #hurricanirma pic.twitter.com/6T3z5k8z0lMiami is a ghost town. #hurricanirma pic.twitter.com/6T3z5k8z0l
9.13pm BST9.13pm BST
21:1321:13
Broward county mayor Barbara Sharief is giving a briefing in south Florida, with a message for nearly the entire state to get garbage bins and other objects out of the streets.Broward county mayor Barbara Sharief is giving a briefing in south Florida, with a message for nearly the entire state to get garbage bins and other objects out of the streets.
“Bulk pickup has stopped and they will become projectiles in the storm,” she warns. “Power outages from high wind and flooding are anticipated.”“Bulk pickup has stopped and they will become projectiles in the storm,” she warns. “Power outages from high wind and flooding are anticipated.”
There are nearly 9,000 people in Broward County’s shelters alone, she says, and the county is opening more shelters this evening. Fort Lauderdale airport ceases service on Friday night, and will stay closed through the weekend. People who live in mobile homes have been urged to head to shelters, given that their homes are particularly vulnerable to winds and floods. In other parts of the state, mandatory evacuations have spread.There are nearly 9,000 people in Broward County’s shelters alone, she says, and the county is opening more shelters this evening. Fort Lauderdale airport ceases service on Friday night, and will stay closed through the weekend. People who live in mobile homes have been urged to head to shelters, given that their homes are particularly vulnerable to winds and floods. In other parts of the state, mandatory evacuations have spread.
Those under #HurricaneIrma watch or warning, you have about 3 daylight hours to finish up shutters. Tomorrow too windy most of day #SayfieThose under #HurricaneIrma watch or warning, you have about 3 daylight hours to finish up shutters. Tomorrow too windy most of day #Sayfie
Beginning at 5 pm today, there is a mandatory evacuation for the beachside, low-lying areas & people in RVs, mobile and manufactured homes.Beginning at 5 pm today, there is a mandatory evacuation for the beachside, low-lying areas & people in RVs, mobile and manufactured homes.
8.56pm BST8.56pm BST
20:5620:56
Rupert Jones, the former attorney general of the British territory of Anguila, has criticzed the British government’s response to hurricane Irma, saying it is not nearly enough and lacks perspective for the enormity of the disaster.Rupert Jones, the former attorney general of the British territory of Anguila, has criticzed the British government’s response to hurricane Irma, saying it is not nearly enough and lacks perspective for the enormity of the disaster.
“It is a ridiculous idea that the £32 million pledged by the Uk Govt to its three overseas territories (Anguilla, BVI and Turks & Caicos) for which it is responsible is fair or just,” Jones told the Guardian. “It is a PR drop in the Caribbean ocean for islands subject to devastation and inhabited by its own citizens. To put it in perspective it wasted £285 million on an unusable airport for St Helena, one of its territories in the Atlantic.”“It is a ridiculous idea that the £32 million pledged by the Uk Govt to its three overseas territories (Anguilla, BVI and Turks & Caicos) for which it is responsible is fair or just,” Jones told the Guardian. “It is a PR drop in the Caribbean ocean for islands subject to devastation and inhabited by its own citizens. To put it in perspective it wasted £285 million on an unusable airport for St Helena, one of its territories in the Atlantic.”
Jones’ criticisms echo those of others in the Caribbean and in Britain. The UK has sent a naval vessel, personnel, supplies and helicopters to its territories in the region, and French, American, and Dutch military and relief crews are coordinating with the recovery.Jones’ criticisms echo those of others in the Caribbean and in Britain. The UK has sent a naval vessel, personnel, supplies and helicopters to its territories in the region, and French, American, and Dutch military and relief crews are coordinating with the recovery.
8.44pm BST8.44pm BST
20:4420:44
Orlando’s sprawling theme parks are closing ahead of hurricane Irma, their parent corporations announced on Friday.Orlando’s sprawling theme parks are closing ahead of hurricane Irma, their parent corporations announced on Friday.
Officials at Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando said their parks would close on Saturday and remain quiet through Monday at least, though they hope to reopen on Tuesday. SeaWorld and Tampa’s Busch Gardens announced similar plans to close Saturday afternoon or evening and reopen on Tuesday.Officials at Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando said their parks would close on Saturday and remain quiet through Monday at least, though they hope to reopen on Tuesday. SeaWorld and Tampa’s Busch Gardens announced similar plans to close Saturday afternoon or evening and reopen on Tuesday.
Disney World has only closed a handful of times in its existence, including last year, when hurricane Matthew raked past the south-east coast of the peninsula.Disney World has only closed a handful of times in its existence, including last year, when hurricane Matthew raked past the south-east coast of the peninsula.
"The spires of Cinderella's Castle at Disney's Magic Kingdom are being removed in preparation for Hurricane Irma, … https://t.co/cv3VsWKApl pic.twitter.com/1BsQib1pLt"The spires of Cinderella's Castle at Disney's Magic Kingdom are being removed in preparation for Hurricane Irma, … https://t.co/cv3VsWKApl pic.twitter.com/1BsQib1pLt
8.32pm BST8.32pm BST
20:3220:32
Vanessa Thompson, a teacher on the British territory of Anguilla, has recorded video of the island’s only secondary school. The buildings are in partial ruins, with roofs lifted onto the streets, walls shorn from classrooms, and debris scattered everywhere.Vanessa Thompson, a teacher on the British territory of Anguilla, has recorded video of the island’s only secondary school. The buildings are in partial ruins, with roofs lifted onto the streets, walls shorn from classrooms, and debris scattered everywhere.
8.26pm BST8.26pm BST
20:2620:26
Donald Trump’s parting remarks on hurricane Irma, which is approximately 380 miles south south-west of the US mainland.Donald Trump’s parting remarks on hurricane Irma, which is approximately 380 miles south south-west of the US mainland.
.@POTUS comments on Irma leaving the White House this afternoon --> pic.twitter.com/YPRRVNwKSx.@POTUS comments on Irma leaving the White House this afternoon --> pic.twitter.com/YPRRVNwKSx