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Hurricane Irma: millions evacuate Florida as superstorm hits Cuba – latest updates Hurricane Irma: millions evacuate Florida as superstorm hits Cuba – latest updates
(35 minutes later)
4.06am BST
04:06
Irma forecast to hit Florida on Sunday
The NHC forecast says Irma is now predicted to move to the Florida Keys on Sunday morning local time, then to the south-west coast of Florida by Sunday afternoon.
4.05am BST
04:05
The latest NHC update has upgraded Irma back to category five. Here are the key points:
Irma is “making landfall on the Camaguey archipelago of Cuba as a category five hurricane”.
Hurricane warnings have been extended in Florida northward on the east coast of Florida to the Volusia/Brevard county line, and on the west coast of Florida to Anclote River.
Irma currently has wind speeds of 160mph (260kph).
Storm surge warnings have been extended northward on the east coast of Florida to the Volusia/Brevard county line, and on the west coast of Florida to Anclote River, including Tampa Bay.
4.00am BST
04:00
Hurricane Irma back up to category five
The US National Hurricane Center confirms that Irma, which dipped slightly to category four, has returned to category five intensity.
Irma has made landfall in Cuba.
3.53am BST
03:53
With Hurricane Jose hot on the heels of Irma – which left 90% of the island of Barbuda devastated – almost all of its population of around 1,400 people has been evacuated to the larger sister island of Antigua.
Except for a few persons who resisted the call to evacuate and the security forces the EVACUATION OF BARBUDA IS COMPLETE.. pic.twitter.com/bk5ZWdi8ky
3.47am BST
03:47
Jose 'almost a category 5 hurricane'
The latest update from the US National Hurricane Center, which is monitoring Hurricane Jose, due to hit the already stricken islands of Barbuda and Anguilla on Saturday, says it is close to becoming a category 5 storm.
Jose is currently 265 miles (430km) from the Leeward Islands, with wind speeds of 155mph (250kph).
3.39am BST
03:39
Where are the 5.6 million people told to evacuate their Florida homes and hotels going? Associated Press has talked to some of them:
Floridians fleeing Hurricane Irma have turned freeways across the south-east US into red ribbons of brake lights as they head to Atlanta, Montgomery or Nashville to bunk with relatives, stay at campgrounds or grab hotels before the massive storm makes landfall.
Because Interstate 75 north leads straight to Atlanta, thousands of the evacuees have funneled into the city. Others trekked on to Tennessee.
“We just packed the car up again … and we’re going to Memphis,” Suzanne Pallot of Miami said. Pallot traveled 21 hours from Miami to Atlanta, arriving Thursday in a Mazda SUV packed with four other people, their luggage and two cats.
In Florida, they found lines for gas 100 to 150 cars long. Pallot and her companions started looking for an available hotel room in Ocala, Florida, and went nearly 200 miles into Georgia. “There was absolutely nothing.”
Monica Scandlen took a flight from Orlando into Nashville with her nine-year-old daughter.
“You could tell they weren’t Disney families, because we all looked sort of last minute and a little worried,” said Scandlen, who is staying with friends in Franklin, Tennessee. “There were a lot more pets than I’m used to seeing.”
Evacuees were being welcomed at Atlanta Motor Speedway, Bristol Motor Speedway and Talladega Superspeedway, which all opened vast campgrounds to Irma refugees.
John Glowacki of Bonita Springs said he drove north on I-75 “sometimes at 5mph, sometimes at 55, but it took us two days to get here. All the campgrounds from the Florida border to north of Atlanta are all filled, but we heard that we might be able to come to the Atlanta speedway.”
Further north, in Knoxville, Tennessee, tourism officials welcomed evacuee. Some hotels were offering cheaper rates for guests fleeing the storm.
Some people offered to open their homes to evacuees. Brittany Baugh, an Orlando native living in Nashville, set up a “Florida to Nashville Hurricane Evacuees” group on Facebook for people to offer and find places to stay. More than 500 people have joined.
Georgia officials hope to have more than 50 shelters with 7,000 beds available by Saturday, said Homer Bryson, director of the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency.
Even more drivers will be headed to central Georgia on Saturday, when state officials turn all lanes of Interstate 16 into a westbound evacuation route for residents along Georgia’s coast.
3.25am BST3.25am BST
03:2503:25
Power is out in Caibarién and other areas along the northern coast of CubaPower is out in Caibarién and other areas along the northern coast of Cuba
Heavy winds and rains are due to continue there throughout Friday night – it’s currently around 10.30pm local time – and into Saturday.Heavy winds and rains are due to continue there throughout Friday night – it’s currently around 10.30pm local time – and into Saturday.
3.21am BST3.21am BST
03:2103:21
Satellite images of Barbuda, the island first hit by Irma’s full force, appear to show it stripped of vegetation. The image on the right is before the storm; the second, after:Satellite images of Barbuda, the island first hit by Irma’s full force, appear to show it stripped of vegetation. The image on the right is before the storm; the second, after:
Le ciel clair sur #Barbuda cet après-midi permet de constater l'ampleur du désastre même depuis le satellite MODIS/Aqua. #Irma pic.twitter.com/vucEdWkrj1Le ciel clair sur #Barbuda cet après-midi permet de constater l'ampleur du désastre même depuis le satellite MODIS/Aqua. #Irma pic.twitter.com/vucEdWkrj1
3.13am BST3.13am BST
03:1303:13
Fema chief Brock Long says he thinks the authorities are prepared for the recovery efforts that will need to swing into place behind Irma. But, he told CNN, those efforts will need to be on a huge scale:Fema chief Brock Long says he thinks the authorities are prepared for the recovery efforts that will need to swing into place behind Irma. But, he told CNN, those efforts will need to be on a huge scale:
The forecast models are in great agreement: Florida’s going to get hit.The forecast models are in great agreement: Florida’s going to get hit.
Particularly what stands out is that the forward speed of this storm is starting to slow down, which indicates it’s about to make its turn to the north.Particularly what stands out is that the forward speed of this storm is starting to slow down, which indicates it’s about to make its turn to the north.
Any slight fluctuations, 20 or 30 miles, to the east or west of that track, could have big implications for either Miami or the west coast of Florida.Any slight fluctuations, 20 or 30 miles, to the east or west of that track, could have big implications for either Miami or the west coast of Florida.
The first impact is obviously going to be storm surges, which is the prime reason why we asked people to evacuate.The first impact is obviously going to be storm surges, which is the prime reason why we asked people to evacuate.
Long says there are three days’ worth of commodities – food, water, hygiene kits, for example – in Florida, with further supplies being held outside the state. But he warned:Long says there are three days’ worth of commodities – food, water, hygiene kits, for example – in Florida, with further supplies being held outside the state. But he warned:
Citizens of south Florida need to set their expectations that the power could be off for multiple days, if not weeks, in some areas.Citizens of south Florida need to set their expectations that the power could be off for multiple days, if not weeks, in some areas.
2.43am BST2.43am BST
02:4302:43
Fema (the US Federal Emergency Management Agency) has set up a web page to dispel myths and rumours surrounding Hurricane Irma and the Florida evacuations. You can find it here.Fema (the US Federal Emergency Management Agency) has set up a web page to dispel myths and rumours surrounding Hurricane Irma and the Florida evacuations. You can find it here.
It covers rumours including the high demand for fuel (true) and that hotels must take in pets who arrive with their evacuated owners (false) – although emergency shelters will take pets.It covers rumours including the high demand for fuel (true) and that hotels must take in pets who arrive with their evacuated owners (false) – although emergency shelters will take pets.
2.29am BST2.29am BST
02:2902:29
Florida has two nuclear power plants directly in Irma’s projected path.Florida has two nuclear power plants directly in Irma’s projected path.
The St Lucie plant is on the east coast, on a barrier island, while Turkey Point is 25 miles south of Miami.The St Lucie plant is on the east coast, on a barrier island, while Turkey Point is 25 miles south of Miami.
Florida Power and Light, which operates both plants, says the sites are prepared.Florida Power and Light, which operates both plants, says the sites are prepared.
Company president Eric Silagy said St Lucie and Turkey Point will be shut down 24 hours before the arrival of hurricane-force winds, adding that officials “will not take any chances, and those plants will be secure”.Company president Eric Silagy said St Lucie and Turkey Point will be shut down 24 hours before the arrival of hurricane-force winds, adding that officials “will not take any chances, and those plants will be secure”.
Silagy says the two plants are among the strongest structures in the world, Associated Press reports, encased in a 6-foot-thick (1.8m) cement structure reinforced by steel.Silagy says the two plants are among the strongest structures in the world, Associated Press reports, encased in a 6-foot-thick (1.8m) cement structure reinforced by steel.
The plants also have multiple safety systems and are elevated about 20ft (6.1m) above sea level to protect against flooding and storm surges.The plants also have multiple safety systems and are elevated about 20ft (6.1m) above sea level to protect against flooding and storm surges.
Turkey Point took a direct hit from Hurricane Andrew in 1992.Turkey Point took a direct hit from Hurricane Andrew in 1992.
2.16am BST
02:16
UK relief efforts are underway on the British Virgin Islands, Press Association reports:
Off the coast of the British Virgin Islands, the captain of the naval vessel spearheading Britain’s efforts described scenes of destruction.
Stephen Norris, commanding officer of Royal Fleet Auxiliary Mounts Bay, told the Press Association:
I haven’t seen anything on the scale of what we have seen here. It is one of those storms which I think defies all expectations.”
Engineers, marines and medics are on board the ship, which delivered six tonnes of supplies to Anguilla and carried out repair work before moving to the British Virgin Islands.
Norris said:
We will be here as long as it takes. I will stay here as long as I possibly can to support the islands.”
The UK Department for International Development said a further 20 tonnes of aide was en route to the disaster zone.
The British Virgin Islands is also on tropical storm watch as Hurricane Jose approaches, while the Commonwealth islands of Barbuda and Antigua and British territory of Anguilla are on hurricane watch.
Updated
at 2.19am BST
2.02am BST
02:02
This image shows Hurricane Irma (on the left, over Cuba) and Hurricane Jose (on the right, heading towards the Leeward Islands) – both category four storms:
Current image of Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Jose. Imagen actual del Huracán Irma y Huracán Jose. (sat 0045Z) #prwx #usviwx #Irma #Jose pic.twitter.com/RP9pt676OD
1.57am BST
01:57
Bahamas 'spared the worst'
CNN’s Cyril Vanier, speaking from the Bahamas capital of Nassau, said the island group should be spared the worst of Irma – although the hurricane has yet to pass this part of the archipelago:
We are waiting for the worst of it.
The forecasts here have been proved slightly wrong - but in a good way … We’re talking tropical storm-force winds …
We’re not expecting here in the capital Nassau anything that would really threaten the structure of buildings.
There’s still a possibility of floods, there’s still a possibility of rainfall … it’s going to happen throughout the night.
Vanier says people in Nassau are either heading for “whoever has the safest home” or to shelters, 24 of which are dotted across the capital.
Updated
at 1.58am BST
1.42am BST
01:42
The White House says US president Donald Trump has spoken to his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, to offer US support for relief efforts in the French overseas collectivities of St Martin and St Barthélemy.
The two islands suffered massive damage from Irma, with the French part of St Martin (the southern side, St Maarten, is administered by the Netherlands) said to be 95% destroyed.
Updated
at 1.45am BST
1.28am BST
01:28
Latest hurricane warnings
The US National Hurricane Center says hurricane warnings are in effect in the following places:
Cuban provinces of Camaguey, Ciego de Avila, Sancti Spiritus, and Villa Clara
Central Bahamas and Ragged Island
North-western Bahamas
Sebastian Inlet southward around the Florida peninsula to Anna Maria Island
Florida Keys
Lake Okeechobee
Florida Bay
A hurricane warning means “preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion” in those areas as hurricane conditions are expected.
Apart from Ragged Island, the hurricane warning for the south-eastern Bahamas has now been discontinued, as Irma has passed.
There are also storm surge warnings in place for
Sebastian Inlet southward around the Florida peninsula to Venice
Florida Keys
According to the NHC:
A storm surge warning means there is a danger of life-threatening inundation, from rising water moving inland from the coastline, during the next 36 hours.
1.16am BST
01:16
CBS in Miami reports that even emergency responders in the Florida Keys are expected to evacuate ahead of Irma’s arrival:
1/2 BREAKING: @CBSMiami has learned emergency officials in the Keys have notified @FLGovScott that first-responders will likely evacuate...
2/2 ...the Keys in the morning. Emergency Operations Center will close. Not willing to risk lives for this storm, officials say. @CBSMiami
Monroe County will also evacuate the jail because they don't want to leave any deputies behind to guard them. @CBSMiami
Updated
at 1.18am BST
1.08am BST
01:08
Irma is currently closing in on Caibarién, a city on Cuba’s north coast, with wind speeds of 155mph (250kph).
Hurricane warnings are in place for the Cuban provinces of Camaguey, Ciego de Avila, Sancti Spiritus, and Villa Clara.
Moving west, Irma is forecast to continue raking the north coast of Cuba, before an expected turn north-west towards Florida late on Saturday.
1.00am BST
01:00
Irma hits Cuba
An update from the US National Hurricane Center on Irma confirms the south-western eyewall is currently moving over the north coast of Cuba.
12.59am BST
00:59
The latest advisory from the US National Hurricane Center confirms that Irma’s successor, Hurricane Jose, remains at category four and is forecast to reach the northern Leeward Islands on Saturday.
Hurricane warnings are in place for several islands already smashed by Irma:
Barbuda
Anguilla
St Martin and St Barthélemy
St Maarten
Antigua is on hurricane watch.
A hurricane warning means “preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion” in those areas as hurricane conditions are expected.
Jose has wind speeds of up to 150mph (240kph).
12.47am BST
00:47
British response criticised
Patrick Wintour
The chairs of the UK’s foreign affairs and development select committees have asked the government to explain its response to Hurricane Irma, which has been widely deemed as inadequate.
Tom Tugendhat and Stephen Twigg wrote:
Experts and many in the area have been critical of the overall level of relief currently on offer as well as the apparent lack of forward thinking once the storm’s route to Florida became more than just a possibility.
We are concerned that many in the UK’s overseas territories in the Caribbean are still in grave need.
In Anguilla, Montserrat and the British Virgin Islands and Turks and Caicos, our response still requires improvement and the arrival of HMS Ocean in two weeks’ time will be later than any of us would wish.
Prime minister Theresa May took personal charge of the UK government’s much-criticised response to the devastation wrought by Irma in the British Caribbean on Friday when she chaired an emergency meeting and declared British troops were working round the clock to help victims and restore basic services.
But the UK response, given the scale of the devastation, looks flat-footed compared with that mounted by the French and Dutch governments.