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Hurricane Irma: Florida evacuates millions as superstorm batters Cuba - latest updates Hurricane Irma: Miami braces as superstorm winds hit Florida coast - latest updates
(35 minutes later)
2.50pm BST
14:50
Mattha Busby
As Irma continues apace throughout the Caribbean, women, children and the most vulnerable in Saint-Martin are the first to flee the island as hurricane Jose approaches.
Jose has been classed as a category four storm which are “extremely dangerous.”
Agence France Presse have reported that the Grand-Case airport, on the French-run side, is the only way off the island and the departure hall now resembles a children’s ward in a hospital.
The tiny airport, with its single short runway, is grotesquely ill-equipped to evacuate the island’s 40,000 plus population.
Therefore only the most vulnerable groups are allowed to enter the airport.
2.45pm BST
14:45
Mattha Busby
The Florida attorney general has announced that there have been 8,000 complaints following reports that airlines applied surge pricing, or price gouging, after the hurricane precipitated extreme demand.
“This is the time to help our neighbours, not taking advantage of them,” declared Governor Rick Scott yesterday.
Would-be fliers have complained that prices skyrocketed as the week went on.
However, some airlines have since applied price caps.
On CNN, experts are arguing whether price gouging is appropriate during emergencies in what is clearly an issue that exposes the faultlines between libertarians and social democrats.
2.42pm BST
14:42
Florida governor urges people to leave or find shelter "right now"
Rick Scott, the governor of Florida, is speaking at a press conference now.
If you have been ordered to be evacuated, leave now. Not tonight, right now.
Once the storm hits, remember law enforcement can’t safe you ...
We will do everything we can, but we can’t do it once the storm starts.
He also urged people to “aggressively” protect their families.
More to follow.
2.32pm BST
14:32
Britons in the path of Hurricane Irma are being warned the “situation could deteriorate significantly” as it bears down on the US mainland.
The foreign and commonwealth office has said its ability to provide assistance may be “extremely limited” and advised those affected to make their own contingency plans.
The historic storm regained its category five status overnight before dropping back to category four on Saturday after leaving more than 20 people dead across the Caribbean.
More than six million people in Florida and Georgia have been warned to leave their homes as the hurricane continues to batter the north coast of Cuba.
Prime minister Theresa May said work was taking place with US authorities to ensure British expats and tourists in Florida are protected as millions of locals and visitors flee to safety.
But the latest travel advice issued by the government states:
Across the United States, it is important that you follow the advice of the local authorities, including any evacuation orders.
The situation could deteriorate significantly. Our ability to provide assistance may be extremely limited.
You should ensure you have your own contingency plans in place and consider your travel plans very carefully.
Aid and expertise is being provided to Britain’s territories in the region in a 32 million government cash injection.
Engineers, marines and medics are being carried on board RFA Mounts Bay, which delivered six tonnes of supplies to Anguilla and carried out repair work before moving on to the British Virgin Islands.
Those on Caribbean islands braced for a second battering, this time from Hurricane Jose, were told the storm has weakened slightly.
But forecasters warned it was still a “dangerous” category four hurricane, which is expected to come close to the devastated northern Leeward Islands on Saturday.
A hurricane warning for the Commonwealth island of Barbuda and the British territory of Anguilla has been downgraded to a tropical storm warning, while Antigua and the British Virgin Islands are on tropical storm watch.
Life-threatening wind, rain and a storm surge are expected in the Turks and Caicos Islands, another British territory, into Saturday, after it was “pummelled” by Irma on Thursday night.
The foreign office has set up a hotline for people affected by the disaster and for people whose loved ones may be affected, on 020 7008 0000.
Updated
at 2.34pm BST
2.18pm BST2.18pm BST
14:1814:18
Mattha Busby Patrick Greenfield
Hurricane Jose is set to make landfall in the eastern Caribbean islands already ravaged by Hurricane Irma.Hurricane Jose is set to make landfall in the eastern Caribbean islands already ravaged by Hurricane Irma.
Hurricane Irma really is storm of the century – but urge all in path of Hurricane #Jose to prepare & stay safe too https://t.co/U0m3Kf1APM pic.twitter.com/vB8tlTTij3Hurricane Irma really is storm of the century – but urge all in path of Hurricane #Jose to prepare & stay safe too https://t.co/U0m3Kf1APM pic.twitter.com/vB8tlTTij3
Richard Branson has published an update on the situation in the British Virgin Islands before the new storm hits.Richard Branson has published an update on the situation in the British Virgin Islands before the new storm hits.
He said:He said:
Governments – the UK in the British Virgin Islands, the US in the US Virgin Islands - need to do all they can to help people here who have lost their homes and in many cases will have lost their livelihoods after the storm. Governments – the UK in the British Virgin Islands, the US in the US Virgin Islands – need to do all they can to help people here who have lost their homes and in many cases will have lost their livelihoods after the storm.
Man-made climate change is contributing to increasingly strong hurricanes causing unprecedented damage. The whole world should be scrambling to get on top of the climate change issue before it is too late – for this generation, let alone the generations to come.Man-made climate change is contributing to increasingly strong hurricanes causing unprecedented damage. The whole world should be scrambling to get on top of the climate change issue before it is too late – for this generation, let alone the generations to come.
We are hopeful Hurricane Jose will not hit the BVI as hard as Hurricane Irma did, but urging everyone to get prepared and helping with supplies where we can.We are hopeful Hurricane Jose will not hit the BVI as hard as Hurricane Irma did, but urging everyone to get prepared and helping with supplies where we can.
Updated
at 2.31pm BST
2.14pm BST2.14pm BST
14:1414:14
Ed PilkingtonEd Pilkington
My colleague Ed Pilkington is in Miami and has this update on the atmosphere as Hurricane Irma heads towards Florida:My colleague Ed Pilkington is in Miami and has this update on the atmosphere as Hurricane Irma heads towards Florida:
Amid the relentless news of devastation left in the wake of Hurricane Irma, millions of Floridians bracing for one of the strongest storms to hit the US mainland this century will clutch at any good news, and they got some this morning.Amid the relentless news of devastation left in the wake of Hurricane Irma, millions of Floridians bracing for one of the strongest storms to hit the US mainland this century will clutch at any good news, and they got some this morning.
In the 8am advisory from the National Hurricane Center, which is being watched here in South Florida with almost Biblical zeal, the weather experts told us that the hurricane’s winds had slowed from about 155mph to 130mph as a little of its terrifying energy was soaked up by the landmass on the coast of Cuba. In the 8am advisory from the National Hurricane Center, which is being watched here in South Florida with almost biblical zeal, the weather experts told us that the hurricane’s winds had slowed from about 155mph to 130mph as a little of its terrifying energy was soaked up by the landmass on the coast of Cuba.
The hope that the weather analysts gave with one hand, they took away with the other, however. “Irma is forecast to restrengthen once it moves away from Cuba,” the advisory goes on to say, “and Irma is expected to remain a powerful hurricane as it approaches Florida.”The hope that the weather analysts gave with one hand, they took away with the other, however. “Irma is forecast to restrengthen once it moves away from Cuba,” the advisory goes on to say, “and Irma is expected to remain a powerful hurricane as it approaches Florida.”
That spells certain catastrophe now for the Florida Keys which is expected to be struck by Irma very early on Sunday morning. Thousands of people have already left the Keys, though as the Miami Herald is reporting some die-hards are clinging on which seems rash bearing in mind the threat of a storm surge of up to 10ft. That spells certain catastrophe now for the Florida Keys, which is expected to be struck by Irma very early on Sunday morning. Thousands of people have already left the Keys, though as the Miami Herald is reporting some die-hards are clinging on which seems rash bearing in mind the threat of a storm surge of up to 10ft.
It also spells trouble for the West Coast of Florida where Irma is continuing to target given a slight westward veer in the past 24 hours. The impact could reach as far north as Tampa Bay that hasn’t experienced a major hurricane since 1921. It also spells trouble for the west coast of Florida where Irma is continuing to target given a slight westward veer in the past 24 hours. The impact could reach as far north as Tampa Bay, which hasn’t experienced a major hurricane since 1921.
Irma is now 215 miles south of Miami and moving north at a speed of 12mph. In Miami the first power outages of 26,000 homes have been reported, but hopes are rising that some of the worst of the damage may be avoided as the strife swings towards the west coast. Irma is now 215 miles south of Miami and moving north at a speed of 12mph. In Miami the first power outages – of 26,000 homes – have been reported, but hopes are rising that some of the worst of the damage may be avoided as the strife swings towards the west coast.
None the less, the streets of the city were virtually empty on Saturday morning, and all petrol stations, supermarkets and other commercial outlets were closed. The city of 6 million people is now in a stunned state of foreboding, waiting to find out what nature has in store for fourth largest urban area. Nonetheless, the streets of the city were virtually empty on Saturday morning, and all petrol stations, supermarkets and other commercial outlets were closed. The city of 6 million people is now in a stunned state of foreboding, waiting to find out what nature has in store for the fourth-largest urban area.
Updated
at 2.24pm BST
2.11pm BST2.11pm BST
14:1114:11
The Cuban dolphins aren’t the only animals to be evacuated thanks to Hurricane Irma.The Cuban dolphins aren’t the only animals to be evacuated thanks to Hurricane Irma.
These roosters are being taken to safety in Florida, wrapped in newspaper jackets or “burritos” to avoid any squabbles on the car journey.These roosters are being taken to safety in Florida, wrapped in newspaper jackets or “burritos” to avoid any squabbles on the car journey.
Roosters evacuating Key West in paper burritos so they don't fight each other. pic.twitter.com/NANVWRLTmGRoosters evacuating Key West in paper burritos so they don't fight each other. pic.twitter.com/NANVWRLTmG
Meanwhile, staff at Ernest Hemingway’s home, which is now a museum, are defying the evacuation order, in the hope of safeguarding the property and its famous six-toed cats.Meanwhile, staff at Ernest Hemingway’s home, which is now a museum, are defying the evacuation order, in the hope of safeguarding the property and its famous six-toed cats.
The 19th Century Hemingway Home Museum in Key West has been boarded up, with the storm heading straight for them. The 19th-century Hemingway Home Museum in Key West has been boarded up, with the storm heading straight for it.
The museum’s 54 cats, who are all descendants of the late author’s own cats, will be looked after by 10 members of staff.The museum’s 54 cats, who are all descendants of the late author’s own cats, will be looked after by 10 members of staff.
UpdatedUpdated
at 2.12pm BST at 2.25pm BST
2.00pm BST2.00pm BST
14:0014:00
Patrick GreenfieldPatrick Greenfield
The Guardian has spoken to Joe Farrar from Manchester who is on holiday in Varadero, Cuba with his girlfriend Helen. He says he was meant to leave Cuba on Friday, but Thomas Cook delayed his flight. He says Canadian tourists have been evacuated from the resort complex, but British tourist have been left at the hotel. The Guardian has spoken to Joe Farrar from Manchester, who is on holiday in Varadero, Cuba with his girlfriend, Helen. He says he was meant to leave Cuba on Friday, but Thomas Cook delayed his flight. He says Canadian tourists had been evacuated from the resort complex, but British tourists have been left at the hotel.
Hurricane Irma is set to hit the peninsula tonight.Hurricane Irma is set to hit the peninsula tonight.
Farrar told the Guardian:Farrar told the Guardian:
We’re a bit scared. We’ve been left in limbo. They told us that they’ll turn off the power when the storm hits. If it gets really bad, we have to get in the bathroom.We’re a bit scared. We’ve been left in limbo. They told us that they’ll turn off the power when the storm hits. If it gets really bad, we have to get in the bathroom.
The hotel staff have been brilliant to us. We are alright, but there’s a couple here who need medication and they’re running out. I’m sure we will be fine - we have crisps. The hotel staff have been brilliant to us. We are alright, but there’s a couple here who need medication and they’re running out. I’m sure we will be fine – we have crisps.
He posted this video on Twitter:He posted this video on Twitter:
Here @ThomasCookCares still think the hurricane won't pass here? #irma #cuba thanks for leaving us 👍🏻 pic.twitter.com/LHmLJ556G5Here @ThomasCookCares still think the hurricane won't pass here? #irma #cuba thanks for leaving us 👍🏻 pic.twitter.com/LHmLJ556G5
Thomas Cook have released travel advice for Varadero, and say they are monitoring the situation on the ground.Thomas Cook have released travel advice for Varadero, and say they are monitoring the situation on the ground.
UpdatedUpdated
at 2.13pm BST at 2.41pm BST
1.56pm BST1.56pm BST
13:5613:56
Hurricane Irma begins lashing FloridaHurricane Irma begins lashing Florida
The window for Florida residents to safely evacuate narrowed on Saturday as strong winds and outer rain bands hit the southern part of the state on a predicted path for landfall southwest of the heavily populated Miami metro area.The window for Florida residents to safely evacuate narrowed on Saturday as strong winds and outer rain bands hit the southern part of the state on a predicted path for landfall southwest of the heavily populated Miami metro area.
Hurricane Irma is currently moving along the coast of Cuba about 215 miles away from Miami, as it makes its way towards the US peninsula.Hurricane Irma is currently moving along the coast of Cuba about 215 miles away from Miami, as it makes its way towards the US peninsula.
Forecasters expect the storm to pick strength back up as it moves away from Cuba adter it weakened to a category 4 level storm.Forecasters expect the storm to pick strength back up as it moves away from Cuba adter it weakened to a category 4 level storm.
The National Weather Service said damaging winds were moving into areas including Key Biscayne and Coral Gables on Saturday morning, while gusts of up to 56 mph (90 kph) were reported on Virginia Key off Miami.The National Weather Service said damaging winds were moving into areas including Key Biscayne and Coral Gables on Saturday morning, while gusts of up to 56 mph (90 kph) were reported on Virginia Key off Miami.
Forecasters adjusted the storm’s potential track more toward the west coast of Florida, away from the Miami metropolitan area of 6 million people, meaning “a less costly, a less deadly storm,” University of Miami researcher Brian McNoldy said.Forecasters adjusted the storm’s potential track more toward the west coast of Florida, away from the Miami metropolitan area of 6 million people, meaning “a less costly, a less deadly storm,” University of Miami researcher Brian McNoldy said.
Nevertheless, forecasters warned that its hurricane-force winds were so wide they could reach from coast to coast, testing the nation’s third-largest state, which has undergone rapid development and more stringent hurricane-proof building codes in the last decade or so.Nevertheless, forecasters warned that its hurricane-force winds were so wide they could reach from coast to coast, testing the nation’s third-largest state, which has undergone rapid development and more stringent hurricane-proof building codes in the last decade or so.
“This is a storm that will kill you if you don’t get out of the way,” National Hurricane Center meteorologist Dennis Feltgen said. “Everybody’s going to feel this one.”“This is a storm that will kill you if you don’t get out of the way,” National Hurricane Center meteorologist Dennis Feltgen said. “Everybody’s going to feel this one.”
Packed Red Cross shelter in west Miami dade. We're starting to feel the beginning of some bands here pic.twitter.com/qxaF2DBnEyPacked Red Cross shelter in west Miami dade. We're starting to feel the beginning of some bands here pic.twitter.com/qxaF2DBnEy
In one of the country’s largest evacuations, about 5.6 million people in Florida more than one-quarter of the state’s population were ordered to leave, and another 540,000 were ordered out on the Georgia coast. Authorities opened hundreds of shelters for people who did not leave. Hotels as far away as Atlanta filled up with evacuees.In one of the country’s largest evacuations, about 5.6 million people in Florida more than one-quarter of the state’s population were ordered to leave, and another 540,000 were ordered out on the Georgia coast. Authorities opened hundreds of shelters for people who did not leave. Hotels as far away as Atlanta filled up with evacuees.
Parts of Florida are already experiencing power outages, according to reports on social media.Parts of Florida are already experiencing power outages, according to reports on social media.
Some shelters are already at full capacity and others are filling fast. Perry Stein, a reporter for the Washington Post is in west Miami dade, which is beginning to feel the affects of the hurricane.Some shelters are already at full capacity and others are filling fast. Perry Stein, a reporter for the Washington Post is in west Miami dade, which is beginning to feel the affects of the hurricane.
1.29pm BST1.29pm BST
13:2913:29
The UK government has pledged to double any public donations made to the British Red Cross appeal for victims of Hurricane Irma.The UK government has pledged to double any public donations made to the British Red Cross appeal for victims of Hurricane Irma.
For every £1 given towards the relief effort in the Caribbean, another £1 will be added through the department for international development’s aid match scheme, up to £3m.For every £1 given towards the relief effort in the Caribbean, another £1 will be added through the department for international development’s aid match scheme, up to £3m.
Donations will support people through the region, including in the badly hit British Overseas Territories of Anguilla, British Virgin Islands and Turks and Caicos.Donations will support people through the region, including in the badly hit British Overseas Territories of Anguilla, British Virgin Islands and Turks and Caicos.
Priti Patel, secretary of state for international development, says:Priti Patel, secretary of state for international development, says:
Today we are announcing we will double any public donations which are made to the British Red Cross appeal through DFID’s Aid Match scheme.Today we are announcing we will double any public donations which are made to the British Red Cross appeal through DFID’s Aid Match scheme.
The overwhelming generosity of the UK public in times of crisis is one of the things that makes Britain truly great.The overwhelming generosity of the UK public in times of crisis is one of the things that makes Britain truly great.
This will help get water, food, shelter and power to those left devastated by Hurricane Irma.This will help get water, food, shelter and power to those left devastated by Hurricane Irma.
This donation is on top of the £32m already pledged by the government.‎This donation is on top of the £32m already pledged by the government.‎
Mike Adamson, chief executive of British Red Cross, says:Mike Adamson, chief executive of British Red Cross, says:
We would like to thank DFID for supporting our Hurricane Irma appeal, raising urgent funds for those affected by this devastating disaster. The most powerful hurricane ever recorded in the Atlantic has left major destruction in its wake.We would like to thank DFID for supporting our Hurricane Irma appeal, raising urgent funds for those affected by this devastating disaster. The most powerful hurricane ever recorded in the Atlantic has left major destruction in its wake.
Red Cross teams are on the ground now supporting people in shelters, providing first aid and doing whatever they can to help.Red Cross teams are on the ground now supporting people in shelters, providing first aid and doing whatever they can to help.
The pledge came after Patel visited her department’s disaster response centre in Kemble, Gloucestershire on Friday.The pledge came after Patel visited her department’s disaster response centre in Kemble, Gloucestershire on Friday.
About 10,000 UK aid buckets and 5,000 UK solar lanterns were being prepared at the centre while she was there and it is hoped they would reach those in need in the next few days.About 10,000 UK aid buckets and 5,000 UK solar lanterns were being prepared at the centre while she was there and it is hoped they would reach those in need in the next few days.
Patel also pledged on Friday to double the number of humanitarian experts in the region from four to eight, who are now working in the field across several islands to assess need. Further advisors are expected to arrive in the coming days.Patel also pledged on Friday to double the number of humanitarian experts in the region from four to eight, who are now working in the field across several islands to assess need. Further advisors are expected to arrive in the coming days.
UpdatedUpdated
at 1.43pm BSTat 1.43pm BST
1.20pm BST1.20pm BST
13:2013:20
South Florida is experiencing "damaging winds" as Irma approachesSouth Florida is experiencing "damaging winds" as Irma approaches
Mattha BusbyMattha Busby
Meteorologists have reported that damaging winds are blowing into South Florida as Hurricane Irma continues its menacing approach on the US mainland.Meteorologists have reported that damaging winds are blowing into South Florida as Hurricane Irma continues its menacing approach on the US mainland.
The National Weather Service say that damaging winds are moving into areas including Key Biscayne, Coral Gables and South Miami.The National Weather Service say that damaging winds are moving into areas including Key Biscayne, Coral Gables and South Miami.
Gusts of up to 56 mph (90 kph) were reported on Virginia Key off Miami as the storm’s outer bands arrived. The centre of the storm was about 245 miles south-east of Miami early on Saturday as it raked the northern coast of Cuba.Gusts of up to 56 mph (90 kph) were reported on Virginia Key off Miami as the storm’s outer bands arrived. The centre of the storm was about 245 miles south-east of Miami early on Saturday as it raked the northern coast of Cuba.
Life-threatening storm surges of far greater speeds are likely to follow. CNN reports the storm could reach 140mph.Life-threatening storm surges of far greater speeds are likely to follow. CNN reports the storm could reach 140mph.
The latest forecast track predicts the centre of the storm will move along Florida’s Gulf Coast throughout Monday.The latest forecast track predicts the centre of the storm will move along Florida’s Gulf Coast throughout Monday.
UpdatedUpdated
at 1.43pm BSTat 1.43pm BST
1.18pm BST1.18pm BST
13:1813:18
The British Army and the Royal Fleet Auxiliary are delivering aid to those affected by Hurricane Irma.The British Army and the Royal Fleet Auxiliary are delivering aid to those affected by Hurricane Irma.
Highly-trained soldiers have arrived in The Caribbean and are delivering immediate aid following #HurricaneIrma pic.twitter.com/gAkpOLlHN7Highly-trained soldiers have arrived in The Caribbean and are delivering immediate aid following #HurricaneIrma pic.twitter.com/gAkpOLlHN7
Pictures released on Twitter show soldiers passing supplies along a chain and shelter kits, water and medical supplies being loaded onto a helicopter.Pictures released on Twitter show soldiers passing supplies along a chain and shelter kits, water and medical supplies being loaded onto a helicopter.
RFA Mounts Bay delivering #UKaid shelter kits, water and medical supplies by helicopter to Tortola airport in British Virgin Islands #Irma pic.twitter.com/Z4JxVGpkQZRFA Mounts Bay delivering #UKaid shelter kits, water and medical supplies by helicopter to Tortola airport in British Virgin Islands #Irma pic.twitter.com/Z4JxVGpkQZ
The UK government has also pledged to double any public donations to the British Red Cross’ public appeal, the charity announced on Saturday.The UK government has also pledged to double any public donations to the British Red Cross’ public appeal, the charity announced on Saturday.
The efforts follow criticism of Theresa May on Friday for the government’s lacklustre response to the natural disaster.The efforts follow criticism of Theresa May on Friday for the government’s lacklustre response to the natural disaster.
The UK government has pledged to double any public donations to our #HurricaneIrma emergency appeal.Donate now: https://t.co/wuouRR6fKG pic.twitter.com/eiGOQKqvEZThe UK government has pledged to double any public donations to our #HurricaneIrma emergency appeal.Donate now: https://t.co/wuouRR6fKG pic.twitter.com/eiGOQKqvEZ
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.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.
“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,” 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,” Tom Tugendhat and Stephen Twigg wrote.
On Friday following a meeting of the government’s emergency Cobra committee, May said:On Friday following a meeting of the government’s emergency Cobra committee, May said:
I heard directly from our consul general in Miami about the support that is being given to British nationals living in Florida and also British tourists in Florida.I heard directly from our consul general in Miami about the support that is being given to British nationals living in Florida and also British tourists in Florida.
We are, of course, working with the US authorities to ensure that every support is available and everything can be done before Hurricane Irma reaches Florida.We are, of course, working with the US authorities to ensure that every support is available and everything can be done before Hurricane Irma reaches Florida.
UpdatedUpdated
at 1.21pm BSTat 1.21pm BST
12.58pm BST12.58pm BST
12:5812:58
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office have released an updated advisory on US travel saying that its ability to assist British people in Florida may be limited and anyone there should follow advice from local authorities.The Foreign and Commonwealth Office have released an updated advisory on US travel saying that its ability to assist British people in Florida may be limited and anyone there should follow advice from local authorities.
It is unknown how many Brits are currently in Florida, a popular holiday destination for families and older people.It is unknown how many Brits are currently in Florida, a popular holiday destination for families and older people.
#USA #Irma Situation could deteriorate. Our ability to assist you may be limited. Consider travel plans carefully.https://t.co/AZOJ2sNR6t pic.twitter.com/nqqFmoUtoY#USA #Irma Situation could deteriorate. Our ability to assist you may be limited. Consider travel plans carefully.https://t.co/AZOJ2sNR6t pic.twitter.com/nqqFmoUtoY
The statement said:The statement said:
Across the United States it is important that you follow the advice of the local authorities, including any evacuation orders. The situation could deteriorate significantly. Our ability to provide assistance may be extremely limited. You should ensure you have your own contingency plans in place and consider your travel plans very carefully.Across the United States it is important that you follow the advice of the local authorities, including any evacuation orders. The situation could deteriorate significantly. Our ability to provide assistance may be extremely limited. You should ensure you have your own contingency plans in place and consider your travel plans very carefully.
12.48pm BST
12:48
Patrick Greenfield
Cuba prides itself on hurricane preparations, and Irma is no different. Over 1 million Cubans were evacuated before the storm, according to local media. Even dolphins have been transported to safety.
Six dolphins were transported by helicopter from a dophinarium in Cayo Guillermo island in the north of Cuba to protective swimming pools in Cienfuegos on Thursday.
Updated
at 12.55pm BST
12.14pm BST
12:14
Lunchtime summary
Here’s a summary of what we know so far if you are just joining me.
Hurricane Irma, has dipped down to category-4 intensity, is still heading towards Florida after making landfall in Cuba.
Irma is forecast to hit the Florida Keys on Sunday morning, moving over south-west Florida by Sunday afternoon, then crossing the entire state over approximately 30 hours of ferocious winds and rains.
On Saturday, Irma continues to bash the north coast of Cuba, where it first hit the Camaguey archipelago on Friday night. With the sun rising, the full extent of the damage will soon become clear.
Florida has ordered 5.6 million people – a quarter of the state’s population – to evacuate, saying that those who do not leave cannot expect rescue services to reach them once Irma hits. A curfew comes into effect in Palm Beach from 3pm local time on Saturday.
Saturday will also see tropical storm-force winds lash Florida, ahead of Irma’s arrival. Outer rain bands have already reached the peninsula.
At least 23 people have been confirmed killed in the Caribbean so far. The first victim of Irma was two-year-old Carl Junior Francis in Barbuda. Eleven died on French St Martin and St Barts, four in the US Virgin Islands, three on Puerto Rico, two on Dutch St Maarten and one in Anguilla. A teenage surfer died off Barbados in waves churned up by Irma, and four deaths were reported on the British Virgin Islands that have yet to be corroborated.
Clear-up efforts on Caribbean islands – to which Britain, France and the Netherlands have sent support – have been hampered by the approaching Hurricane Jose.
Jose is forecast to hit islands already ravaged by Irma – including Barbuda, Anguilla, St Maarten, St Martin and St Barthélemy – from Saturday. Hurricane Jose, currently a category 4, is “almost category 5”, the US National Hurricane Center has said.
But Katia – formerly a category-1 hurricane as it made landfall in Mexico – has been downgraded to a tropical storm.
Updated
at 12.19pm BST
11.49am BST
11:49
Frozen star Josh Gad has described his co-star Kristen Bell as “an angel sent from above” after she helped his family who were caught up in Hurricane Irma.
Gad, who voices snowman Olaf in the animated hit, said Bell arranged for a hotel room for his parents when they were stranded in Florida as the US state braced for the storm to hit.
No joke. @IMKristenBell just literally saved my parents, my brothers and entire family from #HurricaineIrma - you are an angel. I adore you. pic.twitter.com/XGWuOCjonB
He shared a picture of Bell, who voices Princess Anna in the film, with his parents on both Instagram and Twitter.
On Instagram he captioned it:
So @kristenanniebell literally saved my parents and my entire family tonight from hurricane irma.
When they were stranded in Florida, she got them a hotel room at her hotel in Orlando and saved them, my brothers, my sister-in-law and niece and nephew.
They don’t make them like this girl. Thank you Kristen. You are truly an angel sent from above.
Bell previously said she had been moved by the community spirit she witnessed as she prepared to hunker down in Orlando to wait out the hurricane.
She shared a photograph of herself at the supermarket stocking up on food and bottled water:
Last run to the store for #irma hurricane holdover prep while bracing down in orlando- we didn't have the option to leave so here we are. Just doing our best and trying to stay positive but cautious, and trying to help those who need help prepping. Every person i passed today was assisting someone else- #neighborshelpingneighbors - it was beautiful to see. Sad that a hurricane has to bring out the best in everyone- but happy that the community will be holding hands through this. Im grateful to Gary and the team at @swandolphin in epcot for helping us feel safe while we get through this together.
A post shared by kristen bell (@kristenanniebell) on Sep 8, 2017 at 1:19pm PDT
Updated
at 12.10pm BST
11.33am BST
11:33
Mattha Busby
Where would American disasters be without fake news circulating online? Hoax articles about Hurricane Irma are being pumped out by hastily created sites but, luckily, Snopes – a leading fact-checking site – has been assiduously debunking their false truths.
One viral message claimed that the 2005 movie Category 7: The End of the World predicted the arrival of hurricanes named Harvey and Irma. However, according to Snopes, none of the storms or hurricanes in the movie are called Harvey or Irma.
“Atlantic hurricanes are named from a prescribed list of names that are rotated every six years and published in advance,” wrote Dan McGill. “So we already know the list of potential hurricane names for 2018, 2019, and every year for the foreseeable future, unless they are changed by the World Meteorological Association.”
Elsewhere, an aerial image of the hurricane accompanied by a news ticker purporting that the storm had airlifted several sharks went viral after someone created it on BreakYourOwnNews.com.
Some of those who shared the post are likely to have been duped and Snopes confirmed that the hurricane is not, in fact, a sharknado.
Updated
at 11.42am BST
11.26am BST
11:26
A British man and his family are “lucky to be alive” after they survived Hurricane Irma.
Brendan Joyce, his wife Sasha, her father and their children sheltered in his father-in-law’s house as the storm tore across Tortola in the British Virgin Islands.
The adults lay on top of the children, aged two and four, to protect them as the winds battered the house. When they emerged, the other rooms had been swept away, with only the room they had sheltered in surviving.
His sister Frances Joyce, from Glasgow, has spoken to him and said he is devastated by what has happened and worried for the future.
She said:
The first time he phoned, he phoned me in tears and said, ‘we’re alive, there’s nothing else.’ He is really worried about food and shelter, and worried about how it’s going to pan out. They have two little boys as well, so they are trying to keep them calm.
Back in Scotland we’re devastated as a family. We feel so helpless as we can’t do anything for them, they’re away over there. It’s amazing that they are alive.
Joyce, 44, from Glasgow, has lived on the island for more than 10 years and works as a marina manager at Nanny Cay. His wife Sasha, 34, is from the island and his children Keiran, four, and Aiden, two, were born there.
Sasha’s cousin Clare Parker, who lives in London, said:
My aunt and uncle have lived in the British Virgin Islands for nearly 50 years and have survived many, many hurricanes, but they realised that this was a hugely significant one and took all the precautions. They shuttered up and took shelter in a back bedroom that’s the most secure.
They were all in that room with the adults lying on top of the small children. When they came out, the eyewall of the tornado had ripped the concrete house apart.
They walked out of there alive, which is miraculous and we are so grateful for it. They are feeling lucky to be alive.
She said more aid was vital to help the people on the islands, with food and generators among the things needed.
Updated
at 12.19pm BST
11.10am BST
11:10
Here’s more details on Hurricane Irma weakening to category 4 and the status on the other hurricanes in the area.
Associated Press reports:
The National Hurricane Center says Irma has weakened slightly to a category-4 hurricane, as it moves over the Camaguey Archipelago of Cuba.
Irma had briefly regained category-5 strength late on Friday, but now has maximum sustained winds of 155 mph (249 kph). The hurricane is about 245 miles from Miami and moving about 12 mph toward the west-northwest.
In the Atlantic, Hurricane Jose is a category-4 hurricane, about 190 miles east-southeast of the Northern Leeward Islands, moving toward the islands at 13 mph with winds reaching 150 mph.
In the Gulf of Mexico, Hurricane Katia made landfall late on Friday north of Tecolutla, Mexico and weakened to a tropical storm. By early Saturday morning it was 135 miles south of Tampico, Mexico, moving sluggishly at only 2 mph near the Sierra Madre mountains with maximum winds of 40 mph. It was expected to weaken further throughout the day.
Updated
at 11.46am BST
11.07am BST
11:07
Universal Studios Florida has joined Disney World, Legoland and SeaWorld by shutting its doors as Irma heads for Florida.
For your safety, please be aware of the following operational changes. For updates, visit us at https://t.co/v3P5FHfYsP pic.twitter.com/pkaCQcBiAr
A statement from the theme park said they would close at 7pm UTC on Saturday. The statement continued:
We will be fully closed on Sunday and Monday and we anticipate normal operating hours on Tuesday, Sept. 12. Our on-site hotels are currently at full capacity and will remain operational as they focus on taking care of our on-sire guests.
10.49am BST
10:49
Sam Branson, son of Virgin billionaire Richard Branson, says he is heading to help those devastated by Hurricane Irma on the British Virgin Islands, where his family owns an island.
The Branson family was caught up in the hurricane and took refuge in the wine cellar under their house on Necker Island.
“Going to be harrowing to see my home and so many others beloved place so decimated but will do all I can to get aid to the people that need it most,” he says on a video posted to Instagram.
He has appealed on the popular social media platform for others to come help. “If you have boats, then please get them to the BVI,” he says.
Spent the day organising mental logistics to get myself and what people need the most out to the #bvi. Going to do my best to help the people on the ground there. If you have boats then please get them to the BVI. Stock them with Tarpaulins, food, water, batteries, torches, clothes, water purification tablets and anything else you think might be useful. Thanks for all those that have helped me today. It been a big one. Going to be harrowing to see my home and so many others beloved place so decimated but will do all I can to get aid to the people that need it most! #hurricaneirma #hurricanejose #aid #support #logistics #love #food #water #clothes #help #boats
A post shared by Sam Branson (@bransonsam) on Sep 8, 2017 at 4:50pm PDT
10.39am BST
10:39
Phil Maynard
George W Bush’s presidency never fully recovered from his botched handling of Hurricane Katrina. Barack Obama won re-election just days after Hurricane Sandy struck. So how can presidents respond effectively to natural disasters? And how has Donald Trump managed the response to Harvey and Irma?
10.34am BST
10:34
President Trump’s “reckless” attitude to climate change is being shown to be folly as Hurricane Irma tears towards Florida, a major charity has said.
Miami, in the south of the state, topped the list of most vulnerable cities to climate change induced coastal flooding, in a report produced by Christian Aid last year.
Mohamed Adow, Christian Aid’s international climate lead, said on Saturday morning:
We’re starting to see what happens when climate breakdown occurs on a global scale. As well as Hurricane Irma we currently have two other hurricanes in the west Atlantic, Jose and Katia, not to mention the destruction from Hurricane Harvey in Texas.
While we’re seeing the richest country on earth struggling to cope with the devastation of extreme weather, don’t forget the 40 million people affected by floods in South Asia, an area without anywhere near the same infrastructure or resources to cope.
Trump’s promise to withdraw from the Paris climate accord and undoing President Obama’s Clean Power Plan is the exact opposite of what we need to see in the face of this lethal reality.
As seas get warmer, providing more energy to tropical storms, the people of Florida and the Caribbean will continue to suffer until leaders like Trump start to reduce the carbon emissions which drive climate change.
The city of Miami is particularly vulnerable with more than $3.5 trillion of assets at risk from flooding by 2070. In its report, the charity showed American cities would face the financial brunt of coastal flooding by 2070 with New York coming third with $2.1 trillion.Mr Adow added:
The cost of the reckless climate policies espoused by Donald Trump will be paid in the lives of people living in these places and the trillions of dollars lost in places like Miami and New York, not to mention the economic disruption and the money needed to rebuild cities suffering from floods and storm damage.
That is why if we don’t invest now in low carbon infrastructure to decarbonise our economies we will end up paying for it later.
Updated
at 10.41am BST