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Hurricane Irma: Miami braces as superstorm winds hit Florida coast - latest updates Hurricane Irma: Miami braces as superstorm winds hit Florida coast - latest updates
(35 minutes later)
3.25pm BST
15:25
Scott: evacuate south-west zones before noon
Hurricane Irma is “going to go faster than you are”, Florida governor Rick Scott has warned residents, telling them that people in evacuation zones in the south-west should head to inland shelters immediately.
Storm surges in parts of Florida could be as extreme as 12ft, Scott warned: “This will cover your house.”
Some 25,000 people have already lost electricity as Irma’s outer bands have begun to swipe across the Keys and southernmost stretches of the peninsula. Parts of south-eastern Florida will likely hear tornado warnings over the next 24 hours as the storm tacks toward the Gulf coast.
In Miami, the winds are already mounting.
Wind gusts picking up for South Florida. Nobody reporting hurricane gusts yet but that will change. @NBC6 #NBC6 pic.twitter.com/ijbHhMb9et
3.12pm BST
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At one of the final updates before the storm strikes the US mainland, Florida governor Rick Scott has urged residents to make their final moves to shelters or to protect their homes.
“I urge everyone to talk to your neighbors, your family and friends,” Scott said. “Every Floridian should take this seriously and be aggressive to protect your family. … Your positions can be replaced, your life cannot be replaced, your family cannot be replaced.”
More than 260 shelters are open around the state, he added, and 70 more will open over the course of the day. “Everyone in Florida needs to find a safe place to go.”
Traffic is moving on evacuation routes, he said, though there is still congestion in some areas. “Evacuations are not meant to be convenient, they’re meant to be safe,” he said. “If you don’t need to be on the road, don’t be on the road.” Residents can go to FL511.com for updates on traffic and evacuation routes.
Scott urged people to act now, before the storm paralyzes authorities and civilians alike.“We can’t do it once the storm starts.”
He said that the state is working “aggressively to keep gas stations open and filled”, but that the state’s ports are already closed and supplies will be cut off within hours.
Every available Florida guardsman has been deployed, he said, guiding people to shelters and preparing for the aftermath of the storm. “We are under a state of emergency. Healthcare staff, we need you to be there to help your community.”
Finally, Scott made a plea for more volunteers: “we need 1,000 volunteer nurses for special needs shelters.” He said nurses can go to FLHealth.gov for more information about how to help.
Updated
at 3.18pm BST
2.50pm BST2.50pm BST
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Mattha BusbyMattha 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.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.”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.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.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.Therefore only the most vulnerable groups are allowed to enter the airport.
2.45pm BST2.45pm BST
14:4514:45
Mattha BusbyMattha 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.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.“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.Would-be fliers have complained that prices skyrocketed as the week went on.
However, some airlines have since applied price caps.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.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 BST2.42pm BST
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Florida governor urges people to leave or find shelter "right now"Florida governor urges people to leave or find shelter "right now"
Rick Scott, the governor of Florida, is speaking at a press conference 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.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 ...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.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.He also urged people to “aggressively” protect their families.
More to follow.More to follow.
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Britons in the path of Hurricane Irma are being warned the “situation could deteriorate significantly” as it bears down on the US mainland.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 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.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.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.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: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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.
UpdatedUpdated
at 2.34pm BSTat 2.34pm BST
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Patrick GreenfieldPatrick 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.
UpdatedUpdated
at 2.31pm BSTat 2.31pm BST
2.14pm BST2.14pm BST
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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, which 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.
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.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.
UpdatedUpdated
at 2.24pm BSTat 2.24pm BST
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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 it.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 2.25pm BSTat 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 had been evacuated from the resort complex, but British tourists 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 2.41pm BSTat 2.41pm BST
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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
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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.
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at 1.43pm BSTat 1.43pm BST
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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
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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
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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.