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Hurricane Irma: Florida told to expect 15ft surges as storm closes in – latest updates Hurricane Irma: Florida told to expect 15ft surges as storm closes in – latest updates
(35 minutes later)
11.03pm BST
23:03
Puerto Rico, where US naval ships and supplies are en route to provide relief, is still struggling with massive power outages and, in some places, water shortages.
Thousands of people have already lost power in south Florida, with the eye of the storm still over 100 miles off the coast.
UPDATE: 582,615 without power in Puerto Rico #HurricaneIrma
10.40pm BST
22:40
Gusts of intense wind and rain are intermittently whipping through Miami now, and waters rising all around the Florida Keys. The storm is expected to strengthen as it crosses the 120 miles or so from Cuba’s north coastline.
Miami-Dade mayor Carlos Giminez is giving a press conference. He says that officials consider a four to six foot storm surge to be life threatening, and expect surges within that range for parts of the county. The worst of the winds will be around 4am, he says, roughly in line with the worst winds at daybreak at the Florida Keys.
The storm he says is projected to grow to a category four by the time it reaches Florida, and urges people – if they’re still outside, or when they go outside after the storm – to take extreme care. “If you run across a downed power line, consider it hot. If you run across a downed [traffic light], please consider it a four way stop.”
Powerful wind and rain blowing into Miami right now. #hurricaneIrma @NBC6 pic.twitter.com/6CKPPeK811
10.20pm BST10.20pm BST
22:2022:20
Parts of Cuba have been turned to flooded and battered ruins, the AP reports, as Irma finally moves away from its northern coast.Parts of Cuba have been turned to flooded and battered ruins, the AP reports, as Irma finally moves away from its northern coast.
Cuban coastal cities were clobbered by high winds from Irma that upended trees, toppled utility poles and scattered debris across streets. Roads were blocked, and witnesses said a provincial museum near the eye of the storm was in ruins.Cuban coastal cities were clobbered by high winds from Irma that upended trees, toppled utility poles and scattered debris across streets. Roads were blocked, and witnesses said a provincial museum near the eye of the storm was in ruins.
There were no immediate reports of casualties in Cuba in addition to the more than 20 confirmed dead across the Caribbean, where the storm ravaged such lush resort islands as St. Martin, St. Barts, St. Thomas, Barbuda and Anguilla.There were no immediate reports of casualties in Cuba in addition to the more than 20 confirmed dead across the Caribbean, where the storm ravaged such lush resort islands as St. Martin, St. Barts, St. Thomas, Barbuda and Anguilla.
Video images from northern and eastern Cuba showed uprooted utility poles and signs, many downed trees and extensive damage to roofs.Video images from northern and eastern Cuba showed uprooted utility poles and signs, many downed trees and extensive damage to roofs.
Eastern Cuba, home to the island’s poor, rural population and a major sugarcane-growing area, faces a difficult recovery, with its economy in tatters even before the storm because of years of neglect and lack of investment.Eastern Cuba, home to the island’s poor, rural population and a major sugarcane-growing area, faces a difficult recovery, with its economy in tatters even before the storm because of years of neglect and lack of investment.
Civil Defense official Gergorio Torres said authorities were trying to tally the extent of the damage, which appeared concentrated in banana-growing areas.Civil Defense official Gergorio Torres said authorities were trying to tally the extent of the damage, which appeared concentrated in banana-growing areas.
A second hurricane, category four Jose, is threatening some of those same islands in the eastern Caribbean. Others, including tiny, devastated Barbuda, were spared a second strike at the last minute as the storm passed.A second hurricane, category four Jose, is threatening some of those same islands in the eastern Caribbean. Others, including tiny, devastated Barbuda, were spared a second strike at the last minute as the storm passed.
On the Dutch side of St. Martin, an island divided between French and Dutch control, an estimated 70 percent of the homes were destroyed by Irma, according to the Dutch government. Officials said Jose was forecast to dump more rain on the island’s buildings, many of which lost their roofs to Irma.On the Dutch side of St. Martin, an island divided between French and Dutch control, an estimated 70 percent of the homes were destroyed by Irma, according to the Dutch government. Officials said Jose was forecast to dump more rain on the island’s buildings, many of which lost their roofs to Irma.
As Irma rolled in, Cuban soldiers went through coastal towns to force people to evacuate, taking people to shelters at government buildings and schools and even caves.As Irma rolled in, Cuban soldiers went through coastal towns to force people to evacuate, taking people to shelters at government buildings and schools and even caves.
10.10pm BST10.10pm BST
22:1022:10
With its 5pm advisory, the National Hurricane Center says that hurricane Irma’s eye is moving away off the coast of Cuba and toward the mainland United States.With its 5pm advisory, the National Hurricane Center says that hurricane Irma’s eye is moving away off the coast of Cuba and toward the mainland United States.
The Florida Keys, where water is already rushing up onto land in some areas, should expect “major hurricane force winds” at daybreak. Irma is still about 120 miles south-east of the archipelago. There are already tornado warnings in many south Florida counties.The Florida Keys, where water is already rushing up onto land in some areas, should expect “major hurricane force winds” at daybreak. Irma is still about 120 miles south-east of the archipelago. There are already tornado warnings in many south Florida counties.
TRACKING Hurricane Irma : view from my cousins home in North Miami,Sunny Isles Beach.Irma hasn't made landfall & this is what it looks like pic.twitter.com/V6uFG2FmhCTRACKING Hurricane Irma : view from my cousins home in North Miami,Sunny Isles Beach.Irma hasn't made landfall & this is what it looks like pic.twitter.com/V6uFG2FmhC
10.02pm BST10.02pm BST
22:0222:02
Storm surges are already pushing waters up onto land of the Florida Keys, with alarming video coming from local reporters in the path of hurricane Irma.Storm surges are already pushing waters up onto land of the Florida Keys, with alarming video coming from local reporters in the path of hurricane Irma.
The hurricane is still over a hundred miles away, near the coast of Cuba. The Keys will be its first landfall after regaining strength, likely to a category four.The hurricane is still over a hundred miles away, near the coast of Cuba. The Keys will be its first landfall after regaining strength, likely to a category four.
4:54pm - This is US 1 north of Key Largo right now. #Irma pic.twitter.com/K8zFHjPQZe4:54pm - This is US 1 north of Key Largo right now. #Irma pic.twitter.com/K8zFHjPQZe
9.50pm BST9.50pm BST
21:5021:50
9.40pm BST9.40pm BST
21:4021:40
Winds are picking up dramatically in south Florida now, as hurricane Irma begins its progress to the north and west. Time is nearly run out for people to get inside or to shelters, and curfews are starting in many cities and counties of the south.Winds are picking up dramatically in south Florida now, as hurricane Irma begins its progress to the north and west. Time is nearly run out for people to get inside or to shelters, and curfews are starting in many cities and counties of the south.
4:30PM - 70mph wind gust at Fort Lauderdale Airport over the last thirty minutes. @nbc6 pic.twitter.com/Cr9eA5FoGm4:30PM - 70mph wind gust at Fort Lauderdale Airport over the last thirty minutes. @nbc6 pic.twitter.com/Cr9eA5FoGm
9.31pm BST9.31pm BST
21:3121:31
Two Miamis waited in dread for hurricane Irma, reports Ed Pilkington: the Miami of hardened hurricane glass, thickened walls, generators and raised foundations; and the Miami of coolers packed with food and water, just enough gas to fill the car.Two Miamis waited in dread for hurricane Irma, reports Ed Pilkington: the Miami of hardened hurricane glass, thickened walls, generators and raised foundations; and the Miami of coolers packed with food and water, just enough gas to fill the car.
One mother of all hurricanes, two very different experiences. In Liberty City, the African American neighborhood that inspired the Oscar-winning movie Moonlight, the chances of escaping Irma’s devastating wrath are all but non-existent. When almost half the residents are below the federal poverty level, generators and storm windows are not an option, let alone a few boards of plywood and a tank of gas.One mother of all hurricanes, two very different experiences. In Liberty City, the African American neighborhood that inspired the Oscar-winning movie Moonlight, the chances of escaping Irma’s devastating wrath are all but non-existent. When almost half the residents are below the federal poverty level, generators and storm windows are not an option, let alone a few boards of plywood and a tank of gas.
Most people are taking advantage of the lack of a mandatory evacuation order in their area and staying put. But local organisers fear they are woefully unprepared.Most people are taking advantage of the lack of a mandatory evacuation order in their area and staying put. But local organisers fear they are woefully unprepared.
“People in Liberty City are not ready for what’s coming,” said Valencia Gunder, a community activist helping to set up an emergency response center for those in distress that will open on Monday morning, in the wake of Irma. “They don’t have enough money to pay the rent, and then this happens.”“People in Liberty City are not ready for what’s coming,” said Valencia Gunder, a community activist helping to set up an emergency response center for those in distress that will open on Monday morning, in the wake of Irma. “They don’t have enough money to pay the rent, and then this happens.”
9.20pm BST9.20pm BST
21:2021:20
Hurricane Irma has turned north-west, its winds and rain starting to lash over south Florida. Some reporters are on the roads or in the Keys – something that authorities are pleading with people not to do as the storm nears – documenting the increasingly severe weather.Hurricane Irma has turned north-west, its winds and rain starting to lash over south Florida. Some reporters are on the roads or in the Keys – something that authorities are pleading with people not to do as the storm nears – documenting the increasingly severe weather.
Thousands of people have already lost power around south Florida, Florida Power & Light has reported, with 6,500 in Broward County and several hundred in western counties.Thousands of people have already lost power around south Florida, Florida Power & Light has reported, with 6,500 in Broward County and several hundred in western counties.
Palms swaying near Key West airport as Hurricane Irma nears the island pic.twitter.com/Vpt02X0xOJPalms swaying near Key West airport as Hurricane Irma nears the island pic.twitter.com/Vpt02X0xOJ
The wet ride to #Sarasota for #hurricaneirma @CBS12 pic.twitter.com/tbfS6ipxjDThe wet ride to #Sarasota for #hurricaneirma @CBS12 pic.twitter.com/tbfS6ipxjD
9.11pm BST9.11pm BST
21:1121:11
The National Weather Service has posted its 4pm update on hurricane Irma, which is about 125 mils south-east of Key West. The storm is still a category three, with sustained winds of 125mph, its eye moving at about 9mph.The National Weather Service has posted its 4pm update on hurricane Irma, which is about 125 mils south-east of Key West. The storm is still a category three, with sustained winds of 125mph, its eye moving at about 9mph.
Conditions are getting bad in the Keys. At Molasses Reef, a marine, there are sustained winds of 49mph with a gust to 56mph. In Marathon, the NWS detected sustained winds of 41mph with a gust of 55mph.Conditions are getting bad in the Keys. At Molasses Reef, a marine, there are sustained winds of 49mph with a gust to 56mph. In Marathon, the NWS detected sustained winds of 41mph with a gust of 55mph.
Don’t take chances with your safety- if you are in an evacuation zone, LEAVE NOW. For evacuation routes visit https://t.co/PdBTDyGQxHDon’t take chances with your safety- if you are in an evacuation zone, LEAVE NOW. For evacuation routes visit https://t.co/PdBTDyGQxH
8.51pm BST8.51pm BST
20:5120:51
Eleven of Miami-Dade’s 25 shelters are at capacity for people, and several shelters are full in Collier and Lee counties.Eleven of Miami-Dade’s 25 shelters are at capacity for people, and several shelters are full in Collier and Lee counties.
Don’t hesitate to call the FL Emergency Information Line 1-800-342-3557; available 24/7 for families and visitors.Don’t hesitate to call the FL Emergency Information Line 1-800-342-3557; available 24/7 for families and visitors.
Meanwhile Florida Power & Light, south Florida’s primary provider, is still struggling to supply people as the winds intensify. According to the TC Palm’s Nicole Rodriguez, several hundred customers are already without power in Treasure Coast counties; earlier on Friday, tens of thousands of people in east coast counties lost power.Meanwhile Florida Power & Light, south Florida’s primary provider, is still struggling to supply people as the winds intensify. According to the TC Palm’s Nicole Rodriguez, several hundred customers are already without power in Treasure Coast counties; earlier on Friday, tens of thousands of people in east coast counties lost power.
160 FPL customers out of 56,300 in Indian River County are out of power #Irma160 FPL customers out of 56,300 in Indian River County are out of power #Irma
8.39pm BST8.39pm BST
20:3920:39
Hurricane Irma is still crawling its way along Cuba’s north coast en route to south-west Florida, where the Keys jut out directly in its path.Hurricane Irma is still crawling its way along Cuba’s north coast en route to south-west Florida, where the Keys jut out directly in its path.
At the southernmost point of the island chain, people are defying the orders to get to shelter in order to take selfies with the crashing waves.At the southernmost point of the island chain, people are defying the orders to get to shelter in order to take selfies with the crashing waves.
#Irma is less than 140 miles southeast of Key West, moving west at 9mph. Eye showing up on KBYX radar: pic.twitter.com/a2jfVRIAsZ#Irma is less than 140 miles southeast of Key West, moving west at 9mph. Eye showing up on KBYX radar: pic.twitter.com/a2jfVRIAsZ
The webcam is still live at the southernmost point of the Florida Keys https://t.co/tHcuDvjrKz pic.twitter.com/ww56tbmFWjThe webcam is still live at the southernmost point of the Florida Keys https://t.co/tHcuDvjrKz pic.twitter.com/ww56tbmFWj
8.34pm BST8.34pm BST
20:3420:34
Florida’s emergency management department repeats the governor’s plea for healthcare assistance around the state: nurses needed.Florida’s emergency management department repeats the governor’s plea for healthcare assistance around the state: nurses needed.
FLORIDA STILL NEEDS NURSES willing to volunteer their time at our special needs shelters. You can also email HelpFL@FLhealth.gov https://t.co/b8xd1Yc6iwFLORIDA STILL NEEDS NURSES willing to volunteer their time at our special needs shelters. You can also email HelpFL@FLhealth.gov https://t.co/b8xd1Yc6iw
8.09pm BST8.09pm BST
20:0920:09
Jessica Glenza, reporting from St Petersburg, on Florida’s Gulf coast, is with her father Mike – a Florida man for decades and witness to many disastrous storms.Jessica Glenza, reporting from St Petersburg, on Florida’s Gulf coast, is with her father Mike – a Florida man for decades and witness to many disastrous storms.
As Hurricane Irma approaches south Florida, the forecasts for Tampa Bay are increasingly dire. And I’m helping my dad board up his house.As Hurricane Irma approaches south Florida, the forecasts for Tampa Bay are increasingly dire. And I’m helping my dad board up his house.
We’ve got scrap wood and a box of screws, four of us altogether including a couple friends helping cover the windows of his 1920s shotgun house.We’ve got scrap wood and a box of screws, four of us altogether including a couple friends helping cover the windows of his 1920s shotgun house.
It’s on some of the highest ground in St Petersburg, in one of the only non-evacuation zones, but it’s all relative. Pinellas county, where the city is located, is consistently named one of the locations most vulnerable to climate change related flooding.It’s on some of the highest ground in St Petersburg, in one of the only non-evacuation zones, but it’s all relative. Pinellas county, where the city is located, is consistently named one of the locations most vulnerable to climate change related flooding.
“They just said that storm got upgraded to a category seven,” my dad, Mike Glenza, joked as he walked by surveying the available wood. He’s a disabled tow truck driver who lives with his girlfriend, her daughter, around five cats and three dogs.“They just said that storm got upgraded to a category seven,” my dad, Mike Glenza, joked as he walked by surveying the available wood. He’s a disabled tow truck driver who lives with his girlfriend, her daughter, around five cats and three dogs.
Dad is a teller of tall tales but also a genuine survivor. Years after he said it happened, dad told me about a misty night he was working on the Skyway bridge between St Petersburg and Sarasota. He slipped on the metal flatbed of his tow truck and slid toward the water, grabbing a chain to keep from falling to his death.Dad is a teller of tall tales but also a genuine survivor. Years after he said it happened, dad told me about a misty night he was working on the Skyway bridge between St Petersburg and Sarasota. He slipped on the metal flatbed of his tow truck and slid toward the water, grabbing a chain to keep from falling to his death.
He told me for the first time today, that it’s not the first time he’s survived a hurricane.He told me for the first time today, that it’s not the first time he’s survived a hurricane.
In 1969, he was in Gulfport, Mississippi when Hurricane Camille stuck, one of the most intense hurricanes to ever hit the American mainland. He was on a long haul semi-truck trip moving a household of furniture with his father. He was 12.In 1969, he was in Gulfport, Mississippi when Hurricane Camille stuck, one of the most intense hurricanes to ever hit the American mainland. He was on a long haul semi-truck trip moving a household of furniture with his father. He was 12.
“We found a little place to stay because the roads were, well they were closing the roads so we had to pull over and find a place. We were on interstate 10 going west to San Diego.”“We found a little place to stay because the roads were, well they were closing the roads so we had to pull over and find a place. We were on interstate 10 going west to San Diego.”
What was it like in the motel you stayed in?What was it like in the motel you stayed in?
“Dark, windy, loud, water coming in under the door.”“Dark, windy, loud, water coming in under the door.”
After the storm when they tried getting out the roads were blocked, covered with feet of sand.After the storm when they tried getting out the roads were blocked, covered with feet of sand.
“Some of those little cottages were picked up and moved a couple hundred feet. Boats stacked up. I never seen nothing like that - I was from Tennessee.”“Some of those little cottages were picked up and moved a couple hundred feet. Boats stacked up. I never seen nothing like that - I was from Tennessee.”
“We eventually made it there, about four weeks later. We sat there a week, then another three or four days, then it took us six days to get out of the carnage toward Texas when it started clearing up.”“We eventually made it there, about four weeks later. We sat there a week, then another three or four days, then it took us six days to get out of the carnage toward Texas when it started clearing up.”
What does he think of Irma?What does he think of Irma?
“Irmageddon … I’m hoping Irma goes west.”“Irmageddon … I’m hoping Irma goes west.”
UpdatedUpdated
at 8.12pm BSTat 8.12pm BST
7.59pm BST7.59pm BST
19:5919:59
Curfews are set to begin at various times this afternoon and evening in south Florida, as authorities try to get people inside before strong winds start turn debris into projectiles and rain becomes blinding.Curfews are set to begin at various times this afternoon and evening in south Florida, as authorities try to get people inside before strong winds start turn debris into projectiles and rain becomes blinding.
Irma is still near the north coast of Cuba, moving about 9mph.Irma is still near the north coast of Cuba, moving about 9mph.
Southbound I-95 in #WPB, 10 minutes before countywide curfew begins. pic.twitter.com/tuWkdQFwFhSouthbound I-95 in #WPB, 10 minutes before countywide curfew begins. pic.twitter.com/tuWkdQFwFh