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Hurricane Irma: Florida faces 15ft sea surges and tornadoes storm closes in – latest updates Hurricane Irma: Florida faces 15ft sea surges and tornadoes as storm closes in – latest updates
(35 minutes later)
2.23am BST
02:23
Hurricane Irma uprooted trees and tore off roofs in Cuba on Saturday with 125mph (200kmh) winds that damaged hotels in the island’s best-known beach resorts and forced evacuations as far along the coast as low-lying areas of the capital Havana.
Power was out and mobile phone service was spotty in many regions as Irma neared the end of a 200 mile (320km) trek westwards along the top of the island. It was forecast to head north towards Florida in the evening.
In the fishing town of Caibarien, residents swept mud from beachside homes after a storm surge drove a metre of seawater up the shore. In streets carpeted with fresh green seaweed as the water receded, people said it was the strongest cyclone ever to hit the town.
“Sheets of zinc that came flying into our backyard also damaged the kitchen wall and we lost many roof tiles,” said Angel Coya, 52, adding he was optimistic that Cuba’s communist government would help repair the damage. “We have to keep on.”
Irma’s turn northward was expected to occur around 150 miles (240km) east of the capital. Nevertheless, authorities shut off power in large parts of the city and evacuated around 10,000 people from central Havana near the Malecon seawall because of fears of flooding from the storm surge.
By Saturday evening, the sea had penetrated two blocks over parts of the city’s historic seafront boulevard, and the waters were expected to advance further as the surge grew. Restaurants on the seaside drive pulled down their shutters and stacked sandbags.
Still, many Cubans expressed a sense of relief after the eye of the first Category 5 storm to make landfall on the island since 1932 passed over the northern keys, just grazing the mainland with its full force.
“Honestly, I expected worse. I thought I would come back and find the roof gone,” said Yolexis Domingo, 39, using a machete to hack the branches off a tree that fell in front of his house in Caibarien. “Still, it is going to be a while before I can come back to live here. The water came up to a metre high and some of the roof flew off.”
2.16am BST
02:16
Irma clears Cuban coast
The centre of Hurricane Irma has now cleared the Cuban coast and entered the Florida Straits, where bathtub-warm water of nearly 90 degrees (32 degrees Celsius) will enable the storm to intensify.
Irma had fallen to a Category 3 storm with 125 mph winds, but National Hurricane Centre spokesman and meteorologist Dennis Feltgen says it’s already showing signs at high altitudes of regaining its previous powerhouse strength.
And because this storm is more than 350 miles (563km) wide, the Miami area is not in the clear just because Irma’s eye is shifting to the west.
Forecasts say Irma will maintain hurricane strength well into Georgia on Monday.
2.01am BST
02:01
Current forecast for storm inundation. Red indicates "greater than 9 feet" above ground level – forecasts are for up to 15 feet. #Irma pic.twitter.com/MdTUWGF9Sy
1.37am BST1.37am BST
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The latest advisories, just issued by the US National Hurricane Centre contain no changes from the earlier ones, with all existing warnings remaining in place.The latest advisories, just issued by the US National Hurricane Centre contain no changes from the earlier ones, with all existing warnings remaining in place.
Jose has sparked tropical storm warnings for the islands of Saint Martin and Saint Bathelemy.Jose has sparked tropical storm warnings for the islands of Saint Martin and Saint Bathelemy.
Hurricane Irma is continuing to spark the following warnings:Hurricane Irma is continuing to spark the following warnings:
Storm surge warnings for the South Santee River around the Florida Peninsula, the Florida Keys and Tampa Bay.Storm surge warnings for the South Santee River around the Florida Peninsula, the Florida Keys and Tampa Bay.
Hurricane warnings for the Florida peninsula, Florida Keys, Lake Okeechobee and Florida Bay.Hurricane warnings for the Florida peninsula, Florida Keys, Lake Okeechobee and Florida Bay.
Continued hurricane warnings for Cuban provinces of Camaguey, Ciego de Avila, Sancti Spiritus, Villa Clara, Matanzas, and Havana.Continued hurricane warnings for Cuban provinces of Camaguey, Ciego de Avila, Sancti Spiritus, Villa Clara, Matanzas, and Havana.
And hurricane warnings for Andros Island, Bimini, and Grand Bahama.And hurricane warnings for Andros Island, Bimini, and Grand Bahama.
The National Hurricane Centre reminds people that a Hurricane Warning means: “Preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion.”The National Hurricane Centre reminds people that a Hurricane Warning means: “Preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion.”
And it gives the following explanation of the storm surge warnings:And it gives the following explanation of the storm surge warnings:
“A Storm Surge Warning means there is a danger of life-threatening inundation, from rising water moving inland from the coastline, during the next 36 hours in the indicated locations. For a depiction of areas at risk, please see the National Weather Service Storm Surge Watch/Warning Graphic, available at hurricanes.gov. This is a life-threatening situation. Persons located within these areas should take all necessary actions to protect life and property from rising water and the potential for other dangerous conditions. Promptly follow evacuation and otherinstructions from local officials.” “A Storm Surge Warning means there is a danger of life-threatening inundation, from rising water moving inland from the coastline, during the next 36 hours in the indicated locations. For a depiction of areas at risk, please see the National Weather Service Storm Surge Watch/Warning Graphic, available at hurricanes.gov. This is a life-threatening situation. Persons located within these areas should take all necessary actions to protect life and property from rising water and the potential for other dangerous conditions. Promptly follow evacuation and other instructions from local officials.”
Updated
at 2.26am BST
1.18am BST1.18am BST
01:1801:18
Islands in the Caribbean already devestated by hurricane Irma are now facing impacts from hurricane Jose.Islands in the Caribbean already devestated by hurricane Irma are now facing impacts from hurricane Jose.
Although Jose is weaker, and moving away from the Islands, strong winds are likely to hit Peurto Rico and possibly The Dominican Republic as early as Sunday morning local time.Although Jose is weaker, and moving away from the Islands, strong winds are likely to hit Peurto Rico and possibly The Dominican Republic as early as Sunday morning local time.
As we’ve reported, the threat of further tropical-storm-force winds is hampering aid efforts after Irma, and with debris scattered from earlier damage, additional strong winds could be more dangerous than they would otherwise be.As we’ve reported, the threat of further tropical-storm-force winds is hampering aid efforts after Irma, and with debris scattered from earlier damage, additional strong winds could be more dangerous than they would otherwise be.
Here's the expected and possible tropical-storm-force caused winds Jose, for islands already devastated by Irma: pic.twitter.com/SgLhrVZ19kHere's the expected and possible tropical-storm-force caused winds Jose, for islands already devastated by Irma: pic.twitter.com/SgLhrVZ19k
12.51am BST12.51am BST
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Richard LuscombeRichard Luscombe
The next big threat for those of us sheltering from Hurricane Irma in South Florida is a tornado.The next big threat for those of us sheltering from Hurricane Irma in South Florida is a tornado.
My mobile phone has been screaming its high-pitched alarm every 10 minutes over the last hour or so with dire warnings from the National Weather Serviceto take cover NOW because of tornadic thunderstorms in the area.My mobile phone has been screaming its high-pitched alarm every 10 minutes over the last hour or so with dire warnings from the National Weather Serviceto take cover NOW because of tornadic thunderstorms in the area.
Local TV reports a tornado hit the ground in nearby Plantation within the last quarter-hour, and most of northern Broward County is under a tornado warning for at least the next 30 minutes.Local TV reports a tornado hit the ground in nearby Plantation within the last quarter-hour, and most of northern Broward County is under a tornado warning for at least the next 30 minutes.
It’s a scary time. Shelter for us consist of four of us, including my two sons aged 10 and 8, squeezing into a 5ft x 5ft interior closet with no windows, away from exterior walls and doors. My youngest has his teddy bear and some chicken nuggets for comfort.It’s a scary time. Shelter for us consist of four of us, including my two sons aged 10 and 8, squeezing into a 5ft x 5ft interior closet with no windows, away from exterior walls and doors. My youngest has his teddy bear and some chicken nuggets for comfort.
The fact a tornado has actually struck nearby, instead of there just being the possibility of one, is sobering. It’s likely to be a long night in the closet with the kids.The fact a tornado has actually struck nearby, instead of there just being the possibility of one, is sobering. It’s likely to be a long night in the closet with the kids.
The threat of tornados comes from thunderstorms in Hurricane Irma’s violent outer bands, which have been circling over Miami-Dade and Broward counties for most of the day as the storm moves ever closer.The threat of tornados comes from thunderstorms in Hurricane Irma’s violent outer bands, which have been circling over Miami-Dade and Broward counties for most of the day as the storm moves ever closer.
There is likely to be plenty more to come in the next 24 hours.There is likely to be plenty more to come in the next 24 hours.
12.37am BST12.37am BST
00:3700:37
Trump on Irma: "Just get out of its way"Trump on Irma: "Just get out of its way"
Donald Trump has told people still in Hurricane Irma’s path to “just get out of its way” and not worry about possessions.Donald Trump has told people still in Hurricane Irma’s path to “just get out of its way” and not worry about possessions.
The president was monitoring the storm’s advance on Florida – where he has his Mar-a-Lago estate – from the secluded Camp David presidential retreat near Washington.The president was monitoring the storm’s advance on Florida – where he has his Mar-a-Lago estate – from the secluded Camp David presidential retreat near Washington.
“Property is replaceable but lives are not and safety has to come first,” Trump said at a cabinet meeting. “Don’t worry about it. Just get out of its way.”“Property is replaceable but lives are not and safety has to come first,” Trump said at a cabinet meeting. “Don’t worry about it. Just get out of its way.”
Trump shared a brief video of his remarks at the meeting on Twitter.Trump shared a brief video of his remarks at the meeting on Twitter.
This is a storm of enormous destructive power, and I ask everyone in the storm’s path to heed ALL instructions from government officials. pic.twitter.com/nJfM2Sdme1This is a storm of enormous destructive power, and I ask everyone in the storm’s path to heed ALL instructions from government officials. pic.twitter.com/nJfM2Sdme1
He said the administration was monitoring the situation “around the clock” and was in “constant communications” with governors and other officials from the affected areas.He said the administration was monitoring the situation “around the clock” and was in “constant communications” with governors and other officials from the affected areas.
“We’ve never seen anything like this,” he said, pledging as he did after Hurricane Harvey that recovery and rebuilding will happen quickly.Read more about what impact Irma could have on Trump’s estate here.“We’ve never seen anything like this,” he said, pledging as he did after Hurricane Harvey that recovery and rebuilding will happen quickly.Read more about what impact Irma could have on Trump’s estate here.
12.33am BST12.33am BST
00:3300:33
Michael SlezakMichael Slezak
With night quickly approaching in Florida, the liveblog has been handed over to me and the team in Sydney, Australia, who will keep you updated for the next several hours.With night quickly approaching in Florida, the liveblog has been handed over to me and the team in Sydney, Australia, who will keep you updated for the next several hours.
As Florida braces itself for the full impact of hurrricane Irma, Cuba is reeling from its effects after the eye of the first Category 5 storm to make landfall on the island since 1932 passed over, just grazing the mainland with its full force.As Florida braces itself for the full impact of hurrricane Irma, Cuba is reeling from its effects after the eye of the first Category 5 storm to make landfall on the island since 1932 passed over, just grazing the mainland with its full force.
News agencies are reporting the hurricane uprooted trees and tore off roofs in Cuba on Saturday with 125-mile-per-hour (200-km per hour) winds that damaged hotels in the island’s best-known beach resorts and forced evacuations as far along the coast as low-lying areas of the capital Havana.News agencies are reporting the hurricane uprooted trees and tore off roofs in Cuba on Saturday with 125-mile-per-hour (200-km per hour) winds that damaged hotels in the island’s best-known beach resorts and forced evacuations as far along the coast as low-lying areas of the capital Havana.
Power was out and cellphone service was spotty in many regions as Irma neared the end of a 200-mile (320-km) trek westwards along the top of the island. It was forecast to head north toward Florida in the evening.Power was out and cellphone service was spotty in many regions as Irma neared the end of a 200-mile (320-km) trek westwards along the top of the island. It was forecast to head north toward Florida in the evening.
Authorities shut off power in large parts of Havana and evacuated some 10,000 people from central Havana near the famous Malecon seawall because of fears of flooding from the storm surge.Authorities shut off power in large parts of Havana and evacuated some 10,000 people from central Havana near the famous Malecon seawall because of fears of flooding from the storm surge.
By Saturday evening, the sea had penetrated two blocks over parts of the city’s historic seafront boulevard, and the waters were expected to advance farther as the surge grew.By Saturday evening, the sea had penetrated two blocks over parts of the city’s historic seafront boulevard, and the waters were expected to advance farther as the surge grew.
Reuters reported that many Cubans expressed a sense of relief after it hit.Reuters reported that many Cubans expressed a sense of relief after it hit.
“Honestly, I expected worse. I thought I would come back and find the roof gone,” Yolexis Domingo, 39 told Reuters. “Still, it is going to be a while before I can come back to live here. The water came up to a meter high and some of the roof flew off.”“Honestly, I expected worse. I thought I would come back and find the roof gone,” Yolexis Domingo, 39 told Reuters. “Still, it is going to be a while before I can come back to live here. The water came up to a meter high and some of the roof flew off.”
11.44pm BST11.44pm BST
23:4423:44
What we know so farWhat we know so far
Hurricane Irma turned north toward Florida after crashing across Cuba’s north coast, wrecking towns with 125mph winds and surging waves. As of 6pm local time, the storm was about 120 miles away from Florida and expected to regain category four intensity.Hurricane Irma turned north toward Florida after crashing across Cuba’s north coast, wrecking towns with 125mph winds and surging waves. As of 6pm local time, the storm was about 120 miles away from Florida and expected to regain category four intensity.
Huge waves started to crash onto the Florida Keys, where the storm is expected to make landfall early Sunday morning. Winds of about 50mph were detected at a reef at the Keys, and authorities pleaded with people who did not heed evacuation orders to get to shelters.Huge waves started to crash onto the Florida Keys, where the storm is expected to make landfall early Sunday morning. Winds of about 50mph were detected at a reef at the Keys, and authorities pleaded with people who did not heed evacuation orders to get to shelters.
More than seven million people were ordered to flee from their homes in several states, including nearly a third of Florida’s population. More than 50,000 people are in about 300 shelters around the state, counties enacted curfews, and power providers already began to struggle with demand.More than seven million people were ordered to flee from their homes in several states, including nearly a third of Florida’s population. More than 50,000 people are in about 300 shelters around the state, counties enacted curfews, and power providers already began to struggle with demand.
Florida prepared for what its governor called “the most catastrophic storm the state has ever seen”. Gusts of intense wind and rain swept into Miami, and tornado warnings were issued for most of the southern counties. Irma is forecast to make landfall on the Keys, then again near Cape Coral or Fort Myers, and then a third time near Tampa Bay on its path up Florida’s west coast.Florida prepared for what its governor called “the most catastrophic storm the state has ever seen”. Gusts of intense wind and rain swept into Miami, and tornado warnings were issued for most of the southern counties. Irma is forecast to make landfall on the Keys, then again near Cape Coral or Fort Myers, and then a third time near Tampa Bay on its path up Florida’s west coast.
In Florida’s south-west, officials expect storm surges as high as 15ft. “Fifteen feet is devastating and will cover your house,” governor Rick Scott said. “Do not think the storm is over when the wind slows down. The storm surge will rush in and it could kill you.” Miami-Dade mayor Carlos Gimenez warned people of intense surges on parts of the south-east: waves taller than an average person and wind that can turn flower pots and trash cans into deadly projectiles.In Florida’s south-west, officials expect storm surges as high as 15ft. “Fifteen feet is devastating and will cover your house,” governor Rick Scott said. “Do not think the storm is over when the wind slows down. The storm surge will rush in and it could kill you.” Miami-Dade mayor Carlos Gimenez warned people of intense surges on parts of the south-east: waves taller than an average person and wind that can turn flower pots and trash cans into deadly projectiles.
Twenty-five people have been confirmed killed around the Caribbean, including 11 people on French St Martin and St Barts, four in the US Virgin Islands, three on Puerto Rico, two on Dutch St Maarten, one person in Anguilla and a two year old in Barbuda.Twenty-five people have been confirmed killed around the Caribbean, including 11 people on French St Martin and St Barts, four in the US Virgin Islands, three on Puerto Rico, two on Dutch St Maarten, one person in Anguilla and a two year old in Barbuda.
Category-four hurricane Jose threatened landfall in the eastern Caribbean, complicating relief efforts for islands that have only just emerged from Irma’s winds. But the storms spared Barbuda, where the prime minister estimated 90% of buildings were destroyed by Irma a few days earlier.Category-four hurricane Jose threatened landfall in the eastern Caribbean, complicating relief efforts for islands that have only just emerged from Irma’s winds. But the storms spared Barbuda, where the prime minister estimated 90% of buildings were destroyed by Irma a few days earlier.
Another storm, Katia, was downgraded to a tropical depression as it pushed onto land from Mexico’s Gulf coast. Two people were killed in a mudslide in Veracruz, according to the AP.Another storm, Katia, was downgraded to a tropical depression as it pushed onto land from Mexico’s Gulf coast. Two people were killed in a mudslide in Veracruz, according to the AP.
11.42pm BST11.42pm BST
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The governor says his greatest fear right now is that people will underestimate the storm surge, which is expected to be as much as 15ft in the Florida Keys and parts of the south-west coast.The governor says his greatest fear right now is that people will underestimate the storm surge, which is expected to be as much as 15ft in the Florida Keys and parts of the south-west coast.
He recalls a storm some years ago that brought six-foot storm surges into Naples, and the breathtaking speed of the water crashing into homes. He says it’s hard to describe “how fast the water moved in and how fast the water moved out”.He recalls a storm some years ago that brought six-foot storm surges into Naples, and the breathtaking speed of the water crashing into homes. He says it’s hard to describe “how fast the water moved in and how fast the water moved out”.
“That was six feet,” he says. “You just think about – how can anybody survive this stuff?“That was six feet,” he says. “You just think about – how can anybody survive this stuff?
“I just want everybody to live.”“I just want everybody to live.”
11.34pm BST11.34pm BST
23:3423:34
Scott emphasizes that the dangers don’t end even once the storm itself has passed: there will be downed, live power lines, dangerous roads, lack of power, and likely shortages.Scott emphasizes that the dangers don’t end even once the storm itself has passed: there will be downed, live power lines, dangerous roads, lack of power, and likely shortages.
“Everyone’s going to have to be patient, and it’s going to be hard to be patient. Everybody’s going to want to go home and see what happened.”“Everyone’s going to have to be patient, and it’s going to be hard to be patient. Everybody’s going to want to go home and see what happened.”
He says the state has been preparing aggressively for the aftermath – “try to get fuel back, try to get the power back, try to get the roads cleared, try to do everything” – but it’s impossible to know exactly what the disaster will do and where.He says the state has been preparing aggressively for the aftermath – “try to get fuel back, try to get the power back, try to get the roads cleared, try to do everything” – but it’s impossible to know exactly what the disaster will do and where.
“This is going to be massive.”“This is going to be massive.”
11.30pm BST11.30pm BST
23:3023:30
Governor Scott: "this is your last chance"Governor Scott: "this is your last chance"
The center of hurricane Irma will pass directly over the Florida Keys, governor Rick Scott says, at what’s likely one of his last updates before the storm grips Florida overnight and early Sunday morning.The center of hurricane Irma will pass directly over the Florida Keys, governor Rick Scott says, at what’s likely one of his last updates before the storm grips Florida overnight and early Sunday morning.
“Millions of Floridians will see life-threatening winds beginning tonight,” he says, with the “significant threat of serious storm surge along the whole west coast of Florida.”“Millions of Floridians will see life-threatening winds beginning tonight,” he says, with the “significant threat of serious storm surge along the whole west coast of Florida.”
Tampa will see a surge of five to eight feet, and the Big Bend area three to six feet. Parts of Miami-Dade County will see surges of five to eight feet, mayor Carlos Gimenez said earlier on Saturday. “Do not think the storm is over when the wind slows down,” Scott warns. “The storm surge could rush in and it could kill you.”Tampa will see a surge of five to eight feet, and the Big Bend area three to six feet. Parts of Miami-Dade County will see surges of five to eight feet, mayor Carlos Gimenez said earlier on Saturday. “Do not think the storm is over when the wind slows down,” Scott warns. “The storm surge could rush in and it could kill you.”
He stresses the sudden, brutal force of the surges: “When it happens the water just rushes in and rushes out.”He stresses the sudden, brutal force of the surges: “When it happens the water just rushes in and rushes out.”
The Florida Keys will see up to 25in of rain, Scott says, while much of southern Florida will have as much as 18in. “This is clearly a life threatening situation.”The Florida Keys will see up to 25in of rain, Scott says, while much of southern Florida will have as much as 18in. “This is clearly a life threatening situation.”
More than 6.5 million Floridians were told to flee to inland and northern shelters, he says, 70,000 of whom are at shelters.Thousands are already without power, though Scott says the state will work hard to restore it, and to concentrate on speedy recovery efforts after the storm’s 24-36-hour passage up the state.More than 6.5 million Floridians were told to flee to inland and northern shelters, he says, 70,000 of whom are at shelters.Thousands are already without power, though Scott says the state will work hard to restore it, and to concentrate on speedy recovery efforts after the storm’s 24-36-hour passage up the state.
Finally he pleads with people to get to shelters immediately: “if you’re in an area that was told to evacuate, you need to leave, now. This is your last chance to make a good decision.”Finally he pleads with people to get to shelters immediately: “if you’re in an area that was told to evacuate, you need to leave, now. This is your last chance to make a good decision.”
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.35pm BSTat 11.35pm BST
11.09pm BST11.09pm BST
23:0923:09
Jessica Glenza, reporting from St Petersburg, has spoken with evacuees from around the city and other areas of Florida’s west coast.Jessica Glenza, reporting from St Petersburg, has spoken with evacuees from around the city and other areas of Florida’s west coast.
As the storm approached Tampa Bay, people on the western edge of the bay in Pinellas county “scrambled” to get ready for a hurricane likely to bring 110 mile per hoursustained winds to the low-lying county.As the storm approached Tampa Bay, people on the western edge of the bay in Pinellas county “scrambled” to get ready for a hurricane likely to bring 110 mile per hoursustained winds to the low-lying county.
“We’ve been having press conferences two or three times a day trying to get people informed, to get them to evacuate,” said Pat Gerard, a county commissioner in Pinellas. “Of course they’re not doing it, but it’s just what they do.”“We’ve been having press conferences two or three times a day trying to get people informed, to get them to evacuate,” said Pat Gerard, a county commissioner in Pinellas. “Of course they’re not doing it, but it’s just what they do.”
The last seriously destructive storm to hit Tampa Bay was in 1921, a category three hurricane that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration called it the “forgotten nightmare”.The last seriously destructive storm to hit Tampa Bay was in 1921, a category three hurricane that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration called it the “forgotten nightmare”.
“Everybody’s scrambling around trying to get ready,” said Gerard. “We have 160,000 people in the first evacuation level, so we had to start to try to get people out.”“Everybody’s scrambling around trying to get ready,” said Gerard. “We have 160,000 people in the first evacuation level, so we had to start to try to get people out.”
Around the county, many said they were making last minute preparations to for the storm. Putting plywood on windows; charging phones; stocking propane, gas, water and food.Around the county, many said they were making last minute preparations to for the storm. Putting plywood on windows; charging phones; stocking propane, gas, water and food.
Further south, those who had already evacuated said they were trying to adjust to their new reality.Further south, those who had already evacuated said they were trying to adjust to their new reality.
George Rogner, a 58-year-old DJ, was evacuated to a nearby elementary school, bunked in a hallway with “lots” more people.George Rogner, a 58-year-old DJ, was evacuated to a nearby elementary school, bunked in a hallway with “lots” more people.
“Right now, the power’s on so we’re all charging up the phones and they have the hallways are air conditioned here thats where we’re at,” Rogner said. “You never what a storm is going to do, people are driving all over the state to get away from it and it just follows them.”“Right now, the power’s on so we’re all charging up the phones and they have the hallways are air conditioned here thats where we’re at,” Rogner said. “You never what a storm is going to do, people are driving all over the state to get away from it and it just follows them.”
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.15pm BSTat 11.15pm BST
11.03pm BST11.03pm BST
23:0323:03
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.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.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 #HurricaneIrmaUPDATE: 582,615 without power in Puerto Rico #HurricaneIrma
10.40pm BST10.40pm BST
22:4022:40
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.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.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.”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/6CKPPeK811Powerful 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.
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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
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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