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Hurricane Irma: storm makes landfall near Naples with life-threatening surges – live Hurricane Irma: storm makes landfall near Naples with life-threatening surges – live
(35 minutes later)
10.40pm BST
22:40
Drawing on data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, meteorologist Dave Epstein notes underlines the extraordinary rate of the storm surge following in the wake of Irma’s eye.
In less than an hour the waters have rushed back by more than almost four and a half feet.
Surge really increasing in Naples. #IrmaHurricane pic.twitter.com/glZY65TymX
10.36pm BST
22:36
President Donald Trump has declared a major disaster in Florida, and ordered federal funds to help the state and NGO recovery work that will begin once the storm allows.
In a statement, the White House said assistance can include “grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.”
Federal funding is also available to the State and to tribal and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work in all 67 counties in the State. For a period of 30 days from the start of the incident period, assistance for emergency protective measures, including direct Federal assistance, is authorized at 100 percent of the total eligible costs.
Furthermore, Federal funding is available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide
Residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated counties can begin applying for assistance by registering online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA(3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice.
Updated
at 10.43pm BST
10.29pm BST
22:29
Jessica Glenza
At the Lealman Innovation Academy Shelter in St Petersburg, Jessica Glenza has spoken with people ordered to evacuate or with no where else to flee the storm.
Just before 4pm, Doug Skater hopped out of an old pick-up and strode through a packed parking lot toward Lealman Innovation Academy.
“They turned off the power to the trailer because the storm is coming, now how much sense does that make?” he said, a state ID on a yellow landyard bouncing on his chest as he walked. Skater is a 43-year-old Largo man who evacuated a mobile home to come to here and see if the shelter had room for him.
Skater was homeless until he bought that mobile home. The units are some of the most susceptible to flooding and wind damage, all were evacuated by sheriffs.
“I actually like” the storm, Skater said. “It makes people think – you have to appreciate what you own.”
Roads look busier on Christmas morning than they did late afternoon Sunday in Pinellas. Hurricane Irma was moving up the coast, and winds and rain were quickly intensifying. People were mostly buckled up and battened down, ready for a storm that has received wall-to-wall cable news coverage to be over.
“I’ve been through a Cat 1 hurricane in Key West – that was no picnic,” said Dale Posedel, a 57-year-old who as a maintenance man at a mobile home park, (“if it’s still there”).
His home in St. Petersburg is prone to flooding, he said, so he and a friend came here, to a middle school-turned-shelter housing 1,400 people on high ground in the Lealman neighborhood. His friend, however, was not accepted. He had a dog.
“I haven’t heard from him”, Posedel said, hoping his friend had found shelter. “
Another woman, Jasna Gajic, 60, tells me she was, “scared for roof,” of her apartment. “I come here this morning,” she said, about her last-second decision to evacuate.
Tonya Mitchell, a middle school principal in Clearwater, was sitting behind Lealman Innovation Academy’s desk, “just wanting it to pass”, she said of the storm.
“I do feel like the area is prepared,” she said, looking around at her charges, people who seemed both weary and restless. The mobile home park across the street was evacuated by sheriff’s deputies, many staying in the school. “You can replace things,” she said.
10.19pm BST
22:19
Irma's eye descends on Naples
Ed Pilkington
Ed Pilkington has ventured into the eye of the storm in Naples, currently directly over the city.
We’ve just had a rare experience. Having been hunkered down for the past hour in violent 100mph winds we have just stepped out of our evacuated hotel into the daylight.
The reason we could do that because we are now in the eye of the storm – literally. Suddenly everything became bright and still, and going outside we could begin to see just a tiny part of the wreckage with several trees down. The wind is so calm it’s like nothing ever happened. It won’t last though. The southern eye wall is about to reach us and then we will be pummelled all over again.
5:16 p: Eye of Hurricane Irma is over Naples. Wind gusts 60-70 mph continue across the Keys, with storm surge of 5-10 feet still possible pic.twitter.com/QS8Vhg0uFO
10.15pm BST10.15pm BST
22:1522:15
Local NBC reporter Erika Glover, like the Guardian’s Ed Pilkington, is in Naple and cautiously surveying Irma’s damage.Local NBC reporter Erika Glover, like the Guardian’s Ed Pilkington, is in Naple and cautiously surveying Irma’s damage.
Waters are rising extremely quickly. In about an hour, the tide has risen by 5.5ft, according to Noaa recordings. Officials have forecast a 10-15ft storm surge above ground.Waters are rising extremely quickly. In about an hour, the tide has risen by 5.5ft, according to Noaa recordings. Officials have forecast a 10-15ft storm surge above ground.
Toppled trees, flooded apartments, limbs just about everywhere. Surveying the damage of #HurricaneIrma in Naples. What are you seeing? @nbc6 pic.twitter.com/MEvaKqVscqToppled trees, flooded apartments, limbs just about everywhere. Surveying the damage of #HurricaneIrma in Naples. What are you seeing? @nbc6 pic.twitter.com/MEvaKqVscq
And here is Irma unfiltered - seen not through a window but in the open air. A terrible beauty is born pic.twitter.com/9G5ZqWcruOAnd here is Irma unfiltered - seen not through a window but in the open air. A terrible beauty is born pic.twitter.com/9G5ZqWcruO
10.06pm BST10.06pm BST
22:0622:06
Irma slows and storm surges begin Irma slows to category two
Naples should expect imminent dangerous storm surges after hurricane Irma’s eye passes along Florida’s west coast, the National Hurricane Center has warned in its 5pm advisory.Naples should expect imminent dangerous storm surges after hurricane Irma’s eye passes along Florida’s west coast, the National Hurricane Center has warned in its 5pm advisory.
The storm’s eye is about five miles north of Naples, and 30 miles south south-east of Fort Myers. It has maximum sustained winds of 110mph, slowing to a category two storm.The storm’s eye is about five miles north of Naples, and 30 miles south south-east of Fort Myers. It has maximum sustained winds of 110mph, slowing to a category two storm.
Storm surges have already begun in some sections of the city, rising over two feet over the course of half an hour. Governor Rick Scott has warned repeatedly that surges, although unpredictable, often rush in after the strongest winds seem to have died down.Storm surges have already begun in some sections of the city, rising over two feet over the course of half an hour. Governor Rick Scott has warned repeatedly that surges, although unpredictable, often rush in after the strongest winds seem to have died down.
Streets flooding in downtown Naples in the eye of #HurrcaneIrma pic.twitter.com/FAOGWFoCrTStreets flooding in downtown Naples in the eye of #HurrcaneIrma pic.twitter.com/FAOGWFoCrT
UpdatedUpdated
at 10.10pm BST at 10.19pm BST
9.43pm BST9.43pm BST
21:4321:43
Naples Municipal Airport has reported a gust of 142mph at 4.34pm, near reports of 135mph gust and sustained winds of 93mph – the most powerful recorded gusts on the mainland.Naples Municipal Airport has reported a gust of 142mph at 4.34pm, near reports of 135mph gust and sustained winds of 93mph – the most powerful recorded gusts on the mainland.
In Naples, Ed Pilkington is recording what he can of the storm, including the eerie keening of the wind and all the sounds it’s kicking up inside his hotel.In Naples, Ed Pilkington is recording what he can of the storm, including the eerie keening of the wind and all the sounds it’s kicking up inside his hotel.
We're about 20 minutes into the worst of Irma and I can officially report: this hurricane has my respect. The whole building is groaning pic.twitter.com/czZP07VRpTWe're about 20 minutes into the worst of Irma and I can officially report: this hurricane has my respect. The whole building is groaning pic.twitter.com/czZP07VRpT
9.35pm BST9.35pm BST
21:3521:35
Scenes from the storm’s eyewall in Naples, floods in Miami, and Tampa Bay emptied of its waters, pushed out by winds that, when they turn, will bring it rushing back.Scenes from the storm’s eyewall in Naples, floods in Miami, and Tampa Bay emptied of its waters, pushed out by winds that, when they turn, will bring it rushing back.
UpdatedUpdated
at 10.06pm BSTat 10.06pm BST
9.30pm BST9.30pm BST
21:3021:30
Ed PilkingtonEd Pilkington
Ed Pilkington is in Naples, Florida, as the eyewall of hurricane Irma descends on the city.Ed Pilkington is in Naples, Florida, as the eyewall of hurricane Irma descends on the city.
The full might of Irma is now right in front of our eyes outside the window in Naples, Florida. It came on very quickly as the eye wall struck.The full might of Irma is now right in front of our eyes outside the window in Naples, Florida. It came on very quickly as the eye wall struck.
About 15 minutes ago we were seeing the trees being tossed around by violent winds.About 15 minutes ago we were seeing the trees being tossed around by violent winds.
Then about 10 minutes ago the trees started to be obscured by driving rain that was moving fast and almost horizontally across our window in great bands.Then about 10 minutes ago the trees started to be obscured by driving rain that was moving fast and almost horizontally across our window in great bands.
Right now it’s got even worse than that. You cannot see anything but whiteness. It’s like a snow blizzard. The rain is so thick it’s like a giant white sheet shooting across at incredible speed.Right now it’s got even worse than that. You cannot see anything but whiteness. It’s like a snow blizzard. The rain is so thick it’s like a giant white sheet shooting across at incredible speed.
And this comes before the sea starts to surge and the flooding starts.And this comes before the sea starts to surge and the flooding starts.
Irma pummeling our evacuated hotel as eye wall hits us in Naples, Fl pic.twitter.com/X7vq8Qwc10Irma pummeling our evacuated hotel as eye wall hits us in Naples, Fl pic.twitter.com/X7vq8Qwc10
9.25pm BST9.25pm BST
21:2521:25
Police on Marco Island, the site of Irma’s second landfall on Sunday, have tweeted out a photo from almost the center of the storm.Police on Marco Island, the site of Irma’s second landfall on Sunday, have tweeted out a photo from almost the center of the storm.
pic.twitter.com/ww9XBu9CPBpic.twitter.com/ww9XBu9CPB
9.19pm BST9.19pm BST
21:1921:19
In Naples, people can do little but watch the gigantic eyewall of the storm move over the city.In Naples, people can do little but watch the gigantic eyewall of the storm move over the city.
Irma has slowed to a maximum sustained windspeed of 115mph, its eye a mere 10 miles from Naples. The National Hurricane Center is detecting gusts of up to 155mph in the area. At 4pm it’s up to 97mph.Irma has slowed to a maximum sustained windspeed of 115mph, its eye a mere 10 miles from Naples. The National Hurricane Center is detecting gusts of up to 155mph in the area. At 4pm it’s up to 97mph.
High winds blowing torrential rain horizontally as Irma's eye wall batters Naples pic.twitter.com/7I4GrNAGecHigh winds blowing torrential rain horizontally as Irma's eye wall batters Naples pic.twitter.com/7I4GrNAGec
UpdatedUpdated
at 9.25pm BSTat 9.25pm BST
9.08pm BST9.08pm BST
21:0821:08
Hurricane Irma is battering all of south Florida, its eye wall currently crashing over Naples, on the west coast, where Ed Pilkington is reporting for the Guardian.Hurricane Irma is battering all of south Florida, its eye wall currently crashing over Naples, on the west coast, where Ed Pilkington is reporting for the Guardian.
Full force of Irma now being felt in Naples. 130mph wind reported nearby. Eye will be with us soon pic.twitter.com/vHCouQoAhbFull force of Irma now being felt in Naples. 130mph wind reported nearby. Eye will be with us soon pic.twitter.com/vHCouQoAhb
8.49pm BST8.49pm BST
20:4920:49
Irma makes landfall on Marco IslandIrma makes landfall on Marco Island
Hurricane Irma has made landfall on Marco Island, the National Hurricane Center has announced, with life-threatening storm surges of 10ft to 15ft feared there, Naples, and in other low-lying sections of Florida’s west coast.Hurricane Irma has made landfall on Marco Island, the National Hurricane Center has announced, with life-threatening storm surges of 10ft to 15ft feared there, Naples, and in other low-lying sections of Florida’s west coast.
Irma first made landfall on Cudjoe Key at 9.10am, a category four storm. It made second landfall at 3.35pm on Marco Island, about 15 miles from Naples.Irma first made landfall on Cudjoe Key at 9.10am, a category four storm. It made second landfall at 3.35pm on Marco Island, about 15 miles from Naples.
With sustained winds of 120mph, the category 3 storm is moving northward up the coast toward Fort Myers and Tampa Bay, after barreling across the Florida Keys and raking the entirety of south Florida with blasts of stinging, near horizontal rain, sudden tornadoes, storm surges and winds as fast as 109mph.With sustained winds of 120mph, the category 3 storm is moving northward up the coast toward Fort Myers and Tampa Bay, after barreling across the Florida Keys and raking the entirety of south Florida with blasts of stinging, near horizontal rain, sudden tornadoes, storm surges and winds as fast as 109mph.
The storm has cut off the Florida Keys, overwhelming towns and the only road to the mainland with storm surges believed to have reached 10ft to 14ft. Authorities said no one would should attempt to return to the county until inspectors can reach its bridge. An unknown number of people are trapped on the islands, where more surges threaten.The storm has cut off the Florida Keys, overwhelming towns and the only road to the mainland with storm surges believed to have reached 10ft to 14ft. Authorities said no one would should attempt to return to the county until inspectors can reach its bridge. An unknown number of people are trapped on the islands, where more surges threaten.
Rain and storm surges have overwhelmed parts of downtown Miami, especially in the Brickell neighborhood, and two construction cranes have collapsed on to buildings. Tornadoes have sliced through sections of eastern south Florida and winds across the state have toppled trees, live power lines, street signs, and billboards.Rain and storm surges have overwhelmed parts of downtown Miami, especially in the Brickell neighborhood, and two construction cranes have collapsed on to buildings. Tornadoes have sliced through sections of eastern south Florida and winds across the state have toppled trees, live power lines, street signs, and billboards.
More than two million people have lost power, more than 70,000 are in shelters, and police and emergency personnel have taken to shelters. Several cities ordered residents to boil all their tap water, for fear of contamination in the public supply.More than two million people have lost power, more than 70,000 are in shelters, and police and emergency personnel have taken to shelters. Several cities ordered residents to boil all their tap water, for fear of contamination in the public supply.
On the west coast, the storm temporarily drained Tampa Bay. National Weather Service officials delivered an urgent warning about a “catastrophic storm surge” for Naples, Marco Island and Everglades City. Tampa itself was warned of surges of 5ft to 8ft, sweeping in unpredictably and able to carry off people, cars and mobile homes.On the west coast, the storm temporarily drained Tampa Bay. National Weather Service officials delivered an urgent warning about a “catastrophic storm surge” for Naples, Marco Island and Everglades City. Tampa itself was warned of surges of 5ft to 8ft, sweeping in unpredictably and able to carry off people, cars and mobile homes.
“We know we are ground zero for this storm,” Tampa mayor Bob Buckhorn said. “We have avoided it for 90 years but our time has come to be ready.”“We know we are ground zero for this storm,” Tampa mayor Bob Buckhorn said. “We have avoided it for 90 years but our time has come to be ready.”
Governor Rick Scott has warned people repeatedly to stay in shelters until authorities can confidently give an all-clear. The storm has killed at least 27 people on its course across the Caribbean, from a category 5 giant to one of the most dangerous category 3 storms in US history, leaving whole islands with the appearance of bombed out cities.Governor Rick Scott has warned people repeatedly to stay in shelters until authorities can confidently give an all-clear. The storm has killed at least 27 people on its course across the Caribbean, from a category 5 giant to one of the most dangerous category 3 storms in US history, leaving whole islands with the appearance of bombed out cities.
UpdatedUpdated
at 9.17pm BSTat 9.17pm BST
8.45pm BST8.45pm BST
20:4520:45
More than two million in Florida have lost power, according Florida Power & Light, the main utility service in the state, as hurricane Irma continues to wipe out power lines and batter infrastructure.More than two million in Florida have lost power, according Florida Power & Light, the main utility service in the state, as hurricane Irma continues to wipe out power lines and batter infrastructure.
Several cities and counties, including Hollywood and Broward County, have ordered residents to boil water, out of concern that flood waters – often a stew of rain, seawater and sewage – have seeped into the public supply.Several cities and counties, including Hollywood and Broward County, have ordered residents to boil water, out of concern that flood waters – often a stew of rain, seawater and sewage – have seeped into the public supply.
8.37pm BST8.37pm BST
20:3720:37
Hurricane Irma is battering both sides of the Florida coast with hurricane force winds. At 3.32pm the Naples Municipal Airport reported to the National Weather Service 83mph sustained winds and gusts up to 115mph.Hurricane Irma is battering both sides of the Florida coast with hurricane force winds. At 3.32pm the Naples Municipal Airport reported to the National Weather Service 83mph sustained winds and gusts up to 115mph.
Even on Atlantic #Florida coast #hurricane force winds are occurring. @UMiamiRSMAS w/ winds of 101mph earlier!Link:https://t.co/Q7pUpcyHbF pic.twitter.com/HI55rRG3FOEven on Atlantic #Florida coast #hurricane force winds are occurring. @UMiamiRSMAS w/ winds of 101mph earlier!Link:https://t.co/Q7pUpcyHbF pic.twitter.com/HI55rRG3FO
8.14pm BST8.14pm BST
20:1420:14
Marco Island, under the eyewall of the hurricane, has just reported a 130mph gust, according to the National Weather Service.Marco Island, under the eyewall of the hurricane, has just reported a 130mph gust, according to the National Weather Service.
8.06pm BST8.06pm BST
20:0620:06
As of 3pm, the center of Hurricane Irma is about 20 miles away from Naples, the National Hurricane Center reports, with sustained winds of 120mph. The storm’s eyewall is over Marco Island.As of 3pm, the center of Hurricane Irma is about 20 miles away from Naples, the National Hurricane Center reports, with sustained winds of 120mph. The storm’s eyewall is over Marco Island.
Naples Municipal Airport reports sustained winds of 55mph and gusts up to 82mph. Across the state, Miami is awash in thick, spitting rain driven almost horizontally by the wind, with winds of similar force. Parts of downtown Miami are underwater in storm surges.Naples Municipal Airport reports sustained winds of 55mph and gusts up to 82mph. Across the state, Miami is awash in thick, spitting rain driven almost horizontally by the wind, with winds of similar force. Parts of downtown Miami are underwater in storm surges.
STAY AWAY FROM THE WATER! Water levels from #Irma storm surge will rise rapidly. Latest storm surge forecast https://t.co/XYu7U5htvr pic.twitter.com/wXggCR8SP6STAY AWAY FROM THE WATER! Water levels from #Irma storm surge will rise rapidly. Latest storm surge forecast https://t.co/XYu7U5htvr pic.twitter.com/wXggCR8SP6
UpdatedUpdated
at 8.15pm BSTat 8.15pm BST
8.01pm BST8.01pm BST
20:0120:01
A second construction crane has broken in downtown Miami, local news reports, as its boom snapped off its tower and landed on the unfinished building.A second construction crane has broken in downtown Miami, local news reports, as its boom snapped off its tower and landed on the unfinished building.
In a statement, the building’s developer, PMG, said its priority was safety. “We will have a crew over to secure the crane as soon as the weather permits.”In a statement, the building’s developer, PMG, said its priority was safety. “We will have a crew over to secure the crane as soon as the weather permits.”
There are about two dozen construction cranes around the city, and authorities urged people who live near them to go to shelters or friends’ rather than stay home.There are about two dozen construction cranes around the city, and authorities urged people who live near them to go to shelters or friends’ rather than stay home.
pic.twitter.com/F8qDpu1Huhpic.twitter.com/F8qDpu1Huh
As in downtown Miami, a mix of rain and seawater have covered the roads of Hollywood, Florida. With strong sustained winds and even more powerful gusts, the cities look like they have rapids flowing through their streets.As in downtown Miami, a mix of rain and seawater have covered the roads of Hollywood, Florida. With strong sustained winds and even more powerful gusts, the cities look like they have rapids flowing through their streets.
Nasty storm surge along #Brickell Bay drive. @nbc6 #Irma pic.twitter.com/OCcXhMZw99Nasty storm surge along #Brickell Bay drive. @nbc6 #Irma pic.twitter.com/OCcXhMZw99
Hollywood Blvd, right now -- limbs/branches don --water rising, getting very close to homes .... pic.twitter.com/10YXmkuX1rHollywood Blvd, right now -- limbs/branches don --water rising, getting very close to homes .... pic.twitter.com/10YXmkuX1r
7.40pm BST7.40pm BST
19:4019:40
French President Emmanuel Macron will go to the devastated territory of St Martin on Tuesday, the AP reports.French President Emmanuel Macron will go to the devastated territory of St Martin on Tuesday, the AP reports.
French authorities have said at least eight people were killed as a result of hurricane Irene, and that about 95% of the building’s on the French-administered side were destroyed. More than 1,100 military, healthcare, and relief personnel have been sent to the island, along with tens of thousands of rations. France has also sent police, in response to reports of widespread looting.French authorities have said at least eight people were killed as a result of hurricane Irene, and that about 95% of the building’s on the French-administered side were destroyed. More than 1,100 military, healthcare, and relief personnel have been sent to the island, along with tens of thousands of rations. France has also sent police, in response to reports of widespread looting.