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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)
12.20am BST
00:20
Eyewall hammering Fort Myers – USNHC
The eyewall of the storm is “hammering” Fort Myers on the west coast of Florida, the national hurricane centre has announced, and that Irma is still at the top end of category 2 intensity with winds of 110mph (177kmh).
Water levels in Naples were at 3.9ft (1.18m) at 7pm EDT.
If you’d like to get in touch, you can email me at martin.farrer@theguardian.com or find me on Twitter @MartinFarrer
12.03am BST12.03am BST
00:0300:03
This is Martin Farrer taking over our ongoing coverage of Hurricane Irma as it continues its furious progress up the west coast of Florida.This is Martin Farrer taking over our ongoing coverage of Hurricane Irma as it continues its furious progress up the west coast of Florida.
Just to get started, this is a very useful tweet from those helpful Nasa people showing the path taken by Irma in the last 48 hours or so.Just to get started, this is a very useful tweet from those helpful Nasa people showing the path taken by Irma in the last 48 hours or so.
Evolution of Hurricane #Irma over the last 48 hours. #GOES16 infrared imagery. pic.twitter.com/VmLtkmdnNHEvolution of Hurricane #Irma over the last 48 hours. #GOES16 infrared imagery. pic.twitter.com/VmLtkmdnNH
11.32pm BST11.32pm BST
23:3223:32
Irma so far and what's nextIrma so far and what's next
Hurricane Irma will bear down on Fort Myers, north of Naples, within the hour as a category two storm, with sustained winds of 110mph. Storm surges have begun in and around Naples, with waters rising more than four feet in less than an hour and forecasts predicting as much as 10-15ft above ground level.Hurricane Irma will bear down on Fort Myers, north of Naples, within the hour as a category two storm, with sustained winds of 110mph. Storm surges have begun in and around Naples, with waters rising more than four feet in less than an hour and forecasts predicting as much as 10-15ft above ground level.
Hurricane Irma made landfall at Cudjoe Key at 9.10am, with sustained winds of 130mph. Massive storm surges, estimated at 10ft or higher, inundated buildings, overwhelmed roads and cut off the Keys from mainland Florida.Hurricane Irma made landfall at Cudjoe Key at 9.10am, with sustained winds of 130mph. Massive storm surges, estimated at 10ft or higher, inundated buildings, overwhelmed roads and cut off the Keys from mainland Florida.
Parts of downtown Miami flooded with rainwater and storm surges several feet deep, and tornadoes swept across swaths of south-eastern Florida. Winds toppled two construction cranes in downtown Miami, and all around south Florida brought down trees, live power lines, and street signs.Parts of downtown Miami flooded with rainwater and storm surges several feet deep, and tornadoes swept across swaths of south-eastern Florida. Winds toppled two construction cranes in downtown Miami, and all around south Florida brought down trees, live power lines, and street signs.
The storm then swept along the south-western coast line before making landfall again at Marco Island and Naples, at 3.35pm, as a category three storm, with sustained winds of 120mph, blinding walls of rain, and gusts as strong as 140mph. As it approached Naples, the storm’s winds temporarily drained Tampa Bay, raising fears that the weakened hurricane would still wallop cities with surges.The storm then swept along the south-western coast line before making landfall again at Marco Island and Naples, at 3.35pm, as a category three storm, with sustained winds of 120mph, blinding walls of rain, and gusts as strong as 140mph. As it approached Naples, the storm’s winds temporarily drained Tampa Bay, raising fears that the weakened hurricane would still wallop cities with surges.
More than 2.7 million people have lost power, and more than 70,000 are in shelters, not including police, national guard emergency personnel. About 6.5 million people were ordered to evacuate coastal areas all around the state, roughly a third of the state’s entire population. Officials will not know the scope of the damage for at least another day, and urged people not to go outside, where debris, contaminated water, and live electrical lines remain life-threatening hazards.More than 2.7 million people have lost power, and more than 70,000 are in shelters, not including police, national guard emergency personnel. About 6.5 million people were ordered to evacuate coastal areas all around the state, roughly a third of the state’s entire population. Officials will not know the scope of the damage for at least another day, and urged people not to go outside, where debris, contaminated water, and live electrical lines remain life-threatening hazards.
Governor Rick Scott warned that south-west Florida could see storm surges of 10-15ft above ground – waves as tall as a one-storey home, able to carry off people, cars, and mobile homes. Tampa should expect surges as large as five feet, and south-eastern Florida surges of three to six feet, high enough to float cars or envelop a person.Governor Rick Scott warned that south-west Florida could see storm surges of 10-15ft above ground – waves as tall as a one-storey home, able to carry off people, cars, and mobile homes. Tampa should expect surges as large as five feet, and south-eastern Florida surges of three to six feet, high enough to float cars or envelop a person.
At least 25 confirmed were dead around the Caribbean, including 11 on French St Martin, the US and British Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Dutch St Maarten, Barbuda, and Anguilla. Survivors and relief workers who stepped out into towns of northern Cuba, the British Virgin Islands, Barbuda and other islands found whole homes and businesses gutted by the wind and water.At least 25 confirmed were dead around the Caribbean, including 11 on French St Martin, the US and British Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Dutch St Maarten, Barbuda, and Anguilla. Survivors and relief workers who stepped out into towns of northern Cuba, the British Virgin Islands, Barbuda and other islands found whole homes and businesses gutted by the wind and water.
Hurricane Jose, also a category four storm, has shifted northward, creating hope in the eastern Caribbean that survivors might be spared a second hurricane in five days.Hurricane Jose, also a category four storm, has shifted northward, creating hope in the eastern Caribbean that survivors might be spared a second hurricane in five days.
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.37pm BSTat 11.37pm BST
11.27pm BST11.27pm BST
23:2723:27
Ed PilkingtonEd Pilkington
I began today with two billboards outside the evacuated hotel I’m sheltering in in Naples, Florida.I began today with two billboards outside the evacuated hotel I’m sheltering in in Naples, Florida.
By lunchtime the left-hand billboard had been scrunched up by Irma into a knot of twisted steel. And now the Budweiser billboard beside it has succumbed too, crumpled in a second heap of metal.By lunchtime the left-hand billboard had been scrunched up by Irma into a knot of twisted steel. And now the Budweiser billboard beside it has succumbed too, crumpled in a second heap of metal.
11.22pm BST11.22pm BST
23:2223:22
Irma’s powerful storm surges are rushing onto Marco Island in the wake of the hurricane’s eye and winds. Police are among the few people who seem to have stayed on the island.Irma’s powerful storm surges are rushing onto Marco Island in the wake of the hurricane’s eye and winds. Police are among the few people who seem to have stayed on the island.
San Marco Rd now pic.twitter.com/o92LaB850eSan Marco Rd now pic.twitter.com/o92LaB850e
10.54pm BST10.54pm BST
22:5422:54
Richard LuscombeRichard Luscombe
In Miami, Richard Luscombe reports on the shifting winds and the tentative hope that Florida’s south-east coast has endured its worst for the storm.In Miami, Richard Luscombe reports on the shifting winds and the tentative hope that Florida’s south-east coast has endured its worst for the storm.
While the western side of Florida starts to grapple with the worst of what Irma has to throw at it, weary residents on the east coast are beginning to look forward to an easing of the hurricane force winds that have been lashing communities in and around Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach since the early hours of Sunday.While the western side of Florida starts to grapple with the worst of what Irma has to throw at it, weary residents on the east coast are beginning to look forward to an easing of the hurricane force winds that have been lashing communities in and around Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach since the early hours of Sunday.
The far reaches of Irma’s powerful feeder bands will draw level and eventually move north of the Florida’s most heavily populated areas through the evening hours, weather experts say, with the most treacherous conditions gone by about midnight.The far reaches of Irma’s powerful feeder bands will draw level and eventually move north of the Florida’s most heavily populated areas through the evening hours, weather experts say, with the most treacherous conditions gone by about midnight.
“The winds still are going to gust to 90mph [but] for Miami-Dade the gusts should be diminishing about 8 o clock this evening, “ said Betty Davis, chief meteorologist for Miami’s ABC10 News.“The winds still are going to gust to 90mph [but] for Miami-Dade the gusts should be diminishing about 8 o clock this evening, “ said Betty Davis, chief meteorologist for Miami’s ABC10 News.
“In Broward, they’ll be diminishing around 8 to 10 this evening, and in the Palm Beach area those hurricane force gusts should be diminishing around midnight.”“In Broward, they’ll be diminishing around 8 to 10 this evening, and in the Palm Beach area those hurricane force gusts should be diminishing around midnight.”
That doesn’t mean residents with cabin fever get out and about to survey the damage and begin the clean up because still dangerous tropical storm force winds of up to 73mph will continue to blow through Monday morning, and a curfew is in effect until daylight hours in many of South Florida’s cities anyway.That doesn’t mean residents with cabin fever get out and about to survey the damage and begin the clean up because still dangerous tropical storm force winds of up to 73mph will continue to blow through Monday morning, and a curfew is in effect until daylight hours in many of South Florida’s cities anyway.
But a lessening of the strongest winds that have downed trees and power lines, ripped tiles from roofs and kept about six million people shuttered up inside for up to 36 hours will come as a welcome relief.”But a lessening of the strongest winds that have downed trees and power lines, ripped tiles from roofs and kept about six million people shuttered up inside for up to 36 hours will come as a welcome relief.”
Fortunately it looks like we’re near that last chapter for us here in the south-east coast,” said Ed Rappaport, acting director of the Miami-based National Hurricane Centre. But, he said, “it looks like we’ll be dealing with Irma for the next 12 to 18 hours as a hurricane, and unfortunately Tampa will get at least a category 1 level. But it’s not so much the wind up there, it’s going to be the storm surge.”Fortunately it looks like we’re near that last chapter for us here in the south-east coast,” said Ed Rappaport, acting director of the Miami-based National Hurricane Centre. But, he said, “it looks like we’ll be dealing with Irma for the next 12 to 18 hours as a hurricane, and unfortunately Tampa will get at least a category 1 level. But it’s not so much the wind up there, it’s going to be the storm surge.”
10.40pm BST10.40pm BST
22:4022:40
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.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.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/glZY65TymXSurge really increasing in Naples. #IrmaHurricane pic.twitter.com/glZY65TymX
10.36pm BST10.36pm BST
22:3622:36
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.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.”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.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 statewideFurthermore, 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.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.
UpdatedUpdated
at 10.43pm BSTat 10.43pm BST
10.29pm BST10.29pm BST
22:2922:29
Jessica GlenzaJessica 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.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.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.“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.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.”“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.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”).“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.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. ““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.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.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.“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 BST10.19pm BST
22:1922:19
Irma's eye descends on NaplesIrma's eye descends on Naples
Ed PilkingtonEd Pilkington
Ed Pilkington has ventured into the eye of the storm in Naples, currently directly over the city.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.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.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/QS8Vhg0uFO5:16 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 to category twoIrma 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 10.19pm BSTat 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