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Hurricane Irma: storm weakens to category 1, but surge threat remains – live updates Hurricane Irma: Florida wakes up to flooding and blackouts – live updates
(35 minutes later)
10.55am BST
10:55
Thank Cuba ...
Had the center of Irma hit Florida 20 to 30 miles (32-50 kilometers) to the east its impact would have been much worse, meteorologists have told AP.
Florida can thank Cuba, where it did hit as a Category 5 storm, said Maue and Jeff Masters, meteorology director for Weather Underground.
Irma would probably have hit Florida as a Category 5 hurricane if it had missed Cuba, Masters said.
The storm briefly trekked over Cuba’s low populated coast Friday evening through Saturday afternoon. That weakened Irma enough that when upper level winds from the west eroded some of the storm’s top and also blew in dry air, it had the combined of effect of making Irma more ragged, Masters said. It was at that point, he said, that Irma’s southwest eyewall sort of came apart, no longer a perfect circle on satellite imagery.
Slightly weakened from Cuba, the storm got caught up in competing weather systems a little longer, delaying its northward right turn into Florida. And that delay pushed the track further west, making it more of a threat to Florida’s west coast than its east.
Meanwhile, Cuba has sent hundreds heath workers doctors to several other Caribbean island hit by Irma, the Independent reports.
More than 750 health workers have arrived in Antigua, Barbuda, Saint Kitts, Nevis, Saint Lucia, the Bahamas, Dominica and Haiti.
They have been told to follow the guidelines of the Ministry of Public Health (Minsap) and to contribute to aiding the recovery of regions that have been hit by the hurricane.
“The collaboration of the Central Medical Cooperation Unit, together with the Minsap Management Center, and our embassies, have maintained the communication to assess the damages and assess what help our own collaborators could provide,” Regla Angulo Pardo, the director of the Central Unit of Medial Cooperation in Cuba, told Granma.
10.49am BST
10:49
What we know so far
Hurricane Irma is continuing to lash Florida as it moves north of Tampa, but is losing strength and is set to be downgraded to a tropical storm later today. It was a category four storm when it first made landfall in the Florida Keys, but is now a category one hurricane with sustained windspeeds of 75mph and is likely to classed as tropical storm later on Monday, according to the National Hurricane Center
The most immediate threat from the storm is the possibility of storm surges. The critical point could come at high tide, the NHC said, and bring up to 15ft (4.5m) of water flooding inland in the Tampa area. High tide is expected at St Petersburg at 5.30am.
Forecasters say they expect Irma’s centre to stay inland over Florida and then move into Georgia, Alabama and Tennessee. It will weaken into a tropical storm over far northern Florida or southern Georgia on Monday as it speeds up its forward motion.
More 4.2 millions homes are without power in Florida. A police officer and prisoner officer were killed in a car crash in southern Florida thought to have been caused by the hurricane. Miami International Airport will remain closed until at least Tuesday. Three construction cranes have crashed to the ground in southern Florida.
In the Caribbean, the premier of the British Virgin Islands, Orlando Smith, has asked for immediate aid from the British government to get the territories back on their feet after being devastated by Irma last week. He said the situation was “critical” and called for a “comprehensive package” to rebuild the islands.
The clean-up operation is continuing in the Caribbean where it is thought 28 people have been killed.
French president Emmanuel Macron has promised to visit the badly-hit French island of St Martin on Tuesday. Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte said the death toll on the Dutch part of St. Martin had doubled to four, and that 70% of homes had been damaged or destroyed.
UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson has insisted Britain is doing all it can to help after facing fresh criticism from Britons stranded in the Caribbean. Johnson said 700 British troops were in the region, with UK police also arriving. The government has already set aside £32m in aid and will match public donations to the Red Cross appeal
10.33am BST10.33am BST
10:3310:33
“Swamped”, “Slammed” and “Ripped”, in “Watery Hell” a sample of US newspaper front pages in Florida and beyond.“Swamped”, “Slammed” and “Ripped”, in “Watery Hell” a sample of US newspaper front pages in Florida and beyond.
Monday's @miamiherald front page brought to you by #HurricaneIrma pic.twitter.com/AsMAWAlvm4Monday's @miamiherald front page brought to you by #HurricaneIrma pic.twitter.com/AsMAWAlvm4
Monday's front page of Tampa Bay Times. #IrmaHurricane pic.twitter.com/DXXdFFbkVfMonday's front page of Tampa Bay Times. #IrmaHurricane pic.twitter.com/DXXdFFbkVf
Officials warned that a “humanitarian crisis” was underway in Florida. #IrmaAn early look at Monday's front... https://t.co/guzodnWpJ0 pic.twitter.com/71itghbvJ4Officials warned that a “humanitarian crisis” was underway in Florida. #IrmaAn early look at Monday's front... https://t.co/guzodnWpJ0 pic.twitter.com/71itghbvJ4
Today's @suntimes front page: Hurricane Irma hits Florida; Can Gov. Rauner bounce back?Read more at https://t.co/5BEI1Qt49F pic.twitter.com/XOmOzT7nWLToday's @suntimes front page: Hurricane Irma hits Florida; Can Gov. Rauner bounce back?Read more at https://t.co/5BEI1Qt49F pic.twitter.com/XOmOzT7nWL
10.18am BST10.18am BST
10:1810:18
Irma changing to a tropical stormIrma changing to a tropical storm
Irma has weakened to hurricane with sustained wind speeds of 75 mph and is set to become a tropical storm later today, according to the latest update from the National Hurricane Center. Irma has weakened to hurricane with sustained wind speeds of 75 mph and is set to become a tropical storm later on Monday, according to the latest update from the National Hurricane Center.
It is currently centred 60 miles north of Tampa, on the west coast of Florida. Here are other main points:It is currently centred 60 miles north of Tampa, on the west coast of Florida. Here are other main points:
A Hurricane warning for Florida west has been changed to a tropical storm warning.A Hurricane warning for Florida west has been changed to a tropical storm warning.
Tropical storm warnings and storm surge warngins have been lifted for the Florida Keys and the Northwestern Bahamas.Tropical storm warnings and storm surge warngins have been lifted for the Florida Keys and the Northwestern Bahamas.
Storm surge and hurricane warnings remains in place for many parts of Florida including Tampa Bay. A Storm surge warning means there is a “danger of life-threatening inundation”, from rising water moving inland from the coast.Storm surge and hurricane warnings remains in place for many parts of Florida including Tampa Bay. A Storm surge warning means there is a “danger of life-threatening inundation”, from rising water moving inland from the coast.
Irma is moving north-northwest at 18mph towards the eastern Florida Panhandle into southern Georgia this afternoon, and move through southwestern Georgia and eastern Alabama tonight and Tuesday.Irma is moving north-northwest at 18mph towards the eastern Florida Panhandle into southern Georgia this afternoon, and move through southwestern Georgia and eastern Alabama tonight and Tuesday.
Additional weakening is forecast. Irma is expected to weaken to a tropical storm this morning and to a tropical depression by Tuesday afternoon.Additional weakening is forecast. Irma is expected to weaken to a tropical storm this morning and to a tropical depression by Tuesday afternoon.
Tornadoes are possible across northeast Florida and southeast portions of Georgia and South Carolina through tonight.Tornadoes are possible across northeast Florida and southeast portions of Georgia and South Carolina through tonight.
5 AM AST Advisory/Advertencia #49: Hurricane/Huracán Irma. #prwx #usviwx pic.twitter.com/ytluzcYwho5 AM AST Advisory/Advertencia #49: Hurricane/Huracán Irma. #prwx #usviwx pic.twitter.com/ytluzcYwho
Updated
at 10.35am BST
10.02am BST10.02am BST
10:0210:02
Some better news ... Hurricane Jose, the next Atlantic weather system behind Irma, has weakened to a category 2 storm and is lingering over the western Atlantic.Some better news ... Hurricane Jose, the next Atlantic weather system behind Irma, has weakened to a category 2 storm and is lingering over the western Atlantic.
According to the latest update from the US National Hurricane Centre Jose now has sustained wind speeds of 105mp, which means it has weakened from a category 3 to a category 2 storm.According to the latest update from the US National Hurricane Centre Jose now has sustained wind speeds of 105mp, which means it has weakened from a category 3 to a category 2 storm.
Jose is currently 255 miles north east of the Turks and Caicos islands.Jose is currently 255 miles north east of the Turks and Caicos islands.
The NHC said:The NHC said:
Jose is moving toward the north-northwest near 10 mph (17 km/h), and a turn toward the northeast is expected by tonight, with a reduction in forward speed. Jose is then expected to move slowly toward the east and southeast Tuesday into Wednesday. Maximum sustained winds are near 105 mph (165 km/h) with higher gusts. Steady weakening is forecast during the next 48 hours.Jose is moving toward the north-northwest near 10 mph (17 km/h), and a turn toward the northeast is expected by tonight, with a reduction in forward speed. Jose is then expected to move slowly toward the east and southeast Tuesday into Wednesday. Maximum sustained winds are near 105 mph (165 km/h) with higher gusts. Steady weakening is forecast during the next 48 hours.
9.51am BST9.51am BST
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09:4909:49
Police in Miami are urging people to remain in their homes until the roads are cleared of fallen power lines.Police in Miami are urging people to remain in their homes until the roads are cleared of fallen power lines.
As a reminder of the dangers, Miami Dade police posted video of a flash fire in a wooded area after a line came down in Kendall, Dade county.As a reminder of the dangers, Miami Dade police posted video of a flash fire in a wooded area after a line came down in Kendall, Dade county.
🎥 from our live wire ⚡️call in Kendall. Dangerous conditions outside. Please remain indoors! #HurricaneIrma pic.twitter.com/WPw6dZnmzm🎥 from our live wire ⚡️call in Kendall. Dangerous conditions outside. Please remain indoors! #HurricaneIrma pic.twitter.com/WPw6dZnmzm
9.36am BST9.36am BST
09:3609:36
The Guardian’s Ed Pilkington describes seeing almost horizontal rain in 100mph winds in Naples to ABC News.The Guardian’s Ed Pilkington describes seeing almost horizontal rain in 100mph winds in Naples to ABC News.
Journalist @EdPilkington describes the tranquility of #Irma's eye in contrast to the blizzard-like conditions of the storm itself pic.twitter.com/eQN2lDuiRAJournalist @EdPilkington describes the tranquility of #Irma's eye in contrast to the blizzard-like conditions of the storm itself pic.twitter.com/eQN2lDuiRA
9.24am BST9.24am BST
09:2409:24
A third construction site crane has come down in South Florida, the Miami Herald reports.A third construction site crane has come down in South Florida, the Miami Herald reports.
The first to go was a crane at an apartment building in downtown Miami around 10.30am on Sunday.The first to go was a crane at an apartment building in downtown Miami around 10.30am on Sunday.
Hours later, the winds brought down a second crane at a condo tower in Miami’s Edgewater neighborhood, roughly two miles north. A video posted on Twitter showed its boom dangling above the unfinished tower. Then, later in the afternoon, the flailing arm of a crane at an oceanfront Fort Lauderdale condo brought the number of accidents to three.Hours later, the winds brought down a second crane at a condo tower in Miami’s Edgewater neighborhood, roughly two miles north. A video posted on Twitter showed its boom dangling above the unfinished tower. Then, later in the afternoon, the flailing arm of a crane at an oceanfront Fort Lauderdale condo brought the number of accidents to three.
Off A1A in Fort Lauderdale today, so unnerving - now it looks as though more of the crane may have broken off. pic.twitter.com/xzb1BaYkfUOff A1A in Fort Lauderdale today, so unnerving - now it looks as though more of the crane may have broken off. pic.twitter.com/xzb1BaYkfU
9.12am BST9.12am BST
09:1209:12
Johnson: UK doing all it canJohnson: UK doing all it can
Foreign Secretary, Boris Johnson, has rejected claims that the UK government has abandoned British citizens stranded by the hurricane.Foreign Secretary, Boris Johnson, has rejected claims that the UK government has abandoned British citizens stranded by the hurricane.
Speaking on the BBC Radio 4’s Today programme he said: “I am confident that we are doing everything we possibly can to help British nationals, but you must understand there half a million of them affected.”Speaking on the BBC Radio 4’s Today programme he said: “I am confident that we are doing everything we possibly can to help British nationals, but you must understand there half a million of them affected.”
The programme interviewed Amy Brown, a mother of two who stranded in a resort on the Franco-Dutch island of St Martin. She said: “Every single government has responded but there’s been absolutely nothing at all from our government.”The programme interviewed Amy Brown, a mother of two who stranded in a resort on the Franco-Dutch island of St Martin. She said: “Every single government has responded but there’s been absolutely nothing at all from our government.”
She spoke of fears for her safety after seeing video footage of looters with machetes on the island. “We’re just sitting here feeling totally abandoned,” she said.She spoke of fears for her safety after seeing video footage of looters with machetes on the island. “We’re just sitting here feeling totally abandoned,” she said.
Speaking from Caversham in Berkshire her father, Geoffrey Scott Baker, said: “The British response has been absolutely pitiful. It is just sheer incompetence, a callous disregard for our British citizens.”Speaking from Caversham in Berkshire her father, Geoffrey Scott Baker, said: “The British response has been absolutely pitiful. It is just sheer incompetence, a callous disregard for our British citizens.”
Responding to the family’s plight, Johnson said, it was the responsibility of France and the Netherlands to evacuate tourists from St Martin.Responding to the family’s plight, Johnson said, it was the responsibility of France and the Netherlands to evacuate tourists from St Martin.
He said: “This is the biggest consular crisis that we have faced. In St Martin in particular it is important for listeners to understand that this is controlled by the Dutch and the French. They have been evacuating people, but in priority according to their medical need.He said: “This is the biggest consular crisis that we have faced. In St Martin in particular it is important for listeners to understand that this is controlled by the Dutch and the French. They have been evacuating people, but in priority according to their medical need.
“Some British nationals have been evacuated from St Martin. We are in constant touch with the Dutch and the French who are doing it. They don’t want more people coming on to the island which is a disaster zone. It is up to them to get them off.”“Some British nationals have been evacuated from St Martin. We are in constant touch with the Dutch and the French who are doing it. They don’t want more people coming on to the island which is a disaster zone. It is up to them to get them off.”
Responding to general criticism that the UK government has been slow to respond, Johnson said: “I noticed those criticism. I thought they were completely unjustified. We have been able to get 700 troops into the region, including 125 now onto the British Virgin Islands. There are now more than 50 UK police arriving in the area.”Responding to general criticism that the UK government has been slow to respond, Johnson said: “I noticed those criticism. I thought they were completely unjustified. We have been able to get 700 troops into the region, including 125 now onto the British Virgin Islands. There are now more than 50 UK police arriving in the area.”
Asked if the hurricane had caught the UK government unprepared, he said:Asked if the hurricane had caught the UK government unprepared, he said:
“We were there as soon as the crisis broke. It doesn’t make any sense when a Hurricane is impending to send in heavy aircraft or ships that are not going to be capable themselves of withstanding the storm. In fact the French had to ask us for assistance later on because we had got the right sort of kit there.“We were there as soon as the crisis broke. It doesn’t make any sense when a Hurricane is impending to send in heavy aircraft or ships that are not going to be capable themselves of withstanding the storm. In fact the French had to ask us for assistance later on because we had got the right sort of kit there.
“You can see an unprecedented British effort to deal with what has been an unprecedented catastrophe for the region. We have not had a storm like this since records began in 1850.“You can see an unprecedented British effort to deal with what has been an unprecedented catastrophe for the region. We have not had a storm like this since records began in 1850.
“We have responded in a timely and highly organised fashion. We are going to be there for the long term.”“We have responded in a timely and highly organised fashion. We are going to be there for the long term.”
8.15am BST8.15am BST
08:1508:15
A police officer and a prison guard died in a head-on collision thought to be related to Hurricane Irma, police have confirmed.A police officer and a prison guard died in a head-on collision thought to be related to Hurricane Irma, police have confirmed.
The crash took place in the hurricane evacuation zone, Palm Beach County sheriff’s office announced on Twitter.The crash took place in the hurricane evacuation zone, Palm Beach County sheriff’s office announced on Twitter.
Two officers killed in Hurricane Irma evacuation zone crash. They were both on duty. Let's take a moment to recognize these heroes #IRMA pic.twitter.com/NZmYORZVK8Two officers killed in Hurricane Irma evacuation zone crash. They were both on duty. Let's take a moment to recognize these heroes #IRMA pic.twitter.com/NZmYORZVK8
Fox News named the officers as Hardee County deputy Julie Bridges and Florida Department of Corrections sergeant, Joseph Ossman.Fox News named the officers as Hardee County deputy Julie Bridges and Florida Department of Corrections sergeant, Joseph Ossman.
8.02am BST8.02am BST
08:0208:02
4m without power in Florida4m without power in Florida
The number of homes currently without power in Florida now stands at more than 4m, according to the latest update from the Florida State Emergency Response Team. That represents 41% of the state, it said.The number of homes currently without power in Florida now stands at more than 4m, according to the latest update from the Florida State Emergency Response Team. That represents 41% of the state, it said.
The worst hit areas are Miami Dade county where 892,470 are without power (down from 1.1m) and neighbouring Broward county where 678,000 don’t have power (down from 933,000).The worst hit areas are Miami Dade county where 892,470 are without power (down from 1.1m) and neighbouring Broward county where 678,000 don’t have power (down from 933,000).
Florida Hurricane #Irma Power Outage 9/11/17 1:51 AM pic.twitter.com/rfOgqPYJkAFlorida Hurricane #Irma Power Outage 9/11/17 1:51 AM pic.twitter.com/rfOgqPYJkA
7.45am BST7.45am BST
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Chloe WatsonChloe Watson
It seems it is a right of passage for every TV journalist and meteorologist to venture out into the elements during the midst of a wild storm. Live broadcasts are often met with wind-swept hair, drenched parkas and soaked microphones, as journalists attempt to maintain composure and report to camera.It seems it is a right of passage for every TV journalist and meteorologist to venture out into the elements during the midst of a wild storm. Live broadcasts are often met with wind-swept hair, drenched parkas and soaked microphones, as journalists attempt to maintain composure and report to camera.
Dramatic footage posted on Twitter on Monday shows CNN’s Chris Cuomo braving torrential rain and howling winds in his coverage of Hurricane Irma from Naples, Florida.Dramatic footage posted on Twitter on Monday shows CNN’s Chris Cuomo braving torrential rain and howling winds in his coverage of Hurricane Irma from Naples, Florida.
7.40am BST7.40am BST
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Matthew WeaverMatthew Weaver
Debbie Wasserman–Schultz, a Democratic Congresswoman for Florida’s 23rd congressional district, says her state will require the most expensive programme in US history to recover from the hurricane.Debbie Wasserman–Schultz, a Democratic Congresswoman for Florida’s 23rd congressional district, says her state will require the most expensive programme in US history to recover from the hurricane.
Speaking to BBC Radio 4’s Today programme she said:Speaking to BBC Radio 4’s Today programme she said:
“This is the most significant storm that has hit the United States in modern times. What is very serious about it is that it is hitting virtually the entire state, multiple major metropolitan areas, and we are going to have a recovery the likes to which we have not seen in the United States.“This is the most significant storm that has hit the United States in modern times. What is very serious about it is that it is hitting virtually the entire state, multiple major metropolitan areas, and we are going to have a recovery the likes to which we have not seen in the United States.
“There are a million and half people without power just in the two counties that I represent in Congress. When we have just in Congress passed a significant emergency supplemental aid package for the victims of Hurricane Harvey in Texas and that was $15bn and when we go back to Washingtong later this week we are going to need to immediately get to work on a much more significant supplemental aid package because this recovery is going to be the most expensive in history.“There are a million and half people without power just in the two counties that I represent in Congress. When we have just in Congress passed a significant emergency supplemental aid package for the victims of Hurricane Harvey in Texas and that was $15bn and when we go back to Washingtong later this week we are going to need to immediately get to work on a much more significant supplemental aid package because this recovery is going to be the most expensive in history.
The Harvey aid package was £15bn I would say that this would be exponentially larger.”The Harvey aid package was £15bn I would say that this would be exponentially larger.”
Urging South Fla residents to remain in safest structure available. Don't be complacent. Worst of #Irma yet to come! https://t.co/GyRXgRbFG6Urging South Fla residents to remain in safest structure available. Don't be complacent. Worst of #Irma yet to come! https://t.co/GyRXgRbFG6
UpdatedUpdated
at 9.32am BSTat 9.32am BST
7.23am BST7.23am BST
07:2307:23
SUMMARYSUMMARY
Hurricane Irma is continuing to lash Florida as it moves north up the peninsula. It is currently heading into the Tampa Bay area, according to the latest updates from the US national hurricane centre, but the storm is weakening and has been downgraded to a category one storm. It was a category four storm when it first made landfall in the Florida Keys.Hurricane Irma is continuing to lash Florida as it moves north up the peninsula. It is currently heading into the Tampa Bay area, according to the latest updates from the US national hurricane centre, but the storm is weakening and has been downgraded to a category one storm. It was a category four storm when it first made landfall in the Florida Keys.
The most immediate threat from the storm is the possibility of storm surges. The critical point could come at high tide, the USNHC said, and bring up to 15ft (4.5m) of water flooding inland in the Tampa area. High tide is expected at St Petersburg at 5.30am.The most immediate threat from the storm is the possibility of storm surges. The critical point could come at high tide, the USNHC said, and bring up to 15ft (4.5m) of water flooding inland in the Tampa area. High tide is expected at St Petersburg at 5.30am.
The hurricane’s maximum sustained winds weakened to 85 mph (135 kph) with additional weakening expected, the USNHC said at 2am local time.The hurricane’s maximum sustained winds weakened to 85 mph (135 kph) with additional weakening expected, the USNHC said at 2am local time.
Forecasters say they expect Irma’s centre to stay inland over Florida and then move into Georgia, Alabama and Tennessee. It will weaken into a tropical storm over far northern Florida or southern Georgia on Monday as it speeds up its forward motion.Forecasters say they expect Irma’s centre to stay inland over Florida and then move into Georgia, Alabama and Tennessee. It will weaken into a tropical storm over far northern Florida or southern Georgia on Monday as it speeds up its forward motion.
The full extent of damage in Florida is not known although at least 3.3 million homes are without power in the state, with the prospect of more outages as Irma continues north. Miami International Airport will remain closed until at least Tuesday.The full extent of damage in Florida is not known although at least 3.3 million homes are without power in the state, with the prospect of more outages as Irma continues north. Miami International Airport will remain closed until at least Tuesday.
In the Caribbean, the premier of the British Virgin Islands, Orlando Smith, has asked for immediate aid from the British government to get the territories back on their feet after being devastated by Irma last week. He said the situation was “critical” and called for a “comprehensive package” to rebuild the islands.In the Caribbean, the premier of the British Virgin Islands, Orlando Smith, has asked for immediate aid from the British government to get the territories back on their feet after being devastated by Irma last week. He said the situation was “critical” and called for a “comprehensive package” to rebuild the islands.
The clean-up operation is continuing in the Caribbean where it is thought 28 people have been killed. French president Emmanuel Macron has promised to visit the badly-hit French island of St Martin on Tuesday. Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte said the death toll on the Dutch part of St. Martin had doubled to four, and that 70% of homes had been damaged or destroyed.The clean-up operation is continuing in the Caribbean where it is thought 28 people have been killed. French president Emmanuel Macron has promised to visit the badly-hit French island of St Martin on Tuesday. Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte said the death toll on the Dutch part of St. Martin had doubled to four, and that 70% of homes had been damaged or destroyed.
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Irma weakens to category one storm – USNHCIrma weakens to category one storm – USNHC
Irma has been downgraded again to category one and is “weakening” as it heads north of Tampa, the national hurricane centre said in its 2am update. The hurricane’s maximum sustained winds weakened to 85 mph (135 kph) with additional weakening expected.Irma has been downgraded again to category one and is “weakening” as it heads north of Tampa, the national hurricane centre said in its 2am update. The hurricane’s maximum sustained winds weakened to 85 mph (135 kph) with additional weakening expected.
UpdatedUpdated
at 7.20am BSTat 7.20am BST
6.41am BST6.41am BST
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If you’re just waking up in the UK/European time zone and want to catch up on the lastest, we have just updated our news report on the progress of Irma over the Florida peninsula and the clean-up operation in the Caribbean.If you’re just waking up in the UK/European time zone and want to catch up on the lastest, we have just updated our news report on the progress of Irma over the Florida peninsula and the clean-up operation in the Caribbean.
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Check out this video of the storm as it crashed into Florida on Sunday.Check out this video of the storm as it crashed into Florida on Sunday.
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Irma 'lashing central Florida' – USNHCIrma 'lashing central Florida' – USNHC
The storm is moving northwards between Lakeland and Tampa, according to the latest update from the hurricane centre, “lashing” central Florida as it goes.The storm is moving northwards between Lakeland and Tampa, according to the latest update from the hurricane centre, “lashing” central Florida as it goes.
The update gives the location of the centre of the storm as right here, indicating that it has veered north-northwest in the past hour as forecast earlier.The update gives the location of the centre of the storm as right here, indicating that it has veered north-northwest in the past hour as forecast earlier.
Our reporter Jessica Glenza is in St Petersburg and says that although the strength of the storm has dropped to category 2 the threat from storm surges remains. She says the critical point at St Petersburg could come at 5.30am at high itde.Our reporter Jessica Glenza is in St Petersburg and says that although the strength of the storm has dropped to category 2 the threat from storm surges remains. She says the critical point at St Petersburg could come at 5.30am at high itde.