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Hurricane Irma: storm surge causes record flooding in north-east Florida – live updates Hurricane Irma: storm surge causes record flooding in north-east Florida – latest
(35 minutes later)
12.13pm BST
12:13
What we know so far
Hurricane Irma is continuing to lash Florida as it moves north of Tampa, but it 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.
More 5.7 millions homes (58%) are without power in Florida and scores of people have been rescued. More than 160,000 people are thought to be waiting out the storm in shelters across the state.
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.
Record flooding has been recorded in Jackonsville as storm surges remain the main danger. 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.
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. Entrepreneur and British Virgin Island resident, Richard Branson, called for a “disaster recovery Marshall plan”.
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.
12.06pm BST
12:06
Scores of people have been rescued according to AP.
In Polk County east of Tampa, winds knocked a utility pole and lines onto a sheriff’s cruiser late Sunday, illustrating the dangerous conditions for rescuers.
A deputy and a paramedic were trapped for two hours until a crew could free them; both were unhurt.
And more than 120 homes were being evacuated early Monday in Orange County, just outside the city of Orlando, as floodwaters started to pour in.
The fire department and the National Guard are going door-to-door and using boats to ferry families to safety, county officials said. A few miles away, 30 others had to be evacuated when a 60-foot sinkhole opened up under an apartment building. No injuries were reported in either case.
Meanwhile, more than 160,000 people waited in shelters across Florida.
11.30am BST11.30am BST
11:3011:30
5.8m Florida homes without power5.8m Florida homes without power
The number of homes currently without power in Florida has shot up to 5.78m, according to the latest update from theFlorida State Emergency Response Team. That represents 58% of the state, it said.The number of homes currently without power in Florida has shot up to 5.78m, according to the latest update from theFlorida State Emergency Response Team. That represents 58% of the state, it said.
The worst hit areas are Miami Dade county where 815,650 homes are without power (down from 1.1m earlier) and neighbouring Broward county where 643,000 homes currently don’t have power.The worst hit areas are Miami Dade county where 815,650 homes are without power (down from 1.1m earlier) and neighbouring Broward county where 643,000 homes currently don’t have power.
Florida Hurricane #Irma Power Outage Numbers as of 09/11/2017 6:00 AM ET. PDF at: https://t.co/MdtDTxRJZf #FLResponds pic.twitter.com/8hfJ6IzuWhFlorida Hurricane #Irma Power Outage Numbers as of 09/11/2017 6:00 AM ET. PDF at: https://t.co/MdtDTxRJZf #FLResponds pic.twitter.com/8hfJ6IzuWh
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.33am BSTat 11.33am BST
11.25am BST11.25am BST
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Branson calls 'Marshal plan for Caribbean'Branson calls 'Marshal plan for Caribbean'
Entrepreneur and British Virgin Island resident, Richard Branson, has called for a “disaster recovery Marshall plan” for the Caribbean- a reference to the multi-billion dollar programme agreed by the US to help Europe recover from the devastation of the second world war.Entrepreneur and British Virgin Island resident, Richard Branson, has called for a “disaster recovery Marshall plan” for the Caribbean- a reference to the multi-billion dollar programme agreed by the US to help Europe recover from the devastation of the second world war.
In a blogpost he writes:In a blogpost he writes:
The UK government will have a massive role to play in the recovery of its territories affected by Irma - both through short-term aid and long-term infrastructure spending. The region needs a “Disaster Recovery Marshall Plan” for the BVI and other territories that will aid in recovery, sustainable reconstruction and long-term revitalisation of the local economy. This will have to include building resilience against what is likely to be a higher intensity and frequency of extreme weather events, as the effects of climate change continue to grow.The UK government will have a massive role to play in the recovery of its territories affected by Irma - both through short-term aid and long-term infrastructure spending. The region needs a “Disaster Recovery Marshall Plan” for the BVI and other territories that will aid in recovery, sustainable reconstruction and long-term revitalisation of the local economy. This will have to include building resilience against what is likely to be a higher intensity and frequency of extreme weather events, as the effects of climate change continue to grow.
Branson said tens of thousands of people who have lost their homes and livelihoods amid “worrying reports of civil unrest spreading”.Branson said tens of thousands of people who have lost their homes and livelihoods amid “worrying reports of civil unrest spreading”.
He added: “We must get more help to the islands to rebuild homes and infrastructure and restore power, clean water and food supplies.”He added: “We must get more help to the islands to rebuild homes and infrastructure and restore power, clean water and food supplies.”
BVI needs a "Disaster Recovery Marshall Plan” after #Irma – short-term aid & long-term recovery & revitalisation https://t.co/0USuxvk1dS pic.twitter.com/pFzsStZBjNBVI needs a "Disaster Recovery Marshall Plan” after #Irma – short-term aid & long-term recovery & revitalisation https://t.co/0USuxvk1dS pic.twitter.com/pFzsStZBjN
11.12am BST11.12am BST
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Record flooding has been recorded in Jacksonville on the north-east coast of Florida.Record flooding has been recorded in Jacksonville on the north-east coast of Florida.
Storm Surge Flooding exceeds all-time record in downtown Jacksonville record set in Hurricane Dora in 1964. #jaxwxhttps://t.co/npTRArpv2VStorm Surge Flooding exceeds all-time record in downtown Jacksonville record set in Hurricane Dora in 1964. #jaxwxhttps://t.co/npTRArpv2V
Flooding of 4.5ft (1.37m) on the Johns River beat the previous record set in 1964 during Hurricane Dora.Flooding of 4.5ft (1.37m) on the Johns River beat the previous record set in 1964 during Hurricane Dora.
10.55am BST10.55am BST
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Thank Cuba ...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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.“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 BST10.49am BST
10:4910:49
What we know so farWhat 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 CenterHurricane 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.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.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.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.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.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.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 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.
Updated
at 12.06pm BST
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 on Monday, 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
Here are the Key Messages for #Irma advisory 49 pic.twitter.com/H4K1oWih9qHere are the Key Messages for #Irma advisory 49 pic.twitter.com/H4K1oWih9q
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.35am BSTat 11.35am 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
09:5109:51
9.49am BST9.49am BST
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