This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2017/sep/10/hurricane-irma-millions-brace-for-impact-as-superstorm-reaches-florida-live

The article has changed 70 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 46 Version 47
Hurricane Irma: 10 dead in Cuba as record flooding hits northern Florida – latest updates Hurricane Irma: 10 dead in Cuba as record flooding hits northern Florida – latest updates
(35 minutes later)
5.22pm BST
17:22
As the sun burns through the clouds aroud south Florida, photographers and residents take stock of Irma’s passage.
5.13pm BST
17:13
The National Weather Service is warning that flash floods are likely and extremely dangerous in the Jacksonville area, with the St Johns river and other waterways cresting at record levels.
At about 11am, the North Fork Black Creek broke a 1919 all-time record at 25.7ft. The waters are still rising.
Irma is battering northern Florida on its course toward Georgia, with sustained winds of 65mph. The storm is about 70 miles east of Tallahassee.
5.01pm BST
17:01
Jacksonville’s sheriff’s office has ordered people along the St Johns River to “Get out NOW” from evacuation zones, as tropical depression Irma batters the city.
The department warns that the river is at historic flood levels, with high tide at 2pm. They had earlier told people who needed help to put a white flag or T-shirt somewhere visible on their house, as a plea for assistance.
Video shows waves spilling over walkway as tide rises in Jacksonville, Florida.(Via Sarah Hedden) pic.twitter.com/4RFWQA6DsL
4.57pm BST4.57pm BST
16:5716:57
Irma by the numbers, as of about noon Monday.Irma by the numbers, as of about noon Monday.
Hours of sustained 185mph winds in the Caribbean: 37 (a record)Hours of sustained 185mph winds in the Caribbean: 37 (a record)
Sustained winds at landfall on the Florida Keys: 130mphSustained winds at landfall on the Florida Keys: 130mph
Strongest reported gust on the US mainland (Naples): 142mphStrongest reported gust on the US mainland (Naples): 142mph
Estimated number of people without power around Florida: as many as 6.2 million. Estimated number of people without power around Florida: as many as 6.5 million.
Estimated number of people in shelters: 160,000Estimated number of people in shelters: 160,000
Estimated number of regional flights canceled in the last week: more than 12,500Estimated number of regional flights canceled in the last week: more than 12,500
Estimated number of people told to evacuate from coastal swaths of Florida: 6.5 million (about a third of the state’s population).Estimated number of people told to evacuate from coastal swaths of Florida: 6.5 million (about a third of the state’s population).
Number of people confirmed killed in circumstances related to the storm: 27Number of people confirmed killed in circumstances related to the storm: 27
Estimated percent of buildings on Barbuda made “uninhabitable”: 90%Estimated percent of buildings on Barbuda made “uninhabitable”: 90%
On French St Martin: 60%On French St Martin: 60%
Number of British soldiers sent to the Virgin Islands, Anguilla and Turks and Caicos: 500Number of British soldiers sent to the Virgin Islands, Anguilla and Turks and Caicos: 500
Size of relief fund from the British government: £32mSize of relief fund from the British government: £32m
Number of French gendarmes, police, security, and medical personnel sent to St Martin and St Barthélemy: 1,115Number of French gendarmes, police, security, and medical personnel sent to St Martin and St Barthélemy: 1,115
Tonnage of medical supplies and food sent by France: 2.2 and 85Tonnage of medical supplies and food sent by France: 2.2 and 85
Number of US marines sent to the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico: 950Number of US marines sent to the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico: 950
Number of Florida national guard troops mobilized: 7,000Number of Florida national guard troops mobilized: 7,000
Estimated cost of 1992’s hurricane Andrew: $27bnEstimated cost of 1992’s hurricane Andrew: $27bn
Of 2005’s hurricane Katrina: $108bnOf 2005’s hurricane Katrina: $108bn
Of 2017’s hurricane Harvey: $70-108bnOf 2017’s hurricane Harvey: $70-108bn
Size of US relief package approved on Friday for Texas: $15bnSize of US relief package approved on Friday for Texas: $15bn
Cost estimates of hurricane Irma: $15-172bnCost estimates of hurricane Irma: $15-172bn
Current reserve of the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund: $17bnCurrent reserve of the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund: $17bn
Open roads to the Florida Keys on Saturday: 1Open roads to the Florida Keys on Saturday: 1
On Monday: 0On Monday: 0
Time elapsed between category four storms making landfall in US states: 16 days
(Sources: the Guardian, Florida Division of Emergency Management, AP, Governor Rick Scott, Barbuda prime minister Gaston Browne, AP, Gov.uk, CNN, meteorologists Eric Black and Philip Klotzbach, the New York Times, the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund, CoreLogic, National Weather Service, Fema)(Sources: the Guardian, Florida Division of Emergency Management, AP, Governor Rick Scott, Barbuda prime minister Gaston Browne, AP, Gov.uk, CNN, meteorologists Eric Black and Philip Klotzbach, the New York Times, the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund, CoreLogic, National Weather Service, Fema)
Updated
at 5.07pm BST
4.46pm BST4.46pm BST
16:4616:46
In eastern Florida, residents are tentatively stepping outide to inspect the damage.In eastern Florida, residents are tentatively stepping outide to inspect the damage.
FLL beach @WPLGLocal10 pic.twitter.com/llH9hdDKV0FLL beach @WPLGLocal10 pic.twitter.com/llH9hdDKV0
"We prepared for a disaster. Yes, there's a lot of damage out here, but it's not what it could've been." - Delray's dep utility director pic.twitter.com/DAcKfXlcB2"We prepared for a disaster. Yes, there's a lot of damage out here, but it's not what it could've been." - Delray's dep utility director pic.twitter.com/DAcKfXlcB2
Updated
at 5.14pm BST
4.11pm BST4.11pm BST
16:1116:11
A local NBC news team has the first helicopter footage of the Florida Keys, where hurricane Irma first made landfall in Florida.A local NBC news team has the first helicopter footage of the Florida Keys, where hurricane Irma first made landfall in Florida.
The islands are functionally cut off from the outside world: police are keeping people off of US-1, the only road to the mainland, until they can ensure its bridges are safe. The coast guard has ordered people to stay away even with boats, because debris from smashed boats, homes, and vehicles is too dangerous.The islands are functionally cut off from the outside world: police are keeping people off of US-1, the only road to the mainland, until they can ensure its bridges are safe. The coast guard has ordered people to stay away even with boats, because debris from smashed boats, homes, and vehicles is too dangerous.
“Some homes are completely obliterated,” a reporter says. Boats look flung into docks and homes, structures damaged, and a firetruck swamped above its tires, a full 25 hours after the landfall. The Keys are only accessible by air, and it’s difficult to tell where the ocean, floods, and sunken roads begin and end.“Some homes are completely obliterated,” a reporter says. Boats look flung into docks and homes, structures damaged, and a firetruck swamped above its tires, a full 25 hours after the landfall. The Keys are only accessible by air, and it’s difficult to tell where the ocean, floods, and sunken roads begin and end.
Military rescues will begin later today. It’s not known how many people stayed on the Keys despite mandatory evacuation orders.Military rescues will begin later today. It’s not known how many people stayed on the Keys despite mandatory evacuation orders.
LIVE AERIAL VIEWS: First look from the air of the damage #HurricaneIrma left in Florida Keys https://t.co/Kld1t9HhRa pic.twitter.com/2RbMYPRMPVLIVE AERIAL VIEWS: First look from the air of the damage #HurricaneIrma left in Florida Keys https://t.co/Kld1t9HhRa pic.twitter.com/2RbMYPRMPV
3.48pm BST3.48pm BST
15:4815:48
Miami mayor Tomas Regalado is giving a press conference, saying that 72% of the city has lost power .Miami mayor Tomas Regalado is giving a press conference, saying that 72% of the city has lost power .
The priority now that teh winds died down, he says, is to clear the roads.The priority now that teh winds died down, he says, is to clear the roads.
“We had localized flooding but I think for the most part that flooding has receded,” the city manager says.“We had localized flooding but I think for the most part that flooding has receded,” the city manager says.
The emergency manager then takes the podium, saying that rescue teams have been working since late last night, when the winds finally died down to safe levels. “Our main mission is to make sure that our critical infrastructure is protected,” he says. Teams are starting to head out to help people, clear the roads, and inspect endangered water and power lines.The emergency manager then takes the podium, saying that rescue teams have been working since late last night, when the winds finally died down to safe levels. “Our main mission is to make sure that our critical infrastructure is protected,” he says. Teams are starting to head out to help people, clear the roads, and inspect endangered water and power lines.
There are no reported deaths so far in Miami, a law enforcement official says. He urges people to stay away from power lines and the debris near them. “We’re proud of the more than half million citizens of Miami,” he says. Police have heard of isolated looting, he says.There are no reported deaths so far in Miami, a law enforcement official says. He urges people to stay away from power lines and the debris near them. “We’re proud of the more than half million citizens of Miami,” he says. Police have heard of isolated looting, he says.
UpdatedUpdated
at 3.57pm BSTat 3.57pm BST
3.07pm BST3.07pm BST
15:0715:07
Trump: 'these are storms of catastrophic severity'Trump: 'these are storms of catastrophic severity'
Donald Trump has said his thoughts are with the survivors and families of the victims of Hurricanes Irma and Harvey.Donald Trump has said his thoughts are with the survivors and families of the victims of Hurricanes Irma and Harvey.
In a speech at the Pentagon to mark the anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, he said:In a speech at the Pentagon to mark the anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, he said:
These are storms of catastrophic severity and we are marshalling the full full resources of the federal government to help our fellow Americans in Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Texas, Louisiana, Tennessee and all of those wonderful places and states in harm’s way.These are storms of catastrophic severity and we are marshalling the full full resources of the federal government to help our fellow Americans in Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Texas, Louisiana, Tennessee and all of those wonderful places and states in harm’s way.
When Americans are in in need, Americans pull together. And we our one country. And when we face hardship we emerge, closer, stronger and more determined than ever.When Americans are in in need, Americans pull together. And we our one country. And when we face hardship we emerge, closer, stronger and more determined than ever.
3.00pm BST3.00pm BST
15:0015:00
What we know so farWhat we know so far
Irma is continuing to lash Florida as it moves into the north of the state, but it is losing strength and has been downgraded to a tropical storm, with sustained windspeeds of 70mph.Irma is continuing to lash Florida as it moves into the north of the state, but it is losing strength and has been downgraded to a tropical storm, with sustained windspeeds of 70mph.
Around six million homes (62%) 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.Around six million homes (62%) 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 flash flood warning has been issued for Jacksonville on the north-east Florida coast where record flooding was recorded on the St Johns River. Video showed the water overlapping harbour walls and entering homes and offices. Residents have been urged to shelter in higher floors.A flash flood warning has been issued for Jacksonville on the north-east Florida coast where record flooding was recorded on the St Johns River. Video showed the water overlapping harbour walls and entering homes and offices. Residents have been urged to shelter in higher floors.
Hurricane Jose, which had threatened to batter the Caribbean islands hit by Irma, has weakened to a category 2 storm is set to linger away from land in the coming days. According to the latest update from the US National Hurricane Centre Jose now has sustained wind speeds of 105mph.Hurricane Jose, which had threatened to batter the Caribbean islands hit by Irma, has weakened to a category 2 storm is set to linger away from land in the coming days. According to the latest update from the US National Hurricane Centre Jose now has sustained wind speeds of 105mph.
At least 10 people were killed when Irma tore through Cuba over the weekend. Among the victims were two passengers of a bus in Santiago de Cuba when part of a fourth-floor balcony fell on the bu. Three of those killed died in their homes after ignoring evacuation orders, the authorities said.At least 10 people were killed when Irma tore through Cuba over the weekend. Among the victims were two passengers of a bus in Santiago de Cuba when part of a fourth-floor balcony fell on the bu. Three of those killed died in their homes after ignoring evacuation orders, the authorities said.
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.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. Entrepreneur and British Virgin Island resident, Richard Branson, called for a “disaster recovery Marshall plan”.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 38 people have been killed.The clean-up operation is continuing in the Caribbean where it is thought 38 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.
UpdatedUpdated
at 4.46pm BSTat 4.46pm BST
2.46pm BST2.46pm BST
14:4614:46
New videos shows the scale of the flooding in Jacksonville, north-east Florida, where a flash flood warning remains in place.New videos shows the scale of the flooding in Jacksonville, north-east Florida, where a flash flood warning remains in place.
SOUTHBANK: Flooding on Riverplace blvd. and the riverwalk. pic.twitter.com/i3G7K55uUMSOUTHBANK: Flooding on Riverplace blvd. and the riverwalk. pic.twitter.com/i3G7K55uUM
Flooding in Riverside near downtown #Jax. #Irma pushes river over the banks near st. Vincent's Hosp. @ActionNewsJax @MikeFirstAlert pic.twitter.com/OiNHDfEG1XFlooding in Riverside near downtown #Jax. #Irma pushes river over the banks near st. Vincent's Hosp. @ActionNewsJax @MikeFirstAlert pic.twitter.com/OiNHDfEG1X
Flooding from #Irma along the Landing in #Jacksonville. @JSOPIO urging people to stay off roads. (📹@KaitlynANjax) pic.twitter.com/XaqfeRXpHSFlooding from #Irma along the Landing in #Jacksonville. @JSOPIO urging people to stay off roads. (📹@KaitlynANjax) pic.twitter.com/XaqfeRXpHS
2.37pm BST2.37pm BST
14:3714:37
State media has named all 10 victims of the hurricane in Cuba.State media has named all 10 victims of the hurricane in Cuba.
They were killed in the states of territories of Havana, Matanzas, Camagüey and Ciego de Ávila, according to a statement from Civil Defense authorities, reprinted in Cuba Debate.They were killed in the states of territories of Havana, Matanzas, Camagüey and Ciego de Ávila, according to a statement from Civil Defense authorities, reprinted in Cuba Debate.
Among those killed were brother and sister in their 50s who found dead in their home in Guisa after part of the property’s roof collapsed.Among those killed were brother and sister in their 50s who found dead in their home in Guisa after part of the property’s roof collapsed.
One of the victims in Havana was killed when he fell onto a live power line, and two people were killed in Santiago de Cuba when part of a fourth-floor balcony fell on the bus they were travelling in.One of the victims in Havana was killed when he fell onto a live power line, and two people were killed in Santiago de Cuba when part of a fourth-floor balcony fell on the bus they were travelling in.
Three of those killed died in their homes after ignoring evacuation orders, the authorities said.Three of those killed died in their homes after ignoring evacuation orders, the authorities said.
UpdatedUpdated
at 2.37pm BSTat 2.37pm BST
2.25pm BST2.25pm BST
14:2514:25
2.23pm BST2.23pm BST
14:2314:23
Reuters has a bit more on the rising death toll across the region.Reuters has a bit more on the rising death toll across the region.
At least 10 people were killed after Hurricane Irma tore through Cuba over the weekend, authorities said in a statement on Monday, bringing the death toll in the Caribbean from the ferocious storm to 38.At least 10 people were killed after Hurricane Irma tore through Cuba over the weekend, authorities said in a statement on Monday, bringing the death toll in the Caribbean from the ferocious storm to 38.
A statement from civil defence authorities said the victims perished due to various causes such as accidents, collapsed buildings and not heeding orders to evacuate in the four provinces of Havana, Matanzas, Sancti spiritus and Ciego de Avila, where the storm hit hard.A statement from civil defence authorities said the victims perished due to various causes such as accidents, collapsed buildings and not heeding orders to evacuate in the four provinces of Havana, Matanzas, Sancti spiritus and Ciego de Avila, where the storm hit hard.
2.20pm BST2.20pm BST
14:2014:20
The number of homes currently without power in Florida has increased to 6.2m, according to the latest update from the Florida State Emergency Response Team. That represents 62% of the state, it said.The number of homes currently without power in Florida has increased to 6.2m, according to the latest update from the Florida State Emergency Response Team. That represents 62% of the state, it said.
The worst hit areas are Miami Dade county where 809,580 homes are without power (down from 1.1m earlier); neighbouring Broward county to the north where 638,480 homes currently don’t have power; and Palm Beach, the next county up, where the figure is 526,310.The worst hit areas are Miami Dade county where 809,580 homes are without power (down from 1.1m earlier); neighbouring Broward county to the north where 638,480 homes currently don’t have power; and Palm Beach, the next county up, where the figure is 526,310.
Florida Hurricane #Irma Power Outage Numbers as of 9/11/2017 8:58 AM pic.twitter.com/c2l5wBHnqVFlorida Hurricane #Irma Power Outage Numbers as of 9/11/2017 8:58 AM pic.twitter.com/c2l5wBHnqV
2.11pm BST2.11pm BST
14:1114:11
Emergency phone lines are down in Glades county, south Florida where a flood watch will remain in place until 8pm on Monday.Emergency phone lines are down in Glades county, south Florida where a flood watch will remain in place until 8pm on Monday.
pic.twitter.com/GEh7dfZg5Hpic.twitter.com/GEh7dfZg5H
2.07pm BST2.07pm BST
14:0714:07
Miami-Dade police have footage of uprooted trees and downed traffic lights at a junction in Miami.Miami-Dade police have footage of uprooted trees and downed traffic lights at a junction in Miami.
#TrafficAlert: Destroyed traffic signals, poles & large tree at SW 132 Ave & 56 St. Please avoid roadways while we continue assessing. pic.twitter.com/leasooEwyU#TrafficAlert: Destroyed traffic signals, poles & large tree at SW 132 Ave & 56 St. Please avoid roadways while we continue assessing. pic.twitter.com/leasooEwyU
1.41pm BST1.41pm BST
13:4113:41
10 killed in Cuba10 killed in Cuba
The Cuban government says 10 people have been killed by Hurricane Irma, according to a snap on Reuters.The Cuban government says 10 people have been killed by Hurricane Irma, according to a snap on Reuters.
JUST IN: Cuban government says 10 people killed by Hurricane Irma https://t.co/fw34rRkMST pic.twitter.com/3Mtgc0MGEbJUST IN: Cuban government says 10 people killed by Hurricane Irma https://t.co/fw34rRkMST pic.twitter.com/3Mtgc0MGEb
UpdatedUpdated
at 1.41pm BSTat 1.41pm BST
1.40pm BST1.40pm BST
13:4013:40
Highway patrol police in Orlando have urged sightseers to stay at home. They stress that roads remain dangerous because of fallen power lines.Highway patrol police in Orlando have urged sightseers to stay at home. They stress that roads remain dangerous because of fallen power lines.
If you are out to look around you are intentionally putting first responders at risk. Stay home and be smart https://t.co/DTPQJyNDvVIf you are out to look around you are intentionally putting first responders at risk. Stay home and be smart https://t.co/DTPQJyNDvV
We are stopping too many people that simply say they are sight seeing. This is NOT a time for this. GO HOME & STAY HOME. We are not jokingWe are stopping too many people that simply say they are sight seeing. This is NOT a time for this. GO HOME & STAY HOME. We are not joking
This is exactly the reason why @FhpOrlando does not want anyone on the roads & why @OrangeCoFL still has curfew @news6wkmg #HurricaneIrma pic.twitter.com/Xk7NqFdwunThis is exactly the reason why @FhpOrlando does not want anyone on the roads & why @OrangeCoFL still has curfew @news6wkmg #HurricaneIrma pic.twitter.com/Xk7NqFdwun