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 57 Version 58
Hurricane Irma: floods devastate Florida Keys as Caribbean in chaos – latest news Hurricane Irma: floods devastate Florida Keys as Caribbean in chaos – latest news
(35 minutes later)
11.30pm BST
23:30
The latest from Irma
Irma battered northern Florida and moved into Georgia, slowing to a tropical storm, with sustained winds of 50mph. Earlier on Monday gusts in excess of 60mph could be felt as far away as the metro Atlanta area, 200 miles inland.
Record flash floods swept into Jacksonville out of the St Johns River, forcing residents out of homes with what possessions they could carry on small boats or in their hands. Storm surges pushed the ocean into Charleston, South Carolina, and two storm-related deaths were reported in southern Georgia.
At least 6.5 million homes and businesses lost power in Florida, two-thirds of the state. More than 100,000 people waited out the storm in shelters, and many started to head home as teams cleared debris off roads.
Governor Rick Scott saw “devastation” on the Florida Keys, where Irma made landfall on Sunday. An unknown number of people remain trapped on the islands, and the national guard are trying to rescue people from the flooded and demolished neighborhoods. A White House official said it could take weeks to restore safe road access and utilities. “I just hope everybody survived,” Scott said. “It’s horrible, what we saw.’”
Scott urged residents to wait for the all-clear on roads, given dangerous downed power lines, trees, and contaminated floodwaters. Health officials advised boiling tap water, avoiding stagnant floodwaters and looking out for expired food . “Don’t put any more lives at risk,” Scott said. “Don’t get out.”
City and county governments planned to re-open officially on Tuesday, as did Miami and Fort Lauderdale’s international airports. Many seaports and marinas remain closed to civilian traffic, however, with sunken boats or their shattered remains still a hazards.
At least 36 people have been reported killed around the Caribbean since Irma tore through Barbuda, the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, French St Martin, the Bahamas, Cuba and other islands.
The premier of the British Virgin Islands, Orlando Smith, has asked for immediate aid from the British government, saying the situation was “critical” . French president Emmanuel Macron has promised to visit the badly-hit French island of St Martin on Tuesday.
The US sent several naval vessels with hundreds of marines and aid packages to the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and south Florida. Britain has sent 500 British troops and sent aside £32m in aid to its territories. France has sent almost 1,000 medical, military and police personnel to the region.
11.25pm BST
23:25
The full extent of the damage on the Keys is trickling out thanks to reporters who stayed there, despite evacuation orders, or who’ve newly arrived with helicopters or rescue teams.
Damage in Ohio Key #HurricaneIrma pic.twitter.com/BMZtFVUvZC
10.59pm BST10.59pm BST
22:5922:59
After over 30 hours churning over Florida’s islands, coastlines and interior, Irma’s eye has moved across state lines into Georgia, the National Hurricane Center reports.After over 30 hours churning over Florida’s islands, coastlines and interior, Irma’s eye has moved across state lines into Georgia, the National Hurricane Center reports.
Its winds have slowed to 50mph.Its winds have slowed to 50mph.
The tropical storm’s center is now about 10 miles east of Albany. The agency predicts that it will turn north-west early Tuesday morning, toward Alabama, at 17mph. The storm’s arms still extend over 400 miles, in all, with three to six inches predicted everywhere from North Carolina through Georgia, into Alabama, southern Tennessee and northern Mississippi.The tropical storm’s center is now about 10 miles east of Albany. The agency predicts that it will turn north-west early Tuesday morning, toward Alabama, at 17mph. The storm’s arms still extend over 400 miles, in all, with three to six inches predicted everywhere from North Carolina through Georgia, into Alabama, southern Tennessee and northern Mississippi.
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.01pm BSTat 11.01pm BST
10.51pm BST10.51pm BST
22:5122:51
From the ground of the Florida Keys, National Geographic photographer Mike Theiss has been documenting the damage done to the islands.From the ground of the Florida Keys, National Geographic photographer Mike Theiss has been documenting the damage done to the islands.
Mile Marker 66 in the #FloridaKeys completely covered in sand from storm surge. Army corp of engineers clearing now. #Irma pic.twitter.com/2f0s7H4fIAMile Marker 66 in the #FloridaKeys completely covered in sand from storm surge. Army corp of engineers clearing now. #Irma pic.twitter.com/2f0s7H4fIA
But the changes wrought by Irma are visible from space; meteorologist Dakota Smith illustrates with a graphic from satellite imagery.But the changes wrought by Irma are visible from space; meteorologist Dakota Smith illustrates with a graphic from satellite imagery.
Before & after Irma in Florida Keys. pic.twitter.com/9A0eSQEgI9Before & after Irma in Florida Keys. pic.twitter.com/9A0eSQEgI9
10.41pm BST10.41pm BST
22:4122:41
Waters are receding in Jacksonville, but the flash floods exceeded anything the city was expecting. The city ordered people to either evacuate areas near the St Johns river or to head for the upper storeys of homes and businesses.Waters are receding in Jacksonville, but the flash floods exceeded anything the city was expecting. The city ordered people to either evacuate areas near the St Johns river or to head for the upper storeys of homes and businesses.
This is an incident of historic proportions. The St. Johns River has not seen these flooding levels since 1846. #HurricaneIrma #JaxReady pic.twitter.com/8awsM7lvGyThis is an incident of historic proportions. The St. Johns River has not seen these flooding levels since 1846. #HurricaneIrma #JaxReady pic.twitter.com/8awsM7lvGy
10.30pm BST10.30pm BST
22:3022:30
Georgia officials have reported a second death related to Irma, the AP reports. The AP has also learned more details related to the first reported death.Georgia officials have reported a second death related to Irma, the AP reports. The AP has also learned more details related to the first reported death.
Georgia Emergency Management Agency spokeswoman Catherine Howden said the death was confirmed Monday in Sandy Springs, north of Atlanta. She had no further details.Georgia Emergency Management Agency spokeswoman Catherine Howden said the death was confirmed Monday in Sandy Springs, north of Atlanta. She had no further details.
The storm is also being blamed for the death of a 62-year-old man in rural southwest Georgia. Worth County sheriff’s spokeswoman Kannetha Clem said the man use a ladder to climb onto a shed Monday morning as sustained winds in the county exceeded 40 mph (65 kph).The storm is also being blamed for the death of a 62-year-old man in rural southwest Georgia. Worth County sheriff’s spokeswoman Kannetha Clem said the man use a ladder to climb onto a shed Monday morning as sustained winds in the county exceeded 40 mph (65 kph).
Clem says the man’s wife called 911 saying he suffered a heart attack, and first responders found his body lodged between two beams on the shed’s roof with debris on top of him.Clem says the man’s wife called 911 saying he suffered a heart attack, and first responders found his body lodged between two beams on the shed’s roof with debris on top of him.
The dead man’s name was not immediately released.The dead man’s name was not immediately released.
10.06pm BST10.06pm BST
22:0622:06
As of 5pm local time, more than 6.7 million homes and businesses have lost power in Florida, the state’s emegency management agency reports.As of 5pm local time, more than 6.7 million homes and businesses have lost power in Florida, the state’s emegency management agency reports.
That total is roughly two-thirds of the entire state. With an additional 800,000 homes and businesses reported to have lost power by providers in Georgia, a huge section of the south-eastern US has gone dark.That total is roughly two-thirds of the entire state. With an additional 800,000 homes and businesses reported to have lost power by providers in Georgia, a huge section of the south-eastern US has gone dark.
More images are meanwhile coming in from the Florida Keys, where the damage resembles the gutted, blown out towns of other islands across the Caribbean.More images are meanwhile coming in from the Florida Keys, where the damage resembles the gutted, blown out towns of other islands across the Caribbean.
Mammoth ficus tree wrecked this home in Key West. Neighbors said house belonged to poet Shel Silverstein #mh pic.twitter.com/AGD0DErs5SMammoth ficus tree wrecked this home in Key West. Neighbors said house belonged to poet Shel Silverstein #mh pic.twitter.com/AGD0DErs5S
Snappers Restaurant in #KeyLargo #Irma pic.twitter.com/bi0Z5K7qwUSnappers Restaurant in #KeyLargo #Irma pic.twitter.com/bi0Z5K7qwU
9.51pm BST9.51pm BST
21:5121:51
Joanna WaltersJoanna Walters
Some of the small Caribbean islands smashed by Irma are in a state of chaos and rising panic, Jo Walters reports, after interviews with residents of the British territories.Some of the small Caribbean islands smashed by Irma are in a state of chaos and rising panic, Jo Walters reports, after interviews with residents of the British territories.
“It’s absolutely horrific,” said Sarah Thompson, a 38-year-old lawyer and resident of Tortola, the largest of the British Virgin Islands (BVI).“It’s absolutely horrific,” said Sarah Thompson, a 38-year-old lawyer and resident of Tortola, the largest of the British Virgin Islands (BVI).
“The island is not fit to live on. Planes and boats are needed to get people off. There was some limited evacuation yesterday, prioritizing those who are injured and most vulnerable, but many are still trying to find a way off the island,” she added.“The island is not fit to live on. Planes and boats are needed to get people off. There was some limited evacuation yesterday, prioritizing those who are injured and most vulnerable, but many are still trying to find a way off the island,” she added.
“I’m hearing rumors of deaths, and there are people who cannot be accounted for. Many roads are totally blocked and people cannot get out of their houses.”“I’m hearing rumors of deaths, and there are people who cannot be accounted for. Many roads are totally blocked and people cannot get out of their houses.”
Five people are understood to have died in the BVI so far, but the death toll is expected to rise as personnel reach areas isolated by flooding and debris.Five people are understood to have died in the BVI so far, but the death toll is expected to rise as personnel reach areas isolated by flooding and debris.
Communications were down across much of the BVI from Wednesday and there is now some patchy phone and internet function. The only power is from generators, with people running low on fuel to run them, Thompson said.Communications were down across much of the BVI from Wednesday and there is now some patchy phone and internet function. The only power is from generators, with people running low on fuel to run them, Thompson said.
Thompson did not hear from her husband, Christian, until Saturday, when she learned he was safe. Their home is wrecked.Thompson did not hear from her husband, Christian, until Saturday, when she learned he was safe. Their home is wrecked.
“There is debris all over the island. There seems to be no information and people are running around like headless chickens. It looks like the government building in Tortola has been totalled, but there has to be some more coordination. People on the ground are starting to panic, and I can hear it in my husband’s voice,” said Thompson.“There is debris all over the island. There seems to be no information and people are running around like headless chickens. It looks like the government building in Tortola has been totalled, but there has to be some more coordination. People on the ground are starting to panic, and I can hear it in my husband’s voice,” said Thompson.
9.36pm BST9.36pm BST
21:3621:36
Charleston is awash with storm surge and rain, as seawater rushes over embankments into the city.Charleston is awash with storm surge and rain, as seawater rushes over embankments into the city.
WATCH: High winds and severe flooding near Waterfront Park in downtown Charleston, South Carolina(Via Patrick Spoon) pic.twitter.com/5DZ84KMNffWATCH: High winds and severe flooding near Waterfront Park in downtown Charleston, South Carolina(Via Patrick Spoon) pic.twitter.com/5DZ84KMNff
After doing their damage to homes, cars, boats and lives, the waters will quickly retreat to the sea, as they’re already doing to the south.After doing their damage to homes, cars, boats and lives, the waters will quickly retreat to the sea, as they’re already doing to the south.
Tide receding along #Hwy80 showing all #Irma spoils. @cityoftybee @Tybee_PD #WTOC PIC: Capt. Brown pic.twitter.com/b27LPtXGJZTide receding along #Hwy80 showing all #Irma spoils. @cityoftybee @Tybee_PD #WTOC PIC: Capt. Brown pic.twitter.com/b27LPtXGJZ
9.26pm BST9.26pm BST
21:2621:26
Tropical storm Irma has killed one person in Georgia, an emergency management official has confirmed to the AP.Tropical storm Irma has killed one person in Georgia, an emergency management official has confirmed to the AP.
The death was in rural Worth County, in south-west Georgia, in the path of the storm. It was confirmed as a storm related death by Georgia Emergency Management Agency spokeswoman Catherine Howden. She gave no details.The death was in rural Worth County, in south-west Georgia, in the path of the storm. It was confirmed as a storm related death by Georgia Emergency Management Agency spokeswoman Catherine Howden. She gave no details.
Along the coast, where storm surges started flooding towns and cities, Savanna had been ordered to evacuate for the second time in less than a year. Atlanta, although more than 200 miles inland, is under a tropical storm warning.Along the coast, where storm surges started flooding towns and cities, Savanna had been ordered to evacuate for the second time in less than a year. Atlanta, although more than 200 miles inland, is under a tropical storm warning.
Some people stayed behind in the coastal regions, including Holland Zellers, who also spoke with the AP. He said the water in the street was “knee-to-waist deep”.Some people stayed behind in the coastal regions, including Holland Zellers, who also spoke with the AP. He said the water in the street was “knee-to-waist deep”.
Shawn Gillen, Tybee Island’s city manager, said waters appeared to be receding quickly but the flooding was extensive on the island of more than 3,000 residents.Shawn Gillen, Tybee Island’s city manager, said waters appeared to be receding quickly but the flooding was extensive on the island of more than 3,000 residents.
“There’s a lot of homes that have water in the them right now,” Gillen said.“There’s a lot of homes that have water in the them right now,” Gillen said.
More than 800,000 homes and businesses in south Georgia have lost power, utility providers have said. More than 70% of Miami still lacks power, and 6.5 million homes and businesses have lost power all around Florida, roughly two-thirds of the state.More than 800,000 homes and businesses in south Georgia have lost power, utility providers have said. More than 70% of Miami still lacks power, and 6.5 million homes and businesses have lost power all around Florida, roughly two-thirds of the state.
UpdatedUpdated
at 10.32pm BSTat 10.32pm BST
9.12pm BST9.12pm BST
21:1221:12
Jacksonville and Charleston are suffering intense, and in some cases historic flooding, with the rain and winds especially buffeting the South Carolina city.Jacksonville and Charleston are suffering intense, and in some cases historic flooding, with the rain and winds especially buffeting the South Carolina city.
In Jacksonville, residents are trying to desperately evacuate homes from thigh-high floodwaters, with boats, coolers, life vests and plastic bins to rescue anything they can.In Jacksonville, residents are trying to desperately evacuate homes from thigh-high floodwaters, with boats, coolers, life vests and plastic bins to rescue anything they can.
8.57pm BST
20:57
A Florida official says that it’s impossible to know right now how much damage Irma has caused.
“It’s going to cost billions upon billions upon billions of dollars,” he says. The director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Brock Long, has assured Florida officials that the agency has sufficient funding for a few more months.
But the official says it’s clear the agency needs more long-term funds to cope with damage from Harvey and Irma. “We’re still in the middle of hurricane season.”
8.42pm BST
20:42
Scott: devastation on the Keys
Scott also breathes a sigh of relief that along the western coast, where Irma made landfall near Naples, “I didn’t see the damage that we thought we would see.”
Homes were “messed up”, boats tossed ashore and roofs torn off, Scott says, but the storm surge was not as severe as feared, and people mostly heeded evacuation orders.
Far worse were the Florida Keys. Scott traveled to the naval air station on Key West earlier today, and saw boats carried into homes, nearly every trailer park overturned, and flood damage everywhere.
“The water is not working, the sewer is not working, and there’s no electricity. so it’s very tough.”
The national guard has managed to take US-1, the only road to the Keys, all the way through them, but Scott says it’s not yet entirely safe. “There’s clearly some bridge damage, some road damage.”
“My heart goes out to the people on the Keys. I mean, it’s devastation. I just hope everybody survived. It’s horrible, what we saw.”
Finally, the governor pleads for patience. “We’ve got to get our first responders to the Keys, we’ve got to get the water going again, we’ve got to get the power going again. It’s going to take a lot of time,” Scott says.
“Especially for the Keys, it’s going to be a long road.”
Updated
at 8.52pm BST
8.41pm BST
20:41
Governor: historic flooding in Jacksonville
Florida governor Rick Scott is giving a briefing, not long after he traveled with rescue teams to the Florida Keys, which are still essentially cut off from the mainland.
Scott takes stock of Irma’s damage. South-west Florida saw storm surges ranging from four to eight feet, and 10 feet in Monroe County, on the south-west tip and including the Keys. There was approximately four feet of surge in Miami-Dade, and three to six feet in the Big Bend area.
The storm is still pummeling Jacksonville and Orlando. In the latter, there’s flooding from waterway surges and more than a foot of torrential rains. In Jacksonville, there is “record and historical flooding along the St Johns river”, he says.
“The biggest threat as Irma leaves Florida is going to be river flooding.”
Scott’s relieved to say that the threat of tornadoes has diminished but says that if people don’t have to go out on the roads, “don’t get out.”
“We’ve got downed power lines all across the state, we’ve got debris all across the state,” he says. “Our goal again is don’t put anymore lives at risk. Don’t put any more lives at risk because of downed power lines, debris, and impassable roads.”
8.26pm BST
20:26
Ed Pilkington is in Everglades City, south of Naples, where floods are still severe.
I’ve battled my way down the west coast of Florida through semi-flooded roads to Everglades City, a small crab fishing town of about 2,000.
It was completely awash with water when the storm surge occurred after Irma past through here on Sunday. You can see the water marks up to about five feet on the walls of houses
The City Hall is remarkably grand for a tiny community, but then it does pride itself as being “stone crab capital if the world”. Now it’s an island, encircled by a lapping pool.
Journey through flooded Everglades City #Irma pic.twitter.com/mX6A51Tkvc
Lynn Stokes gave me a ride the last stretch of the way in a giant truck as the roads were too deep in water. She runs an airport service for tourists wanting to see the Everglades. It has a two-inch carpet of mud inside it, deposited after the waters came and receded.
She said she was struck that the last time the town had been completely flooded like this was on exactly the same day 60 years ago – 10 September 1957 – with Hurricane Donna.
And how’s she feeling? “Oh man this is a mess. Oh my god there’s a lot to clean.”
Downed power lines in southern Florida - big mess pic.twitter.com/WWfGt4zKHP
8.13pm BST
20:13
White House: Keys access and power could take weeks
Federal rescue crews are extremely cocnerned about flooding in Jacksonville and the Florida Keys, homeland security adviser Thomas Bossert has told reporters at the White House.
Bossert also says it could take weeks to bring power back to all of Florida, calling the effort “the largest mobilization of line restoration workers” in US history. Workers from every company in the country, and from Canada, are part of the restoration plan of plants, subplants, poles and lines.
The Florida Keys, he says, “are going to take a while”. He estimates that the Keys will not be “fit for re-entry for regular citizens for weeks”.
He admits he could be wrong, and local officials may let people return sooner, but stresses that officials have to asses miles of bridges for structural damage. He hopes most people heeded warnings to get off the islands, but says he would not be surprised if people were found dead on the archipelago.
“We’re going to get back down there as soon as we humanly can.”
Updated
at 8.17pm BST
7.53pm BST
19:53
Irma so far
Irma battered northern Florida on a course toward Georgia, but slowed to a tropical storm, with sustained winds of 65mph. Gusts in excess of 60mph could be felt as far away as the metro Atlanta area.
A flash flood warning was issued for Jacksonvillille, where record flooding was recorded on the St Johns River. Video showed the water spilling over harbor walls and entering homes and offices. Police urged residents to shelter in higher floors and to hang a white blanket or T-shirt outside a window if they’re in need of rescue.
At least 6.5 million homes and businesses lost power in Florida, nearly two-thirds of the state. More than 100,000 people waited out the storm in shelters. Large sections of Everglades City remain flooded, and authorities across south Flrodia urged residents to wait for the all-clear on roads and evacuation zones, given dangerous downed power lines, trees, and contaminated floodwaters.
City and county governments planned to re-open officially on Tuesday, though cleanup crews and inspectors were at work since dawn on Monday. For people without power, the state health department advised boiling tap water, avoiding floodwaters and tossing food that might quickly go bad.
The Florida Keys remain cut off except by air, with police blocking the only road to the islands until its safety could be assured. An unknown number of people remain trapped on the islands, despite evacuation orders. Military rescue efforts have begun. Aerial footage showed firetrucks swamped above their tires, boats tossed into buildings, and flooded neighborhoods.
At least 27 people have been confirmed killed in storm-related deaths around the Caribbean since Irma began its brutal journey from a category five monster and tore through Barbuda, the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, French St Martin, the Bahamas and other islands. The Cuban government reported a tentative figure of 10 people killed, mostly in Havana’s coastal neighborhoods.
The premier of the British Virgin Islands, Orlando Smith, has asked for immediate aid from the British government, saying the situation was “critical” . French president Emmanuel Macron has promised to visit the badly-hit French island of St Martin on Tuesday.
The US sent several naval vessels with hundreds of marines and aid packages to the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and south Florida. Britain has sent 500 British troops and sent aside £32m in aid to its territories. France has sent almost 1,000 medical, military and police personnel to the region.
Updated
at 8.04pm BST
7.16pm BST
19:16
Ed Pilkington is in Everglades City, where the recovery will be slower and more difficult than in the south-eastern cities that were lucky enough to avoid the brunt of Irma’s floods.
But the state’s department of health is trying to warn residents across the peninsula that they need to be extremely careful. Some of their guidance:
Don’t eat food contaminated by floodwater. Use only boiled/bottled water. Discard frigerated/frozen food after 4hr power outage
People & pets coming into contact with floodwaters should thoroughly wash & rinse any exposed body parts w/soap & disinfected water
Cans of food should not be eaten if there is a bulging or opening on can or screw caps, soda bottle tops or twist-caps.
If heat exhaustion symptoms become more severe or last longer than one hour, seek medical attention immediately.
During Irma cleanup, drain standing water to preventing mosquito-borne Illness. Storms can lead to an increase in mosquitoes.
Everglades City Hall now an island surrounded by water #Irma pic.twitter.com/cR8tb0hx6j
Updated
at 7.57pm BST
6.50pm BST
18:50
South eastern Florida has started its recovery, urging people to stay off the roads if possible while cleanup crews get to work.
South western Florida still has floodwaters in some areas, for instance Everglades City, south of Naples. Ed Pilkington is there for the Guardian, trying to see the extent of the storm’s damage and whether anyone stayed behind.
Everglades City under water #Irma pic.twitter.com/BdisCxSESr
Massive trees taking over the streets of Naples. This is why they ask folks to stay off the streets and wait it out. #HurricaneIrma @nbc6 pic.twitter.com/mldyrdlIoi
6.39pm BST
18:39
The Fort Lauderdale airport will reopen at 4am Tuesday, the airport said in a statement, and city governments from Tampa to Miami are making similar plans – even as their crews are already at work doing cleanup and search and rescue.
For residents and business owners of south Florida, the work has also begun to take down the plywood, metal storm shutters and plastic wrap.
A familiar sight for many fleeing Irma in FL, many gas stations are now beginning to reopen pic.twitter.com/gWPPtONoKG
6.36pm BST
18:36
“Miami Beach didn’t dodge a bullet, we dodged a cannon,” the city’s mayor Philip Levine has told CNN.
“We got hurricane three force winds but thank god. The damage we received – there’s trees all over the ground, there’s power lines down, there’s gas leaks. But we’ve had teams on the ground since the crack of down and they have been there making sure we can clean up the city as fast as possible. We want the residents to return asap.”
The west coast also avoided the cataclysmic 10-15ft storm surges that threatened, and that seem to have hit the Keys. Ed Pilkington is currently en route to one of the cities where storm surges were likely most serious on the mainland.
Driving through flooded roads to reach Everglades City that I'm told is cut off and under 6ft of water in southern Florida. pic.twitter.com/cIaVxFHPI5
Naples, where Irma’s eye crossed onto land, feared intense surges of five to eight feet. The Naples Daily News’ Joseph Cranney is among the reporters surveying the damage.
Irma flattened the tiki hut at the Cove Inn. pic.twitter.com/f0QplNHg7p