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Hurricane Irma: storm strikes Florida bringing floods and tornadoes – live Hurricane Irma: storm strikes Florida bringing floods and tornadoes – live
(35 minutes later)
7.18pm BST
19:18
Irma slows to category three
Hurricane Irma has been downgraded to a category three storm with sustained 120mph winds, and is steadily approaching landfall on Florida’s gulf coast.
The storm is about 35 miles south of Naples. It has drained massive amounts of water from Tampa Bay ahead of storm surges, cut off the Florida Keys, and put swaths of downtown Miami underwater. Tornadoes have cut across much of central and east Florida, including one formed in the last hour near Fort Lauderdale airport.
The National Hurricane Center’s 2pm advisory warns people not to underestimate the storm, which will “remain a powerful hurricane while it moves near or along the west coast of Florida”.
The NHC’s Atlantic Office has just issued an all-caps warning for everyone on the state’s western coast: “MOVE AWAY FROM THE WATER!”
Stay away from Brickell in Downtown Miami. The water is NOT receding. @wsvn #HurrcaneIrma pic.twitter.com/gIeFU82X8c
Updated
at 7.21pm BST
7.11pm BST
19:11
Florida police in Broward county have shot one attempted burglar and arrested a second, the AP reports.
The Broward Sheriff’s Office said in a news release Sunday that the homeowners in Weston were out of town but saw the burglars remotely inside the house through a home surveillance system.
Deputies responded shortly before 3am and one of the two juvenile males was shot outside the home. He was taken to a local hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. The other person was arrested.
Their names were not immediately released.
Updated
at 7.14pm BST
7.07pm BST
19:07
Jessica Glenza is in her childhood home of St Petersburg, near Tampa Bay, where storm surges are expected to reach five to eight feet. Tampa’s mayor said earlier Sunday that he intends to enforce a strict curfew to get people inside before the storm makes land. When it does, police will be unable to help anyone until conditions improve.
The storm is still 190 miles south of the mouth of Tampa Bay, the body of water between Pinellas county (where I am) and Hillsborough County (where Tampa is).High tide is expected just after 5am in Tampa Bay, and the worst of the storm is expected around and after midnight.
It is difficult to say how many people have evacuated: people have clearly fled, but A many refused to leave. Only about one third of the houses are boarded up in our neighborhood, in part because of lack of supplies. Plywood was extremely difficult to find. Similarly, there is no nearby gas.
Police are no longer allowing people to go onto barrier islands in Pinellas, such as Treasure Island, even if they live there. Curfews have been issued for St Petersburg and Tampa, at 5pm and 6pm respectively.
7.03pm BST
19:03
Florida Keys county 'closed'
The south Florida county that includes the Florida Keys and the state’s south-west extremities up to Everglades City, has “closed”, according to the government’s social media accounts.
Governor Rick Scott said earlier Sunday that US-1, the only road from the mainland to the islands, is underwater. He said that one of his highest priorities, after the storm finally breaks, is to get re-establish a supply lane to the Keys.
The NWS on Key West meanwhile has just reported that – based on its reading of a social media photo – the storm surge at Cudjoe Key was 10-14ft. “Photograph showed water nearing the base of a house on stilts, stated to be approximately 15 feet above ground level.”
Monroe County is closed until further notice. Evacuated residents do not return until further notice. More info to come. #hurricaneirma
6.44pm BST6.44pm BST
18:4418:44
Ed Pilkington is in Naples, Florida, reporting on the storm and directly in its path. The National Weather Service’s midday projections suggest the hurricane may make landfall there later today.Ed Pilkington is in Naples, Florida, reporting on the storm and directly in its path. The National Weather Service’s midday projections suggest the hurricane may make landfall there later today.
Even with Irma some 50 miles south-east of Naples, the winds are so strong that two windows have broken at his hotel, he says.Even with Irma some 50 miles south-east of Naples, the winds are so strong that two windows have broken at his hotel, he says.
The eyewall, with strongest wind, & surge potential with #IRMA close to Naples/Marco Island. Coastal #Lee & #Charlotte cntys are next. #flwx pic.twitter.com/RZpnuKJpnuThe eyewall, with strongest wind, & surge potential with #IRMA close to Naples/Marco Island. Coastal #Lee & #Charlotte cntys are next. #flwx pic.twitter.com/RZpnuKJpnu
6.40pm BST6.40pm BST
18:4018:40
Two Florida law enforcement officers have died in a traffic accident, the sheriff’s department has confirmed in Hardee County, east of Sarasota.Two Florida law enforcement officers have died in a traffic accident, the sheriff’s department has confirmed in Hardee County, east of Sarasota.
The officers were named as Julie Ann Bridges, a Hardee County deputy, and Joseph Ossman, a sergeant with the Florida department of corrections. In a statement, the governor’s office siad “the cause of the traffic accident remains under investigation and more details will be released by the Florida Highway Patrol”.The officers were named as Julie Ann Bridges, a Hardee County deputy, and Joseph Ossman, a sergeant with the Florida department of corrections. In a statement, the governor’s office siad “the cause of the traffic accident remains under investigation and more details will be released by the Florida Highway Patrol”.
It’s not clear whether storm conditions were a factor in the accident. Around the Caribbean at least 25 people have been confirmed killed by the storm.It’s not clear whether storm conditions were a factor in the accident. Around the Caribbean at least 25 people have been confirmed killed by the storm.
“I am heart broken to learn of the loss of these two individuals,” Governor Rick Scott said in the statement. “Our law enforcement and correctional officers work every day to keep Floridians safe. It is because of their work we are able to live in a state where people can raise their families safely. My heart goes out [to] their families and the entire law enforcement and correctional community.”“I am heart broken to learn of the loss of these two individuals,” Governor Rick Scott said in the statement. “Our law enforcement and correctional officers work every day to keep Floridians safe. It is because of their work we are able to live in a state where people can raise their families safely. My heart goes out [to] their families and the entire law enforcement and correctional community.”
6.30pm BST6.30pm BST
18:3018:30
Though Florida’s east coast was spared a direct hit, conditions there remain extremely dangerous. The National Hurricane Center has just issued an advisory saying that Irma has encompassed all of south Florida, and Miami International reported a 92mph gust around 1pm.Though Florida’s east coast was spared a direct hit, conditions there remain extremely dangerous. The National Hurricane Center has just issued an advisory saying that Irma has encompassed all of south Florida, and Miami International reported a 92mph gust around 1pm.
This reporter’s mom is one of the millions of people just inland of the evacuation zones, in her case Boca Raton. The wind, she says, is a steady droning roar.This reporter’s mom is one of the millions of people just inland of the evacuation zones, in her case Boca Raton. The wind, she says, is a steady droning roar.
“It feels like a giant has grabbed and is shaking your house.”“It feels like a giant has grabbed and is shaking your house.”
The backyard is lined by a wooden fence. She can hear the wind whistling through its spaces, jangling its hinges, and the wood itself bang and clatter with the gusts.The backyard is lined by a wooden fence. She can hear the wind whistling through its spaces, jangling its hinges, and the wood itself bang and clatter with the gusts.
She can’t see much of what’s happening outside the house because of metal storm shutters encasing its windows, but she can hear the blasts of rain whipped at weird angles by the wind – and she can hear the wind itself.She can’t see much of what’s happening outside the house because of metal storm shutters encasing its windows, but she can hear the blasts of rain whipped at weird angles by the wind – and she can hear the wind itself.
It doesn't look like much but it's taken out the power pic.twitter.com/pXDaDhCfcYIt doesn't look like much but it's taken out the power pic.twitter.com/pXDaDhCfcY
6.08pm BST6.08pm BST
18:0818:08
Naples is about to suffer the brunt of hurricane Irma’s force, the National Weather service warns, with the storm’s eye about 50 miles south of the city.Naples is about to suffer the brunt of hurricane Irma’s force, the National Weather service warns, with the storm’s eye about 50 miles south of the city.
12:53 PM at #Naples sustained wind 48 mph gusting to 76 mph. 115+ mph winds on the way as eyewall moves in. Shelter in place! #Irma12:53 PM at #Naples sustained wind 48 mph gusting to 76 mph. 115+ mph winds on the way as eyewall moves in. Shelter in place! #Irma
5.49pm BST5.49pm BST
17:4917:49
Irma so far and what's nextIrma so far and what's next
Hurricane Irma made landfall at Cudjoe Key at 9.10am, with sustained winds of 130mph, the second category four hurricane to strike the mainland United States in two weeks. Seawater flooding over US-1 has cut off the Keys from the mainland, and a handful of images from the islands showed waters in buildings and over cars.Hurricane Irma made landfall at Cudjoe Key at 9.10am, with sustained winds of 130mph, the second category four hurricane to strike the mainland United States in two weeks. Seawater flooding over US-1 has cut off the Keys from the mainland, and a handful of images from the islands showed waters in buildings and over cars.
Tornadoes swept across swaths of south-eastern Florida, and gusts as strong as 100mph reported north of Miami. Rain and storm surges brought flooding into downtown Miami, and sustained winds approaching 45mph brought down a construction crane, trees and power lines. Police and emergency personnel took to shelters.Tornadoes swept across swaths of south-eastern Florida, and gusts as strong as 100mph reported north of Miami. Rain and storm surges brought flooding into downtown Miami, and sustained winds approaching 45mph brought down a construction crane, trees and power lines. Police and emergency personnel took to shelters.
More than a 1.3 million people have lost power, and more than 70,000 are in shelters. About 6.5 million people were ordered to evacuate coastal areas all around the state, roughly a third of the state’s entire population.More than a 1.3 million people have lost power, and more than 70,000 are in shelters. About 6.5 million people were ordered to evacuate coastal areas all around the state, roughly a third of the state’s entire population.
Governor Rick Scott warned that south-west Florida could see imminent storm surges of 10-15ft above ground – breathtakingly fast waves as tall as a one-storey home. Tampa should expect surges as large as five feet, and south-eastern Florida surges of three to six feet, high enough to float cars or envelop a person. The Keys have recorded 12in of rain so far, and all of south Florida can expect another 8-15in.Governor Rick Scott warned that south-west Florida could see imminent storm surges of 10-15ft above ground – breathtakingly fast waves as tall as a one-storey home. Tampa should expect surges as large as five feet, and south-eastern Florida surges of three to six feet, high enough to float cars or envelop a person. The Keys have recorded 12in of rain so far, and all of south Florida can expect another 8-15in.
Irma is expected to make a second landfall, this time on the mainland near Fort Myers, on Sunday evening. Meteorologists forecast a slight change in the storm’s path, saying that the city of St Petersburg is now more likely to suffer a direct hit than nearby Tampa. “We know we are ground zero for this storm,” mayor Bob Buckhorn said. “We have avoided it for 90 winds but our time has come to be ready.”Irma is expected to make a second landfall, this time on the mainland near Fort Myers, on Sunday evening. Meteorologists forecast a slight change in the storm’s path, saying that the city of St Petersburg is now more likely to suffer a direct hit than nearby Tampa. “We know we are ground zero for this storm,” mayor Bob Buckhorn said. “We have avoided it for 90 winds but our time has come to be ready.”
At least 25 confirmed dead around the Caribbean, including 11 on French St Martin, the US and British Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Dutch St Maarten, Barbuda, and Anguilla.At least 25 confirmed dead around the Caribbean, including 11 on French St Martin, the US and British Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Dutch St Maarten, Barbuda, and Anguilla.
The storm levelled whole towns in its path, hurtling trees and debris like missiles and bringing huge waves into homes, businesses and hotels. Survivors and relief workers who stepped out into towns of northern Cuba, the British Virgin Islands, Barbuda and other islands found whole homes and businesses gutted by the wind and water.The storm levelled whole towns in its path, hurtling trees and debris like missiles and bringing huge waves into homes, businesses and hotels. Survivors and relief workers who stepped out into towns of northern Cuba, the British Virgin Islands, Barbuda and other islands found whole homes and businesses gutted by the wind and water.
Hurricane Jose, also a category four storm, has shifted northward, creating hope in the eastern Caribbean that survivors might be spared a second hurricane in five days.Hurricane Jose, also a category four storm, has shifted northward, creating hope in the eastern Caribbean that survivors might be spared a second hurricane in five days.
5.43pm BST5.43pm BST
17:4317:43
Local WSVN reporter Brian Entin is in downtown Miami, where waters are quickly rising in tandem with the gusting winds.Local WSVN reporter Brian Entin is in downtown Miami, where waters are quickly rising in tandem with the gusting winds.
Water still rising in downtown Miami along Brickell Avenue. Storm surge is intense. Neck deep in areas. @wsvn #HurrcaneIrma pic.twitter.com/RLhVWIkTzQWater still rising in downtown Miami along Brickell Avenue. Storm surge is intense. Neck deep in areas. @wsvn #HurrcaneIrma pic.twitter.com/RLhVWIkTzQ
5.31pm BST5.31pm BST
17:3117:31
A dire warning from the National Weather Service about the south-west coast of Florida.A dire warning from the National Weather Service about the south-west coast of Florida.
The service has also announced an extreme wind warning for Collier County: its radar detected winds stronger than 115mph, “associated with the eyewall” of the storm, are approaching the coast 10 miles south of Everglades City. Nearby are Naples, Marco Island, Chokoloskee, and Golden Gate Estates.The service has also announced an extreme wind warning for Collier County: its radar detected winds stronger than 115mph, “associated with the eyewall” of the storm, are approaching the coast 10 miles south of Everglades City. Nearby are Naples, Marco Island, Chokoloskee, and Golden Gate Estates.
“The safest place to be,” the agency advises, “is in a reinforced interior room away from windows. Get under a table or other piece of sturdy furniture. Use mattresses, blankets or pillows to cover your head and body. Remain in place through the passage of these life-threatening conditions.”“The safest place to be,” the agency advises, “is in a reinforced interior room away from windows. Get under a table or other piece of sturdy furniture. Use mattresses, blankets or pillows to cover your head and body. Remain in place through the passage of these life-threatening conditions.”
12:00 PM: Negative surge ~3.5 FT at #Naples to become 10-15 FT above ground as #Irma moves in. Life-threatening rapid water rise imminent! pic.twitter.com/pbh76VXlqn12:00 PM: Negative surge ~3.5 FT at #Naples to become 10-15 FT above ground as #Irma moves in. Life-threatening rapid water rise imminent! pic.twitter.com/pbh76VXlqn
5.26pm BST5.26pm BST
17:2617:26
Ten thousand national guard troops are on the way to Florida from around the US, officials say, to help with the recovery, though at the moment many emergency personnel are as trapped as everyone else by the deadly winds, flooding and surges.Ten thousand national guard troops are on the way to Florida from around the US, officials say, to help with the recovery, though at the moment many emergency personnel are as trapped as everyone else by the deadly winds, flooding and surges.
Scott says the state and Fema have prepositioned assets, but that they also know that transport will be hard down the length of the state in the wake of the storm. He stresses that US-1 is the only road to the Florida Keys, and that the state wants to be as ready as possible to quickly reach the people trapped there.Scott says the state and Fema have prepositioned assets, but that they also know that transport will be hard down the length of the state in the wake of the storm. He stresses that US-1 is the only road to the Florida Keys, and that the state wants to be as ready as possible to quickly reach the people trapped there.
UpdatedUpdated
at 5.28pm BSTat 5.28pm BST
5.20pm BST5.20pm BST
17:2017:20
Florida governor: beware 15ft storm surgesFlorida governor: beware 15ft storm surges
Florida governor Rick Scott is giving a noon briefing, with details about the Florida Keys, where reporters and officials have been almost entirely cut off from the mainland.Florida governor Rick Scott is giving a noon briefing, with details about the Florida Keys, where reporters and officials have been almost entirely cut off from the mainland.
Seawater has flooded over US-1, the road connecting the archipelago to the peninsula, and the Keys have already recorded up to 12 inches of rain. South Florida should expect an additional eight to 15 inches of rain, he says.Seawater has flooded over US-1, the road connecting the archipelago to the peninsula, and the Keys have already recorded up to 12 inches of rain. South Florida should expect an additional eight to 15 inches of rain, he says.
South-west Florida should expect huge and fast storm surges: up to 15 feet of impact above ground level. The Big Bend area will see surges of four to six feet, and Tampa will see a surge of five to eight feet – more than enough to move cars and as tall or taller than a person, with the force of brutal hurricane winds. “The storm surge comes after the strongest winds,” Scott warns, saying that when the wind dies down “do not think it’s safe to come out.”South-west Florida should expect huge and fast storm surges: up to 15 feet of impact above ground level. The Big Bend area will see surges of four to six feet, and Tampa will see a surge of five to eight feet – more than enough to move cars and as tall or taller than a person, with the force of brutal hurricane winds. “The storm surge comes after the strongest winds,” Scott warns, saying that when the wind dies down “do not think it’s safe to come out.”
“The storm surge could rush in and kill you. You need to stay in a safe place.”“The storm surge could rush in and kill you. You need to stay in a safe place.”
The storm surge could be before the storm or after the storm, depending on the winds and your location, Scott says. What’s certain is that it will surge on both coasts.The storm surge could be before the storm or after the storm, depending on the winds and your location, Scott says. What’s certain is that it will surge on both coasts.
There have been tornadoes all across central and south Florida, and hurricane force winds will be felt today as far north as Tallahassee, the capital. “Take this deadly storm seriously. Stay safe,” he says. “Pray.”There have been tornadoes all across central and south Florida, and hurricane force winds will be felt today as far north as Tallahassee, the capital. “Take this deadly storm seriously. Stay safe,” he says. “Pray.”
On Big Pine Key, Florida broadcaster Jim Edds has a brief moment of connection to the mainland.On Big Pine Key, Florida broadcaster Jim Edds has a brief moment of connection to the mainland.
Shot a few min ago as the water level dropped enough for me to connect sat uplink #Irma pic.twitter.com/2jlCj1eGurShot a few min ago as the water level dropped enough for me to connect sat uplink #Irma pic.twitter.com/2jlCj1eGur
UpdatedUpdated
at 5.21pm BSTat 5.21pm BST
5.05pm BST5.05pm BST
17:0517:05
The National Hurricane Center has issued its noon advisory on hurricane Irma, “leaving the Florida Keys and headed for the south-west Florida coast”.The National Hurricane Center has issued its noon advisory on hurricane Irma, “leaving the Florida Keys and headed for the south-west Florida coast”.
At a station at Fowey Rocks, off the coast of south-east Florida near Miami, the NWS has measured sustained winds of 75mph and a 87mph gust. At Pines Middle School, not far inland from Fort Lauderdale, the NWS had a report of a 109mph gust.At a station at Fowey Rocks, off the coast of south-east Florida near Miami, the NWS has measured sustained winds of 75mph and a 87mph gust. At Pines Middle School, not far inland from Fort Lauderdale, the NWS had a report of a 109mph gust.
The storm is about 65 miles south south-east of Naples, and moving about 9mph. There are tornado warnings and watches across virtually three-fourths of Florida.The storm is about 65 miles south south-east of Naples, and moving about 9mph. There are tornado warnings and watches across virtually three-fourths of Florida.
A tornado watch has been issued for parts of Florida and Georgia until 12 AM EDT pic.twitter.com/cnTAMUNp92A tornado watch has been issued for parts of Florida and Georgia until 12 AM EDT pic.twitter.com/cnTAMUNp92
UpdatedUpdated
at 5.14pm BSTat 5.14pm BST
4.58pm BST4.58pm BST
16:5816:58
In south-eastern Miami, a storm surge has pushed waves two to three inches deep into city blocks. The NWS predicts 2-4in of rain per hour, flash floods, and life-threatening wind to continue for hours yet.In south-eastern Miami, a storm surge has pushed waves two to three inches deep into city blocks. The NWS predicts 2-4in of rain per hour, flash floods, and life-threatening wind to continue for hours yet.
This is Brickell in downtown Miami. Totally underwater. #HurrcaneIrma @wsvn w pic.twitter.com/Fc0GsBP1T5This is Brickell in downtown Miami. Totally underwater. #HurrcaneIrma @wsvn w pic.twitter.com/Fc0GsBP1T5
4.39pm BST4.39pm BST
16:3916:39
In Naples, on Florida’s west coast, Ed Pilkington is reporting from the path of the storm as it churns north. Irma is pulling out the sea around Tampa, St Petersburg and Naples – the eerie withdrawal before the surges – and its gusts are already ripping apart buildings, signs, poles, and trees.In Naples, on Florida’s west coast, Ed Pilkington is reporting from the path of the storm as it churns north. Irma is pulling out the sea around Tampa, St Petersburg and Naples – the eerie withdrawal before the surges – and its gusts are already ripping apart buildings, signs, poles, and trees.
Last night I made the two-hour dash across the state, which has to rank as one of the weirdest drives of my life – a bullet straight road cutting across the Everglades, dodging palm tree fronds scattered across the road, startling black vultures into the air, and passing only a couple of vehicles the entire 120-mile journey.Last night I made the two-hour dash across the state, which has to rank as one of the weirdest drives of my life – a bullet straight road cutting across the Everglades, dodging palm tree fronds scattered across the road, startling black vultures into the air, and passing only a couple of vehicles the entire 120-mile journey.
We had been preparing to wake up to an intense storm here in Naples, a city of about 20,000 people in a wider metropolitan area of more than 300,000. But we woke up to a strange calm – if driving rain and trees shaking in the wind can be described as calm – explained by the fact that Irma has slowed in its northerly track to just 8mph and is now not expected to hit this area hard until this evening.We had been preparing to wake up to an intense storm here in Naples, a city of about 20,000 people in a wider metropolitan area of more than 300,000. But we woke up to a strange calm – if driving rain and trees shaking in the wind can be described as calm – explained by the fact that Irma has slowed in its northerly track to just 8mph and is now not expected to hit this area hard until this evening.
An hour ago when I drove out in Naples Florence this was a functioning billboard. When I returned it was this pic.twitter.com/cL6omDPVOvAn hour ago when I drove out in Naples Florence this was a functioning billboard. When I returned it was this pic.twitter.com/cL6omDPVOv
Police vehicles that had been ordered off the road last night are now back patrolling the streets, and several civilian pickup trucks are also driving around, giving the city the sense of normality. But that shouldn’t lead to a false sense of security.Police vehicles that had been ordered off the road last night are now back patrolling the streets, and several civilian pickup trucks are also driving around, giving the city the sense of normality. But that shouldn’t lead to a false sense of security.
When the hurricane does strike here it is anticipated to do so with up to 100-mph winds and with the capacity to cause a storm surge of up to 15ft – enough to flood the entire coastal zone of Naples and to bring the sea lapping around the evacuated hotel where I’m hunkered down. I for one have no intention of falling for it.When the hurricane does strike here it is anticipated to do so with up to 100-mph winds and with the capacity to cause a storm surge of up to 15ft – enough to flood the entire coastal zone of Naples and to bring the sea lapping around the evacuated hotel where I’m hunkered down. I for one have no intention of falling for it.
Winds up, trees down in Naples, Florida. Eye of Irma now expected to hit us around 3.30pm pic.twitter.com/dEJqt5J1hcWinds up, trees down in Naples, Florida. Eye of Irma now expected to hit us around 3.30pm pic.twitter.com/dEJqt5J1hc
4.23pm BST4.23pm BST
16:2316:23
Tampa mayor: 'we are ground zero'Tampa mayor: 'we are ground zero'
Tampa’s mayor, Bob Buckhorn, has delivered a stark warning online for everyone in one of Florida’s most densely populated regions. Buckhorn has announced a 6pm mandatory curfew.Tampa’s mayor, Bob Buckhorn, has delivered a stark warning online for everyone in one of Florida’s most densely populated regions. Buckhorn has announced a 6pm mandatory curfew.
“We know we are ground zero for this storm. We have avoided it for 90 winds but our time has come to be ready,” he wrote on Twitter. “We are about to get punched in the face by this storm.”“We know we are ground zero for this storm. We have avoided it for 90 winds but our time has come to be ready,” he wrote on Twitter. “We are about to get punched in the face by this storm.”
Buckhorn explained that as the storm truly grips south Florida, authorities will be paralyzed to help. “If you are out on the streets after 6pm we will direct you to get inside. We are taking this curfew very seriously,” he wrote. “We will not be able to come help you if the winds are sustained at 40mph or greater. We cannot put our first responders at risk.”Buckhorn explained that as the storm truly grips south Florida, authorities will be paralyzed to help. “If you are out on the streets after 6pm we will direct you to get inside. We are taking this curfew very seriously,” he wrote. “We will not be able to come help you if the winds are sustained at 40mph or greater. We cannot put our first responders at risk.”
These are the final hours to act, he added: “We could potentially take a direct hit in the Tampa Area. Take the time now to secure objects in your yard so they don’t become projectiles. The curfew will help us do our jobs to get in and clean up the debris. And @TampaElectric needs to get in to restore power.”These are the final hours to act, he added: “We could potentially take a direct hit in the Tampa Area. Take the time now to secure objects in your yard so they don’t become projectiles. The curfew will help us do our jobs to get in and clean up the debris. And @TampaElectric needs to get in to restore power.”
We are going to have a lot of friends and neighbors who need our help, let’s look out for each other and we will get through this.”We are going to have a lot of friends and neighbors who need our help, let’s look out for each other and we will get through this.”
11:04 AM: Eye of #Irma heading towards the SW #Florida coast. Everyone needs to remain sheltered in place. pic.twitter.com/S0t7vQdxXX11:04 AM: Eye of #Irma heading towards the SW #Florida coast. Everyone needs to remain sheltered in place. pic.twitter.com/S0t7vQdxXX
UpdatedUpdated
at 4.26pm BSTat 4.26pm BST
4.13pm BST4.13pm BST
16:1316:13
In eerie, parallel scenes at Tampa Bay, Fort Myers, and Key Largo, Irma’s extraordinary power is sucking back the ocean itself before storm surges crash the waves over land again.In eerie, parallel scenes at Tampa Bay, Fort Myers, and Key Largo, Irma’s extraordinary power is sucking back the ocean itself before storm surges crash the waves over land again.
On the Keys, video shows soggy, desolate expanses that only hours ago were beneath docks and boats, and that may yet flood with almost no warning.On the Keys, video shows soggy, desolate expanses that only hours ago were beneath docks and boats, and that may yet flood with almost no warning.
#Tampa Bay is being pushed out right now, as soon as those winds change that water is going to surge back in! #Irma pic.twitter.com/k7piE301mX#Tampa Bay is being pushed out right now, as soon as those winds change that water is going to surge back in! #Irma pic.twitter.com/k7piE301mX
Wow! Fort Myers beach almost looks drained...water going out due to strong offshore winds #TrackingIrma pic.twitter.com/ZF9yfybP9hWow! Fort Myers beach almost looks drained...water going out due to strong offshore winds #TrackingIrma pic.twitter.com/ZF9yfybP9h
Eerie scene in Key Largo, Florida as ocean recedes amid Hurricane #Irma, leaving boat sitting on dry land https://t.co/5Kz3EN1ESV pic.twitter.com/Gkmp3mad09Eerie scene in Key Largo, Florida as ocean recedes amid Hurricane #Irma, leaving boat sitting on dry land https://t.co/5Kz3EN1ESV pic.twitter.com/Gkmp3mad09
4.09pm BST4.09pm BST
16:0916:09
Richard Luscombe is reporting from Miami, which along with other sections of south-east Florida had an anxious night of whistling gusts and tornado warnings.Richard Luscombe is reporting from Miami, which along with other sections of south-east Florida had an anxious night of whistling gusts and tornado warnings.
It was a rough night in Miami and other areas of South Florida, where there was little sleep for those of us listening to hurricane-force gusts howling behind storm shutters and the roar of the wind complementing the crashing thunderstorms and lightning.It was a rough night in Miami and other areas of South Florida, where there was little sleep for those of us listening to hurricane-force gusts howling behind storm shutters and the roar of the wind complementing the crashing thunderstorms and lightning.
Even if you did manage to nod off, you were quickly awakened by the terrifying high-pitched alarm of your mobile phone, transmitting yet another urgent tornado warning from the National Weather Service urging residents to seek shelter in an interior room immediately.Even if you did manage to nod off, you were quickly awakened by the terrifying high-pitched alarm of your mobile phone, transmitting yet another urgent tornado warning from the National Weather Service urging residents to seek shelter in an interior room immediately.
Such warnings came several times during the night, and it was a challenge rousing our sleepy eight- and 10-year-old sons and marshalling them to immediate safety into a tiny, claustrophobic closet while avoiding filling them with panic. Each warning was in effect for 15 minutes or so before the threat was deemed to have passed, but more than once a warning was superseded by another.Such warnings came several times during the night, and it was a challenge rousing our sleepy eight- and 10-year-old sons and marshalling them to immediate safety into a tiny, claustrophobic closet while avoiding filling them with panic. Each warning was in effect for 15 minutes or so before the threat was deemed to have passed, but more than once a warning was superseded by another.
The danger of tornadoes comes from Irma’s feeder bands of storms, which have been swirling over our part of the state since the eye of the hurricane edged away from the coast of Cuba on Saturday. The threat will exist for several hours yet, into Sunday night.The danger of tornadoes comes from Irma’s feeder bands of storms, which have been swirling over our part of the state since the eye of the hurricane edged away from the coast of Cuba on Saturday. The threat will exist for several hours yet, into Sunday night.
We’ve been through this routine before, notably during Hurricane Wilma in 2005 that scored a direct hit on our part of the Sunshine State and killed 61 people. But we didn’t have kids to worry about back then.We’ve been through this routine before, notably during Hurricane Wilma in 2005 that scored a direct hit on our part of the Sunshine State and killed 61 people. But we didn’t have kids to worry about back then.
Storm surge flooding of 1-2 ft along the #Miami River just west of downtown. #HuricaneIrma #Irma #Flwx #Irma2017 pic.twitter.com/6UFyVrl000Storm surge flooding of 1-2 ft along the #Miami River just west of downtown. #HuricaneIrma #Irma #Flwx #Irma2017 pic.twitter.com/6UFyVrl000
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at 4.37pm BSTat 4.37pm BST