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Hurricane Maria: Storm grows in force to category 5 as Caribbean battered again – live Hurricane Maria: Storm grows in force to category 5 as Caribbean battered again – live
(35 minutes later)
5.06pm BST
17:06
My colleague Oliver Milman has been speaking to St Kitts and Nevis’ high commissioner to the United Kingdom, Kevin Isaac. The high commissioner last spoke to colleagues on the islands earlier this morning, UK time. He reports they have since lost contact and, like those on the British Virgin Islands, are preparing for the worst.
Here are some full quotes:
There were strong winds and heavy rains all night, no-one was able to go out. the outer band of the storm will be affecting St Kitts as early as last night.
I’ve already heard reports of the winds picking up but we’ve lost contact at the moment. I’m keeping my fingers crossed. The storm was expected but this intensity wasn’t expected. There’s been this sudden and dramatic change.
People have been advised to stay at home. It has been the same warnings as for Irma. I was more worried about Irma but this hurricane is really picking up in intensity.
Isaac was also keen to link Maria’s sudden intensity to climate change. He added:
There is a natural inclination to ask ‘what is going on?’ Our fishing stock is migrating south because the water is getting warmer. And the scientists tell us that hurricanes pick up strength in warm waters. You may say it’s not climate change but there certainly has been a dramatic change.
When the eye of the storm sits over you, it can be the end.
4.38pm BST
16:38
The St Kitts and Nevis prime minister, Timothy Harris, has told residents to stay indoors until the storm passes. Hurricane Maria is expected to hit the twin islands this afternoon.
#Stkitts & #Nevis still under #hurricane warning. As Prime Minister I Invite all to stay indoors until the hurricane experts give all clear.
Our prayers and thoughts are with #Dominica #HurricaneMaria did much damage.
Updated
at 5.02pm BST
4.12pm BST4.12pm BST
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Maria remains at category 5Maria remains at category 5
The US National Hurricane Center reports that Maria remains at category 5, with sustained winds of 160mph. In an 11am EST update, the center finds that hurricane force winds are extending for 35 miles from Maria’s center. The US National Hurricane Center reports that Maria remains at category 5 with sustained winds of 160mph. In an update at 11am EST, it said hurricane-force gusts were extending for 35 miles from Maria’s center.
“Some fluctuations in intensity are likely during the next day or two, but Maria is forecast to remain an extremely dangerous category 4 or 5 hurricane until it moves near or over the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico,” the center says. “Some fluctuations in intensity are likely during the next day or two, but Maria is forecast to remain an extremely dangerous category 4 or 5 hurricane until it moves near or over the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico,” it said.
#BREAKING 11 a.m. update: #HurricaneMaria remains a Category 5 storm with maximum sustained winds of 160 mph. pic.twitter.com/fbfr66pVx0#BREAKING 11 a.m. update: #HurricaneMaria remains a Category 5 storm with maximum sustained winds of 160 mph. pic.twitter.com/fbfr66pVx0
Here are the Key Messages for #Maria advisory 14. Go to https://t.co/tW4KeGdBFb for details pic.twitter.com/ADvJBi9UpIHere are the Key Messages for #Maria advisory 14. Go to https://t.co/tW4KeGdBFb for details pic.twitter.com/ADvJBi9UpI
UpdatedUpdated
at 4.19pm BST at 4.38pm BST
3.58pm BST3.58pm BST
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Benito Wheatley, the British Virgin Islands’ UK and EU representative, has told the Guardian the archipelago is “preparing for the worst” as Maria makes its way north. The islands were devastated by Hurricane Irma, which destroyed at least 80% of structures and left no schools or tourism businesses functioning.Benito Wheatley, the British Virgin Islands’ UK and EU representative, has told the Guardian the archipelago is “preparing for the worst” as Maria makes its way north. The islands were devastated by Hurricane Irma, which destroyed at least 80% of structures and left no schools or tourism businesses functioning.
Wheatley, who is in New York for the UN general assembly, last spoke to representatives on the islands on Monday night. He says they are preparing for the hurricane to hit this evening.Wheatley, who is in New York for the UN general assembly, last spoke to representatives on the islands on Monday night. He says they are preparing for the hurricane to hit this evening.
As you can imagine the communities in the BVI after Irma are very very vulnerable. Things had begun to stabilize on the ground, with the mobilization of UK military police and humanitarian workers. But now this has all ground to a halt as people move into emergency preparation for Hurricane Maria.As you can imagine the communities in the BVI after Irma are very very vulnerable. Things had begun to stabilize on the ground, with the mobilization of UK military police and humanitarian workers. But now this has all ground to a halt as people move into emergency preparation for Hurricane Maria.
People are very concerned because the shelters that they have, many of them have been weakened, many of the homes don’t have roofs, a large number of persons were staying in a home that was intended for just a few people, so they’re squeezed in.People are very concerned because the shelters that they have, many of them have been weakened, many of the homes don’t have roofs, a large number of persons were staying in a home that was intended for just a few people, so they’re squeezed in.
The debris that was caused by Hurricane Irma is still there. The greenery and the trees on the hills have been badly damaged by Irma, they were basically wiped out and therefore there’s nothing to really hold the soil together, so there’s a concern about mudslides.The debris that was caused by Hurricane Irma is still there. The greenery and the trees on the hills have been badly damaged by Irma, they were basically wiped out and therefore there’s nothing to really hold the soil together, so there’s a concern about mudslides.
We know it [Maria] is going to come very, very close. We are preparing for the worst that is what we have to do, given the very vulnerable state of the communities there. Even if it’s not a direct hit, you can imagine that just a storm of that size coming anywhere near the BVI in it’s current condition could be very damaging.We know it [Maria] is going to come very, very close. We are preparing for the worst that is what we have to do, given the very vulnerable state of the communities there. Even if it’s not a direct hit, you can imagine that just a storm of that size coming anywhere near the BVI in it’s current condition could be very damaging.
We are going to need as much support as we can get going forward.We are going to need as much support as we can get going forward.
UpdatedUpdated
at 4.13pm BSTat 4.13pm BST
3.02pm BST3.02pm BST
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Lines of communications with Dominica still appear to be down after Maria hit.Lines of communications with Dominica still appear to be down after Maria hit.
Chris Austin, head of the UK’s taskforce in the region, says the Caribbean regional agency for disaster has pre-stocked supplies on the island. In a video update he said the UK would be looking to help reinforce those supplies.Chris Austin, head of the UK’s taskforce in the region, says the Caribbean regional agency for disaster has pre-stocked supplies on the island. In a video update he said the UK would be looking to help reinforce those supplies.
WATCH: Chris Austin, Head of UK Taskforce on Hurricanes #Irma & #Maria, updates on the current situation in the Caribbean & #UKaid response pic.twitter.com/EFoSbKLjPDWATCH: Chris Austin, Head of UK Taskforce on Hurricanes #Irma & #Maria, updates on the current situation in the Caribbean & #UKaid response pic.twitter.com/EFoSbKLjPD
UpdatedUpdated
at 3.07pm BSTat 3.07pm BST
2.47pm BST2.47pm BST
14:4714:47
What we know so farWhat we know so far
Hurricane Maria is heading across the Caribbean Sea as a category 5 storm towards Montserrat, the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico after causing widespread damage on the island of Dominica.Hurricane Maria is heading across the Caribbean Sea as a category 5 storm towards Montserrat, the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico after causing widespread damage on the island of Dominica.
Winds of up to 160mph (260km/h) and heavy rains lashed Dominica as the eye of the hurricane passed directly across it late on Monday. The prime minister, Roosevelt Skerrit – who had to be rescued from his flooded home – said the island had “lost all that money can buy”. He added: “My greatest fear for the morning is that we will wake to news of serious physical injury and possible deaths as a result of likely landslides triggered by persistent rains.”Winds of up to 160mph (260km/h) and heavy rains lashed Dominica as the eye of the hurricane passed directly across it late on Monday. The prime minister, Roosevelt Skerrit – who had to be rescued from his flooded home – said the island had “lost all that money can buy”. He added: “My greatest fear for the morning is that we will wake to news of serious physical injury and possible deaths as a result of likely landslides triggered by persistent rains.”
There has been no official word from Dominica since Skerrit said there was widespread damage, with roofs swept from buildings. Reports said Princess Margaret hospital in Roseau, the capital, was battered and radio stations stopped broadcasting as the storm crashed over the island of 72,000 people.There has been no official word from Dominica since Skerrit said there was widespread damage, with roofs swept from buildings. Reports said Princess Margaret hospital in Roseau, the capital, was battered and radio stations stopped broadcasting as the storm crashed over the island of 72,000 people.
The storm briefly dipped to a category 4 before regaining strength to a category 5. On the forecast track, the eye of Maria will move over the north-eastern Caribbean Sea on Tuesday, and approach the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico tonight and Wednesday.The storm briefly dipped to a category 4 before regaining strength to a category 5. On the forecast track, the eye of Maria will move over the north-eastern Caribbean Sea on Tuesday, and approach the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico tonight and Wednesday.
A curfew has been imposed on the British Virgin Islands where relief efforts from Hurricane Irma have been halted. The governor, Gus Jaspert, said debris left by Hurricane Irma was being cleared so that it did not “turn into missiles flying at buildings” during Hurricane Maria. “Our islands are extremely vulnerable right now,” prime minister Orlando Smith warnedA curfew has been imposed on the British Virgin Islands where relief efforts from Hurricane Irma have been halted. The governor, Gus Jaspert, said debris left by Hurricane Irma was being cleared so that it did not “turn into missiles flying at buildings” during Hurricane Maria. “Our islands are extremely vulnerable right now,” prime minister Orlando Smith warned
The Foreign Office is warning against travelling to the BVI, Montserrat, Anguilla and the Turks and Caicos Islands.The Foreign Office is warning against travelling to the BVI, Montserrat, Anguilla and the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Puerto Rico is preparing for what could be the strongest hurricane to slam the island for almost a century. The governor, Ricardo Rosselló, urged islanders to find safe shelter. “All indications are that this is going to be devastating and catastrophic,” he told CNN.Puerto Rico is preparing for what could be the strongest hurricane to slam the island for almost a century. The governor, Ricardo Rosselló, urged islanders to find safe shelter. “All indications are that this is going to be devastating and catastrophic,” he told CNN.
UpdatedUpdated
at 2.58pm BSTat 2.58pm BST
1.55pm BST1.55pm BST
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Orlando Smith, the premier of the British Virgin Islands, has reminded islanders to stick to the curfew that has been in place since 6pm on Monday local time.Orlando Smith, the premier of the British Virgin Islands, has reminded islanders to stick to the curfew that has been in place since 6pm on Monday local time.
In an audio message on Monday he warned that debris from Hurricane Irma could become “dangerous projectiles” during Hurricane Maria.In an audio message on Monday he warned that debris from Hurricane Irma could become “dangerous projectiles” during Hurricane Maria.
“Our islands are extremely vulnerable right now,” Smith warned. He added: “I urge everyone to finalise their plans to be indoors for tonight’s curfew and remain there until an all-clear is given.”“Our islands are extremely vulnerable right now,” Smith warned. He added: “I urge everyone to finalise their plans to be indoors for tonight’s curfew and remain there until an all-clear is given.”
UpdatedUpdated
at 2.21pm BSTat 2.21pm BST
1.43pm BST1.43pm BST
13:4313:43
The US National Hurricane Centre has given a video update on the “potentially catastrophic” Hurricane Maria as it approaches Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Island of Saint Croix.The US National Hurricane Centre has given a video update on the “potentially catastrophic” Hurricane Maria as it approaches Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Island of Saint Croix.
“Everybody in those islands should have their preparations rushed to completion,” Mike Brennan, the NHC’s senior hurricane specialist, warns.“Everybody in those islands should have their preparations rushed to completion,” Mike Brennan, the NHC’s senior hurricane specialist, warns.
Watch on #Periscope: Live update from NHC on Hurricane Maria https://t.co/tPOIQ3J64IWatch on #Periscope: Live update from NHC on Hurricane Maria https://t.co/tPOIQ3J64I
UpdatedUpdated
at 2.29pm BSTat 2.29pm BST
1.06pm BST1.06pm BST
13:0613:06
There has been no more official word from Dominica since the prime minister, Roosevelt Skerrit, reported “widespread devastation” and fears of deaths from flooding and mudslides on Facebook earlier today.There has been no more official word from Dominica since the prime minister, Roosevelt Skerrit, reported “widespread devastation” and fears of deaths from flooding and mudslides on Facebook earlier today.
A police official on the island, Insp Pellam Jno Baptiste, said late on Monday there were no immediate reports of casualties but it was too dangerous for officers to check conditions. “Where we are, we can’t move,” he said in a brief phone interview with Associated Press.A police official on the island, Insp Pellam Jno Baptiste, said late on Monday there were no immediate reports of casualties but it was too dangerous for officers to check conditions. “Where we are, we can’t move,” he said in a brief phone interview with Associated Press.
The first unverified images and video of purported damage to Dominica are starting to emerge.The first unverified images and video of purported damage to Dominica are starting to emerge.
Category 5 #HurricaneMaria damage in #Dominica #hurricanemaria2017#PrayForDominica #DominicaStrong pic.twitter.com/0lOUxoAEpvCategory 5 #HurricaneMaria damage in #Dominica #hurricanemaria2017#PrayForDominica #DominicaStrong pic.twitter.com/0lOUxoAEpv
#HurricaneMaria in #Dominica #hurricanemaria2017#PrayForDominica #DominicaStrong pic.twitter.com/72mZo9O4XG#HurricaneMaria in #Dominica #hurricanemaria2017#PrayForDominica #DominicaStrong pic.twitter.com/72mZo9O4XG
UpdatedUpdated
at 1.32pm BSTat 1.32pm BST
12.21pm BST12.21pm BST
12:2112:21
Puerto Rico’s governor, Ricardo Rosselló, has warned of a potentially “devastating and catastrophic” impact as Hurricane Maria heads towards the island.Puerto Rico’s governor, Ricardo Rosselló, has warned of a potentially “devastating and catastrophic” impact as Hurricane Maria heads towards the island.
Speaking to CNN he said:Speaking to CNN he said:
We have 500 shelters. We have people moving to those shelters, and right now the priority is to make sure people are safe in Puerto Rico.We have 500 shelters. We have people moving to those shelters, and right now the priority is to make sure people are safe in Puerto Rico.
Complacency worries me the most. People might not understand the magnitude of this hurricane, or might think it won’t hit us as hard. All indications are that this is going to be devastating and catastrophic.Complacency worries me the most. People might not understand the magnitude of this hurricane, or might think it won’t hit us as hard. All indications are that this is going to be devastating and catastrophic.
Although the brunt of the hurricane will pass on Wednesday, we are going to start receiving a lot of rain and a lot of flurries from Tuesday up until even Saturday. This is going to be a very dangerous time.Although the brunt of the hurricane will pass on Wednesday, we are going to start receiving a lot of rain and a lot of flurries from Tuesday up until even Saturday. This is going to be a very dangerous time.
Infrastructure is going to be severely crippled. Our energy infrastructure is already weak, so we are going to suffer a major blow on that. Obviously some of the housing over here is inadequate, so anything that is not concrete you can expect that it is going to break or fall apart. Housing in the coastal lines is expected to have surges.Infrastructure is going to be severely crippled. Our energy infrastructure is already weak, so we are going to suffer a major blow on that. Obviously some of the housing over here is inadequate, so anything that is not concrete you can expect that it is going to break or fall apart. Housing in the coastal lines is expected to have surges.
Our petition to all the viewers that have family members in Puerto Rico is to let them know it is critical for them to find safe shelter.Our petition to all the viewers that have family members in Puerto Rico is to let them know it is critical for them to find safe shelter.
UpdatedUpdated
at 1.32pm BSTat 1.32pm BST
11.59am BST11.59am BST
11:5911:59
What we know so farWhat we know so far
Hurricane Maria is heading across the Caribbean Sea as a category 5 storm towards Montserrat, the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico after causing widespread damage on the island of Dominica.Hurricane Maria is heading across the Caribbean Sea as a category 5 storm towards Montserrat, the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico after causing widespread damage on the island of Dominica.
Winds of up to 160mph (260km/h) and heavy rains lashed Dominica as the eye of the hurricane passed directly across it late on Monday. The prime minister, Roosevelt Skerrit – who had to be rescued from his flooded home – said the island had “lost all that money can buy”. He added: “My greatest fear for the morning is that we will wake to news of serious physical injury and possible deaths as a result of likely landslides triggered by persistent rains.”Winds of up to 160mph (260km/h) and heavy rains lashed Dominica as the eye of the hurricane passed directly across it late on Monday. The prime minister, Roosevelt Skerrit – who had to be rescued from his flooded home – said the island had “lost all that money can buy”. He added: “My greatest fear for the morning is that we will wake to news of serious physical injury and possible deaths as a result of likely landslides triggered by persistent rains.”
Skerrit said there was widespread damage, with roofs swept from buildings. Reports said Princess Margaret hospital in Roseau, the capital, was battered and radio stations stopped broadcasting as the storm crashed over the island of 72,000 people.Skerrit said there was widespread damage, with roofs swept from buildings. Reports said Princess Margaret hospital in Roseau, the capital, was battered and radio stations stopped broadcasting as the storm crashed over the island of 72,000 people.
Maria has since skirted to the south of the French overseas territory of Guadeloupe, heading towards Montserrat and St Kitts and Nevis.Maria has since skirted to the south of the French overseas territory of Guadeloupe, heading towards Montserrat and St Kitts and Nevis.
The storm briefly dipped to a category 4 before regaining strength to a category 5. On the forecast track, the eye of Maria will move over the north-eastern Caribbean Sea on Tuesday, and approach the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico tonight and Wednesday.The storm briefly dipped to a category 4 before regaining strength to a category 5. On the forecast track, the eye of Maria will move over the north-eastern Caribbean Sea on Tuesday, and approach the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico tonight and Wednesday.
A curfew has been imposed on the British Virgin Islands where relief efforts from Hurricane Irma have been halted. The governor, Gus Jaspert, said debris left by Hurricane Irma was being cleared so that it did not “turn into missiles flying at buildings” during Hurricane Maria.A curfew has been imposed on the British Virgin Islands where relief efforts from Hurricane Irma have been halted. The governor, Gus Jaspert, said debris left by Hurricane Irma was being cleared so that it did not “turn into missiles flying at buildings” during Hurricane Maria.
The Foreign Office is warning against travelling to the BVI, Montserrat, Anguilla and the Turks and Caicos Islands.The Foreign Office is warning against travelling to the BVI, Montserrat, Anguilla and the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Puerto Rico is also preparing for what could be the strongest hurricane to slam the island for almost a century. On Monday, the public safety commissioner, Héctor Pesquera, told residents in homes not built to withstand such intense winds to move to shelters. “You have to evacuate otherwise you’re going to die. I don’t know how to make this any clearer,” he said.Puerto Rico is also preparing for what could be the strongest hurricane to slam the island for almost a century. On Monday, the public safety commissioner, Héctor Pesquera, told residents in homes not built to withstand such intense winds to move to shelters. “You have to evacuate otherwise you’re going to die. I don’t know how to make this any clearer,” he said.
UpdatedUpdated
at 12.22pm BSTat 12.22pm BST
11.43am BST11.43am BST
11:4311:43
The French island of Martinique has escaped Hurricane Maria largely unscathed, Reuters reports.The French island of Martinique has escaped Hurricane Maria largely unscathed, Reuters reports.
A communications blackout with Guadeloupe meant it would be several more hours before damage there could be assessed, a senior French Civil Protection official said on Tuesday.A communications blackout with Guadeloupe meant it would be several more hours before damage there could be assessed, a senior French Civil Protection official said on Tuesday.
“In Martinique, reconnaissance operations are still under way but already we can see that there is no significant damage,” Jacques Witkowski, France’s head of civil protection and crisis response, told a news briefing in Paris.“In Martinique, reconnaissance operations are still under way but already we can see that there is no significant damage,” Jacques Witkowski, France’s head of civil protection and crisis response, told a news briefing in Paris.
He said the hurricane was less than 43.5 miles (70km) south of Guadeloupe.He said the hurricane was less than 43.5 miles (70km) south of Guadeloupe.
“Right now we’re in a blackout zone, so it’s very, very hard to communicate with Guadeloupe,” Witkowski said.“Right now we’re in a blackout zone, so it’s very, very hard to communicate with Guadeloupe,” Witkowski said.
Two people on Martinique suffered minor injuries, according to French media reports citing the civil protection ministry.Two people on Martinique suffered minor injuries, according to French media reports citing the civil protection ministry.
"Deux personnes très légèrement blessées en #Martinique", selon un bilan provisoire de la @SecCivileFrance Direct: https://t.co/hurj9SHwJM pic.twitter.com/OSEQBMvonU"Deux personnes très légèrement blessées en #Martinique", selon un bilan provisoire de la @SecCivileFrance Direct: https://t.co/hurj9SHwJM pic.twitter.com/OSEQBMvonU
UpdatedUpdated
at 3.16pm BSTat 3.16pm BST
11.32am BST11.32am BST
11:3211:32
Hurricane Maria skirted Barbados to the north but it still produced heavy rain and winds, prompting flights to be cancelled and schools to be closed.Hurricane Maria skirted Barbados to the north but it still produced heavy rain and winds, prompting flights to be cancelled and schools to be closed.
We got heavy rain and winds in Barbados. Flights got cancelled yesterday.We got heavy rain and winds in Barbados. Flights got cancelled yesterday.
UpdatedUpdated
at 12.07pm BSTat 12.07pm BST