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Hurricane Maria: Storm grows in force to category 5 as Caribbean battered again – live Death reported in Guadeloupe as storm Maria hits – as it happened
(about 1 hour later)
9.59pm BST
21:59
This live blog is now closed.
Our coverage of Hurricane Maria is continuing in this new live blog anchored by my colleague Sam Levin.
9.13pm BST9.13pm BST
21:1321:13
Maria is now edging closer and closer to the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, the latest update from the National Hurricane Center says.Maria is now edging closer and closer to the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, the latest update from the National Hurricane Center says.
The update, released at 4pm EST, states Maria is now 185 miles south east of Puerto Rican capital San Juan, and 85 miles south east of St. Croix, home to roughly 55,000 people - half the entire population of the US Virgin Islands.The update, released at 4pm EST, states Maria is now 185 miles south east of Puerto Rican capital San Juan, and 85 miles south east of St. Croix, home to roughly 55,000 people - half the entire population of the US Virgin Islands.
The hurricane has also sped up to winds of 165 mph.The hurricane has also sped up to winds of 165 mph.
A weather station on the island of St Thomas - the westerly isle of the US Virgin Islands, has reported a gust of 48 mph, while another gust of 53 mph was reported on the tiny Dutch island of St. Eustatius.A weather station on the island of St Thomas - the westerly isle of the US Virgin Islands, has reported a gust of 48 mph, while another gust of 53 mph was reported on the tiny Dutch island of St. Eustatius.
The head of emergency services for the US Virgin Islands, Mona Barnes, has urged residents to go to designated shelters.The head of emergency services for the US Virgin Islands, Mona Barnes, has urged residents to go to designated shelters.
“You’re not making a wise decision by trying to stay at home by yourself and ride this storm out,” Barnes said. Residents have already been warned they face being without electricity for weeks.“You’re not making a wise decision by trying to stay at home by yourself and ride this storm out,” Barnes said. Residents have already been warned they face being without electricity for weeks.
8.22pm BST8.22pm BST
20:2220:22
The billionaire businessman Richard Branson has warned that catastrophic weather events like hurricanes Maria, Irma and Harvey are “the start of things to come” due to climate change.The billionaire businessman Richard Branson has warned that catastrophic weather events like hurricanes Maria, Irma and Harvey are “the start of things to come” due to climate change.
The airline operator who also owns a private island in the British Virgin Islands, which was hit by Irma and looks set to be impacted by Maria, told CNN: “Climate change is real. Ninety-nine percent of scientists know it’s real.”The airline operator who also owns a private island in the British Virgin Islands, which was hit by Irma and looks set to be impacted by Maria, told CNN: “Climate change is real. Ninety-nine percent of scientists know it’s real.”
He continued: “The whole world knows it’s real except for maybe one person in the White House.”He continued: “The whole world knows it’s real except for maybe one person in the White House.”
Asked if it was possible to link the recent spate of category 5 hurricanes to climate change, Branson said: “Look, you can never be 100% sure about links. But scientists have said the storms are going to get more and more and more intense and more and more often. We’ve had four storms within a month, all far greater than that have ever, ever, ever happened in history.”Asked if it was possible to link the recent spate of category 5 hurricanes to climate change, Branson said: “Look, you can never be 100% sure about links. But scientists have said the storms are going to get more and more and more intense and more and more often. We’ve had four storms within a month, all far greater than that have ever, ever, ever happened in history.”
You can see the full interview here.You can see the full interview here.
8.03pm BST8.03pm BST
20:0320:03
The National Hurricane Center issued another update on Maria this past hour. The storm remains a category 5 hurricane. Its eye is still projected to pass “near or over” the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico this evening and into Wednesday morning. Those regions should expect a storm surge of between six to nine feet, the center advises.The National Hurricane Center issued another update on Maria this past hour. The storm remains a category 5 hurricane. Its eye is still projected to pass “near or over” the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico this evening and into Wednesday morning. Those regions should expect a storm surge of between six to nine feet, the center advises.
The hurricane warning for Guadeloupe has been reduced to a tropical storm warning and the tropical storm warning for Martinique has been withdrawn.The hurricane warning for Guadeloupe has been reduced to a tropical storm warning and the tropical storm warning for Martinique has been withdrawn.
7.08pm BST7.08pm BST
19:0819:08
One death reported in GuadeloupeOne death reported in Guadeloupe
Hurricane Maria has claimed the life of at least one person in the French island of Guadeloupe, marking the first fatality attributed to the storm.Hurricane Maria has claimed the life of at least one person in the French island of Guadeloupe, marking the first fatality attributed to the storm.
The Associated Press reports the individual was killed by a falling tree on Tuesday morning. The storm had hit the island overnight.The Associated Press reports the individual was killed by a falling tree on Tuesday morning. The storm had hit the island overnight.
Around 40 percent of the island is now without power, equivalent to 80,000 homes and flooding has been reported in several communities, mostly along the southern coast.Around 40 percent of the island is now without power, equivalent to 80,000 homes and flooding has been reported in several communities, mostly along the southern coast.
Officials say Les Saintes, Marie-Galant, Petit-Bourg and La Desirade have been the hardest hit. Roads are littered with fallen branches and trees but only limited infrastructure damage has been reported.Officials say Les Saintes, Marie-Galant, Petit-Bourg and La Desirade have been the hardest hit. Roads are littered with fallen branches and trees but only limited infrastructure damage has been reported.
Here’s some video from a local broadcaster that shows some of the destruction. It was filmed in the Le Gosier area in the island’s south. An unnamed woman says: “There’s nothing… I don’t have anything anymore.”Here’s some video from a local broadcaster that shows some of the destruction. It was filmed in the Le Gosier area in the island’s south. An unnamed woman says: “There’s nothing… I don’t have anything anymore.”
#MARIA - À Belle Plaine au Gosier, certains ont tout perdu... #vigilancecyclonique #mariaouragan #ouragan #Guadeloupe pic.twitter.com/AJJI7Jeasb#MARIA - À Belle Plaine au Gosier, certains ont tout perdu... #vigilancecyclonique #mariaouragan #ouragan #Guadeloupe pic.twitter.com/AJJI7Jeasb
6.50pm BST6.50pm BST
18:5018:50
The latest radar images published by the Met Office, the UK’s national weather service, shows Maria’s outer bands beginning to enter the British Virgin Islands, the US Virgin Islands and the south eastern tip of Puerto Rico.The latest radar images published by the Met Office, the UK’s national weather service, shows Maria’s outer bands beginning to enter the British Virgin Islands, the US Virgin Islands and the south eastern tip of Puerto Rico.
Latest radar imagery from Puerto Rico shows the outer rain bands from Hurricane #Maria starting to cross the U.S and British Virgin Islands pic.twitter.com/kXd2lwaiJhLatest radar imagery from Puerto Rico shows the outer rain bands from Hurricane #Maria starting to cross the U.S and British Virgin Islands pic.twitter.com/kXd2lwaiJh
6.41pm BST6.41pm BST
18:4118:41
Here’s some recent footage shot just by the coastline of old San Juan in Puerto Rico. The storm is not set to hit mainland Puerto Rico until Wednesday morning but outer bands of rain have already begun to hit.Here’s some recent footage shot just by the coastline of old San Juan in Puerto Rico. The storm is not set to hit mainland Puerto Rico until Wednesday morning but outer bands of rain have already begun to hit.
A view from inside the walls of Old San Juan. We're already getting some outer rain bands of #Maria pic.twitter.com/WR567PJzIgA view from inside the walls of Old San Juan. We're already getting some outer rain bands of #Maria pic.twitter.com/WR567PJzIg
6.30pm BST6.30pm BST
18:3018:30
Norbert Figueroa, a freelance reporter working for the Guardian in Puerto Rico, has just sent this dispatch from the northeastern municipality of Carolina.Norbert Figueroa, a freelance reporter working for the Guardian in Puerto Rico, has just sent this dispatch from the northeastern municipality of Carolina.
Norbert reports that long lines of Puerto Ricans have formed outside supermarkets and grocery stores around the island. People are queueing for basic supplies, including water and fuel. Rationing of some certain commodities has already begun as supermarkets run out of provisions.Norbert reports that long lines of Puerto Ricans have formed outside supermarkets and grocery stores around the island. People are queueing for basic supplies, including water and fuel. Rationing of some certain commodities has already begun as supermarkets run out of provisions.
Puerto Ricans are battening down to what officials are calling the most intense hurricane to make landfall in the inland since 1928.Puerto Ricans are battening down to what officials are calling the most intense hurricane to make landfall in the inland since 1928.
While people on the island are used to hurricanes, the uncertainty of facing such a powerful storm, the likes of which haven’t been felt in generations, is generating considerable fear.While people on the island are used to hurricanes, the uncertainty of facing such a powerful storm, the likes of which haven’t been felt in generations, is generating considerable fear.
“I just came from the supermarket, and even now, it is still packed with people buying last minute supplies to survive the storm. There are no more generators available, and some places have run out of water and batteries,” said Antero Rivera, a resident of Carolina.“I just came from the supermarket, and even now, it is still packed with people buying last minute supplies to survive the storm. There are no more generators available, and some places have run out of water and batteries,” said Antero Rivera, a resident of Carolina.
He isn’t alone in his last minute shopping. At grocery stores across the island, queues at the tills are long. People are filling their pantries with food and cars with fuel ahead or the storm.He isn’t alone in his last minute shopping. At grocery stores across the island, queues at the tills are long. People are filling their pantries with food and cars with fuel ahead or the storm.
Puerto Rico has imposed a rationing of basic supplies including water and baby formula. That regimen has even extended to materials such as wooden panels to protect doors and windows.Puerto Rico has imposed a rationing of basic supplies including water and baby formula. That regimen has even extended to materials such as wooden panels to protect doors and windows.
The weather is already deteriorating, with intense rainfall and light gusts hitting the islands of Culebra and Vieques. Tropical storm winds are expected to be felt starting late night on Tuesday, with landfall in the mainland around 8 am on Wednesday – lasting roughly 12 hours over the island.The weather is already deteriorating, with intense rainfall and light gusts hitting the islands of Culebra and Vieques. Tropical storm winds are expected to be felt starting late night on Tuesday, with landfall in the mainland around 8 am on Wednesday – lasting roughly 12 hours over the island.
Even though the eye is expected to pass through Puerto Rico on Wednesday, the government is advising people to expect up to 72 hours of rough weather and to prepare with over a week’s worth of water and food as local rescue brigades estimate it could take up to a week to reach residents in need, especially if they are located up in mountainous regions or more remote locations.Even though the eye is expected to pass through Puerto Rico on Wednesday, the government is advising people to expect up to 72 hours of rough weather and to prepare with over a week’s worth of water and food as local rescue brigades estimate it could take up to a week to reach residents in need, especially if they are located up in mountainous regions or more remote locations.
The most recent memory of such a strong hurricane dates back to 1989 when hurricane Hugo hit the mainland.The most recent memory of such a strong hurricane dates back to 1989 when hurricane Hugo hit the mainland.
But it isn’t just Hugo in their minds. While Hurricane Irma carved a trail of destruction two weeks ago that largely avoided Puerto Rico, its powerful effects aren’t lost on Puerto Ricans who have seen their neighbors decimated.But it isn’t just Hugo in their minds. While Hurricane Irma carved a trail of destruction two weeks ago that largely avoided Puerto Rico, its powerful effects aren’t lost on Puerto Ricans who have seen their neighbors decimated.
5.46pm BST5.46pm BST
17:4617:46
As St Kitts and Nevis braces for the impact of Maria, it is also marking the 34th anniversary of independence from Britain.As St Kitts and Nevis braces for the impact of Maria, it is also marking the 34th anniversary of independence from Britain.
The US secretary of state has just issued a statement to mark the occasion. Although Rex Tillerson mentions post-Irma reconstruction efforts, he does not mention the incoming Hurricane Maria.The US secretary of state has just issued a statement to mark the occasion. Although Rex Tillerson mentions post-Irma reconstruction efforts, he does not mention the incoming Hurricane Maria.
On behalf of the United States we offer our best wishes to the people of the Federation of St Kitts and Nevis as you celebrate 34 years of independence.On behalf of the United States we offer our best wishes to the people of the Federation of St Kitts and Nevis as you celebrate 34 years of independence.
The United States is proud to be a longstanding partner and friend to the Federation of St Kitts and Nevis. Our history of collaboration on citizen security, energy, and economic development has been beneficial for both of our nations.The United States is proud to be a longstanding partner and friend to the Federation of St Kitts and Nevis. Our history of collaboration on citizen security, energy, and economic development has been beneficial for both of our nations.
We wish your people a speedy recovery in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, and look forward to strengthening our partnership in the years ahead.We wish your people a speedy recovery in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, and look forward to strengthening our partnership in the years ahead.
UpdatedUpdated
at 6.01pm BSTat 6.01pm BST
5.06pm BST5.06pm BST
17:0617:06
My colleague Oliver Milman has been speaking to St Kitts and Nevis’ high commissioner to the UK, Kevin Isaac. The high commissioner last spoke to colleagues on the islands this morning, UK time. He reports they have since lost contact and, like those on the British Virgin Islands, are preparing for the worst.My colleague Oliver Milman has been speaking to St Kitts and Nevis’ high commissioner to the UK, Kevin Isaac. The high commissioner last spoke to colleagues on the islands this morning, UK time. He reports they have since lost contact and, like those on the British Virgin Islands, are preparing for the worst.
He said:He said:
There were strong winds and heavy rains all night; no one was able to go out. The outer band of the storm was affecting St Kitts as early as last night.There were strong winds and heavy rains all night; no one was able to go out. The outer band of the storm was 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.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.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 linked Maria’s sudden intensity to climate change:Isaac linked Maria’s sudden intensity to climate change:
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.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.When the eye of the storm sits over you, it can be the end.
UpdatedUpdated
at 5.18pm BSTat 5.18pm BST
4.38pm BST4.38pm BST
16:3816:38
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.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.#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.Our prayers and thoughts are with #Dominica #HurricaneMaria did much damage.
UpdatedUpdated
at 5.02pm BSTat 5.02pm BST
4.12pm BST4.12pm BST
16:1216:12
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 update at 11am EST, it said hurricane-force gusts were 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,” it said.“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 4.38pm BSTat 4.38pm BST