This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/americas/7602155.stm

The article has changed 28 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 7 Version 8
Hurricane hits Caribbean islands Hurricane hits Caribbean islands
(about 1 hour later)
Hurricane Ike has reached Caribbean islands, bringing winds of 135mph (215kph), just days after Tropical Storm Hanna caused havoc in the region. Hurricane Ike has reached Caribbean islands, bringing winds of 135mph (215km/h), just days after Tropical Storm Hanna caused havoc in the region.
The eye of the storm is "near or over" the Turks and Caicos islands, the US National Hurricane Center (NHC) says.The eye of the storm is "near or over" the Turks and Caicos islands, the US National Hurricane Center (NHC) says.
Ike could dump 12 inches (30cm) of rain in places and cause storm surge flooding of up to 18ft (5.5m) above normal tide levels, the NHC warns.Ike could dump 12 inches (30cm) of rain in places and cause storm surge flooding of up to 18ft (5.5m) above normal tide levels, the NHC warns.
The hurricane is expected to reach the south-eastern Bahamas later on Sunday.The hurricane is expected to reach the south-eastern Bahamas later on Sunday.
Extremely dangerousExtremely dangerous
After weakening on Saturday, Ike regained strength as it approached the islands, and the NHC now describes it as an "extremely dangerous" Category Four hurricane.After weakening on Saturday, Ike regained strength as it approached the islands, and the NHC now describes it as an "extremely dangerous" Category Four hurricane.
Before it reached the islands, the Turks and Caicos' prime minister, Michael Misick, warned residents of the dangers of staying in low-lying areas. SAFFIR-SIMPSON SCALE Cat 1: Winds 74-95mph (119-153km/h). No real damage to buildings Cat 2: Winds 96-110mph (154-177km/h). Storm surge 6-8 feet (1.8-2.8 metres) above normal Cat 3: Winds 111-130mph (178-209km/h). Major hurricane. Coastal flooding destroys smaller structures Cat 4: Winds 131-155mph (210-249km/h). Large storm surge and widespread damage to smaller buildingsCat 5: Winds greater than 155mph (249km/h). Small buildings blown away, roofs on large buildings destroyed. All trees and signs knocked down. Widespread coastal flooding. Source: US National Hurricane Center In pictures: Haiti reliefEyewitness: Haiti's ordealsWarming boosts strongest stormsBefore it reached the islands, the Turks and Caicos' prime minister, Michael Misick, warned residents of the dangers of staying in low-lying areas. SAFFIR-SIMPSON SCALE Cat 1: Winds 74-95mph (119-153km/h). No real damage to buildings Cat 2: Winds 96-110mph (154-177km/h). Storm surge 6-8 feet (1.8-2.8 metres) above normal Cat 3: Winds 111-130mph (178-209km/h). Major hurricane. Coastal flooding destroys smaller structures Cat 4: Winds 131-155mph (210-249km/h). Large storm surge and widespread damage to smaller buildingsCat 5: Winds greater than 155mph (249km/h). Small buildings blown away, roofs on large buildings destroyed. All trees and signs knocked down. Widespread coastal flooding. Source: US National Hurricane Center In pictures: Haiti reliefEyewitness: Haiti's ordealsWarming boosts strongest storms
"Ike is an extremely dangerous hurricane," he said."Ike is an extremely dangerous hurricane," he said.
"Those more vulnerable, those living in low-lying coastal areas should be planning to move soon to shelters or safer locations with family and friends on higher ground," Mr Misick added."Those more vulnerable, those living in low-lying coastal areas should be planning to move soon to shelters or safer locations with family and friends on higher ground," Mr Misick added.
"Anyone intending to remain in low-lying areas will be placing their lives and the lives of others at risk.""Anyone intending to remain in low-lying areas will be placing their lives and the lives of others at risk."
After Hanna pummelled the low-lying islands earlier in the week, many residents and visitors have already decided to leave.After Hanna pummelled the low-lying islands earlier in the week, many residents and visitors have already decided to leave.
Cuba threatCuba threat
Heading west southwest at about 15mph (24kph), Ike should hit the northern coast of eastern Cuba by late Sunday or early Monday, according to the NHC forecast.Heading west southwest at about 15mph (24kph), Ike should hit the northern coast of eastern Cuba by late Sunday or early Monday, according to the NHC forecast.
If it stays on its projected course, Ike will cut across the island from east to west, putting the crumbling colonial buildings of the capital, Havana, at risk.If it stays on its projected course, Ike will cut across the island from east to west, putting the crumbling colonial buildings of the capital, Havana, at risk.
Cuba has issued a hurricane watch for its eastern provinces. See Ike's predicted pathThe centre of the hurricane is forecast to pass to the north of Haiti, which shares the island of Hispaniola with the Dominican Republic.Cuba has issued a hurricane watch for its eastern provinces. See Ike's predicted pathThe centre of the hurricane is forecast to pass to the north of Haiti, which shares the island of Hispaniola with the Dominican Republic.
But Haiti, already reeling from three major storms in as many weeks, will not be spared, with up to 12in (30cm) of rain due to fall.But Haiti, already reeling from three major storms in as many weeks, will not be spared, with up to 12in (30cm) of rain due to fall.
As floodwaters caused by Tropical Storm Hanna receded, Haitian officials said more than 500 people had been killed.As floodwaters caused by Tropical Storm Hanna receded, Haitian officials said more than 500 people had been killed.
Hurricane Gustav last week and Tropical Storm Fay two weeks ago killed about 120 people.Hurricane Gustav last week and Tropical Storm Fay two weeks ago killed about 120 people.
Hardest hit by Hanna was the city of Gonaives, which was flooded with up to 16ft of water that has only now begun to recede.Hardest hit by Hanna was the city of Gonaives, which was flooded with up to 16ft of water that has only now begun to recede.
Supplies scarceSupplies scarce
The devastation there has been described as catastrophic.The devastation there has been described as catastrophic.
Police said 500 people were confirmed dead but that others are still missing and the number could rise higher.Police said 500 people were confirmed dead but that others are still missing and the number could rise higher.
Bahamas prepares for Hurricane IkeBahamas prepares for Hurricane Ike
The UN's World Food Programme (WFP) said hundreds of thousands of people had been displaced by the flooding.The UN's World Food Programme (WFP) said hundreds of thousands of people had been displaced by the flooding.
The WFP has begun distributing food aid but a spokesperson said the scale of the disaster was putting their resources to the test.The WFP has begun distributing food aid but a spokesperson said the scale of the disaster was putting their resources to the test.
Other aid workers say people's spirits are running low after the successive storms.Other aid workers say people's spirits are running low after the successive storms.
"Food supplies and water are scarce and the price of the food that's left is rising," said Parnell Denis from Oxfam in Gonaives."Food supplies and water are scarce and the price of the food that's left is rising," said Parnell Denis from Oxfam in Gonaives.
"The morale of people staying in the shelters is so very low; I am afraid to tell them that another storm is on its way.""The morale of people staying in the shelters is so very low; I am afraid to tell them that another storm is on its way."
More bad weather will hamper the aid effort even further.More bad weather will hamper the aid effort even further.
In the Dominican Republic, which shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, there have been no reports of major damage.In the Dominican Republic, which shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, there have been no reports of major damage.
However, preparations are under way for the arrival of Hurricane Ike.However, preparations are under way for the arrival of Hurricane Ike.
"The ground is saturated and some of the dams in the south-east region are fairly close to their maximum capacity," said meteorological official Gloria Ceballos."The ground is saturated and some of the dams in the south-east region are fairly close to their maximum capacity," said meteorological official Gloria Ceballos.
Civil defence director Colonel Juan Manuel Mendez said Dominican troops had been put on alert.Civil defence director Colonel Juan Manuel Mendez said Dominican troops had been put on alert.
Return Return
Are you in the Caribbean? Have you been affected by the storms? What preparations have you made to deal with the adverse weather? Send us your comments and experiences using the form below.Are you in the Caribbean? Have you been affected by the storms? What preparations have you made to deal with the adverse weather? Send us your comments and experiences using the form below.
We're sitting in our boarded up house watching movies while we still have power. Wind currently 50 miles per hour - one third of what's predicted to reach us in a few hours. Keeping in touch with friends on the island via text - everyone's a bit nervous and can't wait for it to all be over.We're sitting in our boarded up house watching movies while we still have power. Wind currently 50 miles per hour - one third of what's predicted to reach us in a few hours. Keeping in touch with friends on the island via text - everyone's a bit nervous and can't wait for it to all be over.
Lynne, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos IslandsLynne, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands
Currently there is 9 of us in a friends house. We are up stairs ( as we are expecting seas up to 18 feet higher than normal) waiting for the storm to hit. The winds are picking up now and are gusting to about 50 mph. We have plenty of supplies and are ready for the worst.... we hope!!!Currently there is 9 of us in a friends house. We are up stairs ( as we are expecting seas up to 18 feet higher than normal) waiting for the storm to hit. The winds are picking up now and are gusting to about 50 mph. We have plenty of supplies and are ready for the worst.... we hope!!!
Nathan, Providenciales. Turks and Caicos islandsNathan, Providenciales. Turks and Caicos islands
We own a 45 foot sailboat in Key West. We've removed all of the sails and rigging, secured the dinghy on the foredeck with heavy nylon straps, removed everything loose from the deck, opened the through hulls, disconnected all electrical circuits, stored the vessel on dry land and moved to California for the rest of the hurricane season.We own a 45 foot sailboat in Key West. We've removed all of the sails and rigging, secured the dinghy on the foredeck with heavy nylon straps, removed everything loose from the deck, opened the through hulls, disconnected all electrical circuits, stored the vessel on dry land and moved to California for the rest of the hurricane season.
Marshall, Key West, FloridaMarshall, Key West, Florida
it's been beautiful day (Saturday), no clouds in the sky and a nice breeze but you kind of know it's the calm before the storm. I know I have been through a few hurricanes here in the last 6 years. Most people are stocking up on water, canned food, batteries and the like its almost normal here to make hurricane preparations. Some are putting up the shutters on windows and some have never come off in years.it's been beautiful day (Saturday), no clouds in the sky and a nice breeze but you kind of know it's the calm before the storm. I know I have been through a few hurricanes here in the last 6 years. Most people are stocking up on water, canned food, batteries and the like its almost normal here to make hurricane preparations. Some are putting up the shutters on windows and some have never come off in years.
All we can do is get on with life and keep one eye on the TV for weather updates.All we can do is get on with life and keep one eye on the TV for weather updates.
Gordon, Miami, FloridaGordon, Miami, Florida
Hanna is enroute and the big apple is having a tropical time already: muggy warm air; strong winds with gusts in excess of 40 knots blowing through city streets; sheets of warm rain pounding the pavement clean; the meagre urban trees are getting their smaller limbs blown off; tourists in yellow ponchos, still lost; and, besides the city kids outside goofing in the rain, the sidewalks are almost deserted!Hanna is enroute and the big apple is having a tropical time already: muggy warm air; strong winds with gusts in excess of 40 knots blowing through city streets; sheets of warm rain pounding the pavement clean; the meagre urban trees are getting their smaller limbs blown off; tourists in yellow ponchos, still lost; and, besides the city kids outside goofing in the rain, the sidewalks are almost deserted!
Richard, Manhattan, New YorkRichard, Manhattan, New York
This year has been interesting. So far the island has had no threats from any hurricanes. One of the reasons could be that we are having a summer that is cooler than usual. The temperature rarely drops below 80F in August or September, but this year there have been no evenings when this has not occurred. I thought with 'Global Warming' this was unlikely to happen. I wonder if movement of the 'gulf stream might be responsible?This year has been interesting. So far the island has had no threats from any hurricanes. One of the reasons could be that we are having a summer that is cooler than usual. The temperature rarely drops below 80F in August or September, but this year there have been no evenings when this has not occurred. I thought with 'Global Warming' this was unlikely to happen. I wonder if movement of the 'gulf stream might be responsible?
Michael, St.Georges, BermudaMichael, St.Georges, Bermuda
Send your pictures to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to +44 7725 100 100. If you have a large file you can upload here.Read the terms and conditions Send your pictures to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to +44 7725 100 100. If you have a large file you can upload here.Read the terms and conditions
At no time should you endanger yourself or others, take any unnecessary risks or infringe any laws.At no time should you endanger yourself or others, take any unnecessary risks or infringe any laws.
Name
 Name