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Hurricane Dorian: aerial footage reveals extent of devastation in Bahamas – live news Hurricane Dorian: aerial footage reveals extent of devastation in Bahamas – live news
(32 minutes later)
Hello readers, West Coast reporter Kari Paul here to keep you updated on hurricane news for the afternoon. Stay tuned for more.
It’s been a dramatic day despite Hurricane Dorian moving so slowly, because the scale of the catastrophe in the Bahamas is only now being revealed for a shocked world to witness.
And also, Dorian has been downgraded to a category 2 hurricane, something over 100 miles from Florida’s Space Coast this hour, but it is expanding in size and is still a serious threat to northern Florida and up along the Carolinas coast.
In recent hours:
The National Hurricane Center warned that Dorian is speeding up again and heading for the south-eastern US, with storm surge flooding the greatest threat at this stage, for the Carolinas.
Parts of the Bahamas have been utterly destroyed and the aerial footage emerging is shocking and heart-wrenching.
Queen Elizabeth, head of state in the Bahamas, a commonwealth realm, has sent official commiserations after the Bahamian government lamented the terrible disaster to hit the archipelago nation.
Dorian, which had been stalled, devastatingly, over Grand Bahama, finally shifted away this morning and began creeping, first at 1mph, now, by afternoon, at 6mph, towards the US coast, in the direction of northern Florida.
I’m handing over to my west coast colleague, Kari Paul, now.
Bahamian floodingBahamian flooding
Here’s another batch of satellite images showing before and after Dorian inundation in the Bahamas, as reported by CNBC.Here’s another batch of satellite images showing before and after Dorian inundation in the Bahamas, as reported by CNBC.
And there are some new maps from the Weather Channel, as the hurricane, now category 2 but expanding in size and therefore threat of storm surge flooding for the US south-east coast, heads for Florida.And there are some new maps from the Weather Channel, as the hurricane, now category 2 but expanding in size and therefore threat of storm surge flooding for the US south-east coast, heads for Florida.
#Dorian has picked up speed and is now moving NW at 6 mph. It is expected to move near or over the Carolinas sometime late Thursday.Hurricane watches and warnings have been extended northward, and a tropical storm watch is now in effect for parts of coastal Virginia. pic.twitter.com/iKx2FY2JWu#Dorian has picked up speed and is now moving NW at 6 mph. It is expected to move near or over the Carolinas sometime late Thursday.Hurricane watches and warnings have been extended northward, and a tropical storm watch is now in effect for parts of coastal Virginia. pic.twitter.com/iKx2FY2JWu
The hurricane is now moving north-west at 6mph. Dorian is about 125 miles east-south-east of Cape Canaveral, according to the National Hurricane Center.The hurricane is now moving north-west at 6mph. Dorian is about 125 miles east-south-east of Cape Canaveral, according to the National Hurricane Center.
Winds are at a sustained speed of 110mph. The storm surge warning has been extended northwards to Surf City, North Carolina.Winds are at a sustained speed of 110mph. The storm surge warning has been extended northwards to Surf City, North Carolina.
The storm surge Watch has been extended northward to Duck, North Carolina, including the Pamlico and Albemarle Sounds and the Neuse and Pamlico Rivers.The storm surge Watch has been extended northward to Duck, North Carolina, including the Pamlico and Albemarle Sounds and the Neuse and Pamlico Rivers.
A hurricane warning has been issued from Savannah River to Edisto Beach, South Carolina, and from South Santee River, South Carolina, to Surf City, North Carolina.A hurricane warning has been issued from Savannah River to Edisto Beach, South Carolina, and from South Santee River, South Carolina, to Surf City, North Carolina.
What was a hurricane warning from around Vero Beach to Jupiter, Florida, has been downgraded to a tropical storm warning. And south of Jupiter, there is no longer a tropical storm warning.What was a hurricane warning from around Vero Beach to Jupiter, Florida, has been downgraded to a tropical storm warning. And south of Jupiter, there is no longer a tropical storm warning.
New Watches and Warnings Issued Along the Southeastern United States Coast. Rain and Wind Threat also Increasing For Portions of Virginia Coast and Southern Chesapeake Bay. Here are the 5 PM Tuesday Key Messages for #Dorian. For More Info See: https://t.co/tW4KeGdBFb pic.twitter.com/yBpORo5H9ONew Watches and Warnings Issued Along the Southeastern United States Coast. Rain and Wind Threat also Increasing For Portions of Virginia Coast and Southern Chesapeake Bay. Here are the 5 PM Tuesday Key Messages for #Dorian. For More Info See: https://t.co/tW4KeGdBFb pic.twitter.com/yBpORo5H9O
So, Mar-a-Lago’s off the hook. FYI.So, Mar-a-Lago’s off the hook. FYI.
Shocking aerial imagesShocking aerial images
The footage coming out of Great Abaco Island in the Bahamas shows extraordinary damage, really dreadful.The footage coming out of Great Abaco Island in the Bahamas shows extraordinary damage, really dreadful.
We have been informed aid is on the way, from the US, the United Nations and other bodies, but clearly it can’t come soon enough, and access is going to be a nightmare. What a tragedy unfolding, truly a disaster.We have been informed aid is on the way, from the US, the United Nations and other bodies, but clearly it can’t come soon enough, and access is going to be a nightmare. What a tragedy unfolding, truly a disaster.
Overwhelming the sight of total destruction in #Abaco. Simply devastating. #Bahamas #Dorian pic.twitter.com/p17VIKBFy9Overwhelming the sight of total destruction in #Abaco. Simply devastating. #Bahamas #Dorian pic.twitter.com/p17VIKBFy9
DorianDorian
Deadly spiralDeadly spiral
Florida’s Space Coast is largely evacuated but, nonetheless, NASA has posted this extraordinary video to Twitter, via the Kennedy Space Center, showing the deadly, destructive Dorian when it was squatting and spinning mercilessly over the Bahamas before finally easing away very slowly - toward the US.Florida’s Space Coast is largely evacuated but, nonetheless, NASA has posted this extraordinary video to Twitter, via the Kennedy Space Center, showing the deadly, destructive Dorian when it was squatting and spinning mercilessly over the Bahamas before finally easing away very slowly - toward the US.
We stitched together this video from our @NASA #Goes satellite to show how #HurricaneDorian spent 24 hours in nearly the same location— causing widespread devastation in the #Bahamas. pic.twitter.com/rkXwokcOYzWe stitched together this video from our @NASA #Goes satellite to show how #HurricaneDorian spent 24 hours in nearly the same location— causing widespread devastation in the #Bahamas. pic.twitter.com/rkXwokcOYz
This aerial footage, hat tip to CNN, is utterly sobering. The scale of the catastrophe in the Bahamas is clearly only just beginning to unfold for those of us observing from afar.This aerial footage, hat tip to CNN, is utterly sobering. The scale of the catastrophe in the Bahamas is clearly only just beginning to unfold for those of us observing from afar.
Queen Elizabeth, queen of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth, shared her condolences with the Governor-General of the Bahamas, an independent commonwealth realm since 1973, a little earlier today.Queen Elizabeth, queen of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth, shared her condolences with the Governor-General of the Bahamas, an independent commonwealth realm since 1973, a little earlier today.
As head of state, she sent the message from herself and her husband.As head of state, she sent the message from herself and her husband.
“Prince Philip and I have been shocked and saddened to learn of the devastation caused by Hurricane Dorian, and we send our sincere condolences to the families and friends of those who have lost their lives following this terrible storm,” the statement from Buckingham Palace began.“Prince Philip and I have been shocked and saddened to learn of the devastation caused by Hurricane Dorian, and we send our sincere condolences to the families and friends of those who have lost their lives following this terrible storm,” the statement from Buckingham Palace began.
“At this very difficult time, my thoughts and prayers are with those who have seen their homes and property destroyed, and I also send my gratitude to the emergency services and volunteers who are supporting the rescue and recovery effort.”“At this very difficult time, my thoughts and prayers are with those who have seen their homes and property destroyed, and I also send my gratitude to the emergency services and volunteers who are supporting the rescue and recovery effort.”
South Carolina beaches under threatSouth Carolina beaches under threat
Extensive beach erosion already causing problems ahead of #Dorian at Isle of Palms at Breach Inlet side. Our beaches are ready weakened. Pic by Ginger Sutton. @scdhec @NWSCharlestonSC #chswx pic.twitter.com/hgbgz2Vb92Extensive beach erosion already causing problems ahead of #Dorian at Isle of Palms at Breach Inlet side. Our beaches are ready weakened. Pic by Ginger Sutton. @scdhec @NWSCharlestonSC #chswx pic.twitter.com/hgbgz2Vb92
The National Hurricane Center reports that Dorian continues to move away from the Bahamas, towards Florida, and high winds are being experienced in the state.The National Hurricane Center reports that Dorian continues to move away from the Bahamas, towards Florida, and high winds are being experienced in the state.
These are likely to get stronger over the next 24 hours.These are likely to get stronger over the next 24 hours.
3 PM EDT: Here is the latest Tropical Cyclone Update on #Dorian, as tropical storm force winds are now occurring along the Florida east coast. See https://t.co/tW4KeGdBFb for more information. pic.twitter.com/uFKnXiJlDB3 PM EDT: Here is the latest Tropical Cyclone Update on #Dorian, as tropical storm force winds are now occurring along the Florida east coast. See https://t.co/tW4KeGdBFb for more information. pic.twitter.com/uFKnXiJlDB
DorianDorian
Rip tidesRip tides
There are more folks out on the beach in Florida than one might imagine when a hurricane is bearing down.There are more folks out on the beach in Florida than one might imagine when a hurricane is bearing down.
But the US National Weather Service is reminding the public about some of the dangers that can’t be seen until you’re in the grip of them.But the US National Weather Service is reminding the public about some of the dangers that can’t be seen until you’re in the grip of them.
If you get caught in a #RipCurrent, STAY CALM. As illustrated by this green dye in a rip current; it will pull you away from shore. If you try to fight the rip current & swim against it, you will just get worn out. Instead - swim parallel to the beach! https://t.co/TtgOsoLzlm https://t.co/mA1p1oTYNm pic.twitter.com/ctnEjZdLRVIf you get caught in a #RipCurrent, STAY CALM. As illustrated by this green dye in a rip current; it will pull you away from shore. If you try to fight the rip current & swim against it, you will just get worn out. Instead - swim parallel to the beach! https://t.co/TtgOsoLzlm https://t.co/mA1p1oTYNm pic.twitter.com/ctnEjZdLRV
“Conditions were much worse than expected”
Hat tip to CNN for some of their latest reporting from the Bahamas, amid the wrath of Hurricane Dorian.
“Conditions were much worse than I expected,” @CNN_Oppmann reports on the ground in the Bahamas. He says that some residents were forced to take refuge on their roofs and that “people are risking their lives to save their neighbors and family.” https://t.co/aWYPdjX3bA pic.twitter.com/EfeibqDXMA
Here are some images of the scene in Daytona Beach, Florida, this afternoon, where Niall Macaulay is taking pictures for Guardian US.
Shooting the breeze
Storm a-coming
On the promenade
Meanwhile, at Daytona Beach
Despite the whipping wind and rain, there are quite a few casual observers on Daytona Beach, our contributor Maria Bakkalapulo writes this afternoon.
Most are here to see what the ocean looks like before Hurricane Dorian makes the coast off-limits.
Some are blogging, some are goofing around, taking selfies on the playground slides as the rain drenches them, others are pursued for comment by local TV crews!As the weather deteriorated, cop cars are slowly moving in to urge the tourists off the beach.
Almost everywhere is closed, with the exception of one defiant hide away, the local IHOP restaurant [editor’s note to international readers: that’ll be the famous American diner chain inaptly, perhaps, named International House of Pancakes] - with the words ‘open’ sprayed in three-foot high letters across its plywood-boarded windows.
Rushing in with our umbrella broken in half, server 40-year-old Natalie Youngdale greets us at the door, laughs and says “I am the lucky one, I get to work today.”
She comments that there was a line out the door all morning, and it was hard getting people willing to work. With only one cook and two waitresses taking orders and serving food, the staff had to recruit their family members.
For the patrons facing likely power outages, today’s lunch may be their last hot meal for a while.Youngdale has lived here all her life. She was really nervous at first, that Dorian could be ‘the big one’.
She is more relieved now, smiling as she serves her last stacks of pancakes smothered in whipped cream, and BLTs with fries. “I am just happy it is fizzling out a bit.”
The IHOP is closing at 3 pm local time, ie it closed seconds ago, a marker in the day that the weather will begin to dominate the area, with everyone retreating to the mainland.
Dorian’s 48 hours
Here’s a handy time-lapse clip of Dorian whirling itself into a damaging frenzy as it pummeled the Bahamas.
48 HOURS OF DORIAN | From noon Sunday to Tuesday at noon, #Hurricane #Dorian ravaged the #Bahamas as you can see in this time-lapse. Latest track ---> https://t.co/VPGeukCzhG #hurricanedorian pic.twitter.com/9RNHA6Av6q
Taking a soaking
Grand Bahama under water
These images show Grand Bahama before and after Dorian hit.
These satellite images show Grand Bahama before and after Hurricane Dorian's wrath https://t.co/wI8yQiHGkz pic.twitter.com/3budNTJ1nB
Where does Dorian go now?
Here’s the Guardian’s ‘where next’ take on the hurricane, from our Lauren Aratani.
What to expect next from Hurricane Dorian
From the Bahamas, without much mercy
Florida waits
This morning in Daytona Beach, palm trees swayed in the wind, with sheets of rain sweeping by in the parking lot at the Hampton Inn, where our contributor Maria Bakkalapulo is based today.
She writes: the mood in the hotel lobby was solemn as people ate their continental breakfast - almost everyone here is a local, displaced by evacuation orders from the coast. Tonight the hotel is fully booked, and so are all hotels for miles west towards Orlando.
If you haven’t made a booking, you’re out of luck.
The TVs here all have local news or the Weather Channel tuned, as they switch between reports from their teams up and down the coast.
On the streets, businesses are shuttered, and traffic is light, and convoys of power company vehicles head to their staging areas as Dorian makes its slow crawl north.
Moving around town is getting harder now. At GI Jeff’s Army and Navy Supply store, the owner is closing over the last gaps in the plywood barriers. “I haven’t got time to say much, I have to move my people out of here. Just the usual stuff, God Bless America, we will all be fine,” he says, with a wink.
The forecast is for storm surges, perhaps as high as seven feet by tomorrow afternoon. Florida’s east coast has hundreds of miles of vulnerable, highly-populated barrier islands, where mandatory evacuations have been issued.
As each area locks down, police are closing off the causeways and bridges that jump the inter coastal waters to the mainland.
If you decide to ignore the warnings and ride out the storm, emergency management are making it clear they may not be there to help.
The skies are becoming uniform with thick clouds as Dorian’s outer bands are pushed ashore, the waves eating into the sand on the beaches.
Today is the last call to take cover in Daytona, but in a place known for its wild spring break parties, there are still rumors of arrests on the beach as people in bathings suits take selfies, fooling around in the rough surf.
Storm surge advisories
Dorian is on its way at 2mph now, set to move dangerously close the Florida’s east coast.
Powerful Dorian & impacts to east C. #FL Co. For info about impacts for inland counties https://t.co/t0a01CYGwv#Dorian: impactos a la costa este de #Fl Central. Para los impactos que tendrán los condados al interior visite https://t.co/Ag5l5QWso0 pic.twitter.com/HjZeJUPkX3
Windswept and battered
Here’s the Guardian’s latest video report on Hurricane Dorian. This report includes startling images and frightening scenes of people trying to swim to safety and people’s homes being inundated with them in it. There are frames of a flooded hospital and Freeport airport in Grand Bahama under water.
State Department alerts
A number of information bulletins have just been tweeted by the US State Department about the dire situation in the Bahamas - the full extent of which remains to be seen by the world beyond Grand Bahama, as details unfold.
But these urgent messages speak for themselves.
We urge U.S. citizens in #TheBahamas who have been affected by Hurricane #Dorian to contact loved ones. To notify us of U.S. citizens needing assistance in an affected area, call 888-407-4747 (in the U.S.) or 202-501-4444 (abroad), or email ACSNassau@state.gov.