Florida shuts down as Hurricane Irma heads for US coast
Six million warned to leave their homes
FLORIDA is in shutdown as desperate residents flee the devastation of Hurricane Irma.
People living on the south- east coast of the USA were sent emergency text alerts by the authorities as the storm moved towards the mainland.
More than six million people in Florida and Georgia have been warned to leave their homes as the hurricane battered the north coast of Cuba.
Local media reported that stormforce winds were already lashing parts of nearby islands yesterday, pushing a storm surge ashore.
Popular theme parks — including those owned by Disney, Universal Studios and Sea World — were shut for the weekend.
The low- lying Florida Keys will be struck first when Irma arrives today and authorities are reportedly considering withdrawing emergency teams from the islands.
The National Hurricane Centre has forecast the historic storm will reach the Keys and southern Florida on Sunday morning local time, bringing devastating winds, rain and storm surges up to 12ft high.
Irma regained its category five status overnight before dropping back to category four yesterday.
At least 20 lives have been claimed so far, including four in the British Virgin Islands and one each on Anguilla and Barbuda, and thousands of people were left homeless when the hurricane smashed into the region on Wednesday.
The UK Government warned holidaying Brits that the “situation could deteriorate significantly” as it bears down on the US mainland today.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has said its ability to provide assistance may be “extremely limited” and advised those affected to make their own contingency plans.
Theresa May said work was taking place with US authorities to ensure British expats and tourists in Florida are protected as millions of locals and visitors flee to safety.
But the latest travel advice issued by the Government states: “You should ensure you have your own contingency plans and consider your travel plans very carefully.”
Aid and expertise is being provided to territories already hit by the hurricane in a £ 32 million Government cash injection.
Engineers, marines and medics are being carried on board the Navy ship Mounts Bay, which delivered six tonnes of supplies to Anguilla and carried out repairs before moving on to the British Virgin Islands.
British police officers will also be deployed as part of the country’s efforts to step up support to the Caribbean islands left devastated by Hurricane Irma.
The Foreign Office has set up a hotline on 020 7008 0000.