Our holiday became hell

Family feared for villa’s roof

A family are happy to back safe and sound in Wishaw after being holed up in their Florida hotel room for 36 hours to avoid Hurricane Irma.

Stephen Devine, his wife Lyndsay and their 10-year-old daughter Lara, were ordered to remain within their hotel on International Drive until they were told it was safe to leave.

The Devine’s, of Bell Street, watched the destruction unfold from their eighth-floor hotel room after being placed on a curfew by staff at the Enclaves Suite.

Dad-of-one Stephen told the Wishaw Press:“As much as we were all terrified of what was happening, I have to admit it was fascinating to watch.

“It was like something out of a movie. It was so strange to see the streets and the roads so empty.

“We watched on as the wind and rain battled against our windows. There was buildings falling apart, palm trees being ripped from the ground and debris flying around all over the place.

“At one point there was a huge flash of light. At first we thought it was lightening but then we realised it was the electricity switching on and off.

“Apparently it was the weather affecting the transformers causing the flashes in the sky.”

The family had prepared for the effects of Hurricane Irma by stocking up on food and liquids.