Britons in region are urged to heed advice

BRITISH HOLIDAYMAKERS in the Caribbean and Florida have been urged to comply with any evacuation orders as the most powerful Atlantic Ocean hurricane on record approaches.

The category five hurricane is expected to slam into the Leeward Islands of Antigua and Barbuda on Wednesday, before following a path along the Greater Antilles toward the US.

Six islands in the Bahamas are being evacuated on Wednesday, while officials in the Leeward Islands have reportedly cut power and urged residents to seek shelter in a statement that ended with “May God protect us all.”

The hurricane, which is now at the the highest classification possible, could reach the Florida Keys over the weekend, leading authorities to declare a state of emergency.

It is expected it could bring maximum winds of 185mph, according to the National Hurricane Centre.

Meanwhile Puerto Rico, which handles many transfer flights to the Caribbean, has also declared a state of emergency.

Antigua airport will be closed on Wednesday and San Juan airport, the busiest in Puerto Rico, has cancelled about 40 per cent of its flights in response to the hurricane.

As a result, thousands of travellers had their holiday plans thrown into chaos as airlines were forced to ground or divert flights.

British Airways sent an empty aircraft to bring customers back early – the full flight of 326 passengers touched down in the UK on Tuesday evening.

The UK Foreign Office (FO) has advised Britons in the hurricane’s path to monitor its website and follow any advice issued by local officials.

International Development Secretary Priti Patel said: “The thoughts of the British people are with all those affected by Hurricane Irma and Britain has already taken swift action to respond.”