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Hurricane Matthew: Florida hit by 'monster' storm after hundreds killed in Haiti – latest Hurricane Matthew: 'monster' storm hits Florida after hundreds killed in Haiti – live
(35 minutes later)
8.07am BST
08:07
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7.55am BST
07:55
Here's where things stand at 3am EDT
Elle Hunt
“Extremely dangerous” Hurricane Matthew is continuing to move in a north-west direction towards the east coast of Florida at about 15-20 mph.
As at the National Hurricane Center’s 2am EDT update, Hurricane Matthew was a Category 3 storm with winds of 120 mph, and was 45 miles east of Vero Beach and about 80 miles south-east of Cape Canaveral.
Strong winds and heavy rain have already been reported along the Florida coastline, and conditions are expected to deteriorate further as the storm makes landfall later this morning. More than 200,000 people are without power.
Hurricane Matthew is forecast to near or over the east coast of the Florida peninsula through Friday night and near or over the coasts of Georgia and South Carolina on Saturday.
It is expected to weaken over the next 48 hours but forecast to be a “powerful Category 3 hurricane” as it nears the coast of Florida.
Authorities in the Bahamas are yet to assess the extent of the damage caused by Matthew as it passed through on Wednesday and Thursday, but many without generators are still without power.
The death toll in Haiti is widely being reported as more than 340 people and aid agencies are prioritising clean water and sanitation to prevent the spread of disease in amidst the widespread devastation.
With an update from the National Hurricane Center due shortly, I am handing over our coverage to my colleagues in London. Thank you for following, and if you are in the path of the storm, stay safe.
Updated
at 8.19am BST
7.43am BST7.43am BST
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7.41am BST7.41am BST
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Fox news anchor Shepard Smith has been criticised on social media for his blunt warning to Florida residents – broadcast on Thursday, as the hurricane was battering the Bahamas – about venturing out into Hurricane Matthew.Fox news anchor Shepard Smith has been criticised on social media for his blunt warning to Florida residents – broadcast on Thursday, as the hurricane was battering the Bahamas – about venturing out into Hurricane Matthew.
Thanks Fox News! pic.twitter.com/eGV2CCMSIoThanks Fox News! pic.twitter.com/eGV2CCMSIo
Smith was attempting to communicate the unpredictability of the storm, but he came under fire for the “ominous” warning.Smith was attempting to communicate the unpredictability of the storm, but he came under fire for the “ominous” warning.
He also urged a friend to evacuate on air.He also urged a friend to evacuate on air.
Shep spoke to a friend in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, who says she's staying put during #HurricaneMatthew https://t.co/ppshqSi3LFShep spoke to a friend in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, who says she's staying put during #HurricaneMatthew https://t.co/ppshqSi3LF
7.25am BST7.25am BST
07:2507:25
The latest Florida Power & Light update puts 213,000 households without power, up from 141,000 at about midnight. Nearly 80,000 of the total are in Palm Beach, and an additional 30,000 are in Martin.The latest Florida Power & Light update puts 213,000 households without power, up from 141,000 at about midnight. Nearly 80,000 of the total are in Palm Beach, and an additional 30,000 are in Martin.
That number is expected to rise over the weekend.That number is expected to rise over the weekend.
The Weather Network’s “storm hunter” Mark Robinson is posting updates of the conditions from Melbourne to Twitter.The Weather Network’s “storm hunter” Mark Robinson is posting updates of the conditions from Melbourne to Twitter.
Powerful winds on the bridge out to the barrier island. @TheWeatherNetUS @jwhittalTWN #HurricaneMatthew pic.twitter.com/zRMJSZtqkfPowerful winds on the bridge out to the barrier island. @TheWeatherNetUS @jwhittalTWN #HurricaneMatthew pic.twitter.com/zRMJSZtqkf
Inner bands are starting to come onshore here in Melbourne. Wind speeds ramping up fast. @weathernetwork #Matthew pic.twitter.com/Q6UQFnRERsInner bands are starting to come onshore here in Melbourne. Wind speeds ramping up fast. @weathernetwork #Matthew pic.twitter.com/Q6UQFnRERs
7.15am BST7.15am BST
07:1507:15
Hurricane Matthew now Category 3 stormHurricane Matthew now Category 3 storm
The National Hurricane Center has published its 2am EDT update, in which Hurricane Matthew is graded as a Category 3 storm with maximum sustained winds of 120 mph.The National Hurricane Center has published its 2am EDT update, in which Hurricane Matthew is graded as a Category 3 storm with maximum sustained winds of 120 mph.
But gusts have increased, with one to 70 mph recorded within the last hour at Vero Beach and another to 60 mph at Melbourne.But gusts have increased, with one to 70 mph recorded within the last hour at Vero Beach and another to 60 mph at Melbourne.
The eye of “the extremely dangerous hurricane” is still moving closer to the east coast of Florida, heading in a north-west direction at 14 mph.The eye of “the extremely dangerous hurricane” is still moving closer to the east coast of Florida, heading in a north-west direction at 14 mph.
Currently, it is about 45 miles east of Vero Beach and about 80 miles south-east of Cape Canaveral.Currently, it is about 45 miles east of Vero Beach and about 80 miles south-east of Cape Canaveral.
“A turn towards the north-northwest is expected later today, and a turn toward the north is expected tonight or Saturday. On the forecast track, the center of Matthew will be moving near or over the east coast of the Florida peninsula through tonight and near or over the coasts of Georgia and South Carolina on Saturday. ...“A turn towards the north-northwest is expected later today, and a turn toward the north is expected tonight or Saturday. On the forecast track, the center of Matthew will be moving near or over the east coast of the Florida peninsula through tonight and near or over the coasts of Georgia and South Carolina on Saturday. ...
“Although some additional weakening is forecast during the next 48 hours, Matthew is expected to be a powerful Category 3 hurricane as it moves near the coast of Florida.”“Although some additional weakening is forecast during the next 48 hours, Matthew is expected to be a powerful Category 3 hurricane as it moves near the coast of Florida.”
A storm surge of between 7 to 11 feet is forecast for coastline from Sebastian Inlet, Florida, to Edisto Beach in South Carolina.A storm surge of between 7 to 11 feet is forecast for coastline from Sebastian Inlet, Florida, to Edisto Beach in South Carolina.
Six to 12 inches of rainfall is also expected with isolated totals near 15 inches along the coasts.Six to 12 inches of rainfall is also expected with isolated totals near 15 inches along the coasts.
#HurricaneMatthew has weakened to cat 3 storm. Gusts have increased to over 70-mph at Vero Beach, FL. Landfall expected early in AM. pic.twitter.com/sQ2pcvsAHb#HurricaneMatthew has weakened to cat 3 storm. Gusts have increased to over 70-mph at Vero Beach, FL. Landfall expected early in AM. pic.twitter.com/sQ2pcvsAHb
The most recent update on Hurricane Nicole was at 11pm EDT on Thursday. It was stationary with maximum sustained winds of 105 mph.The most recent update on Hurricane Nicole was at 11pm EDT on Thursday. It was stationary with maximum sustained winds of 105 mph.
7.00am BST7.00am BST
07:0007:00
The Bahamas assess damage as islands remain without powerThe Bahamas assess damage as islands remain without power
Hurricane Matthew lashed the Bahamas on Thursday, causing widespread flooding and damage to structures, trees and power lines.Hurricane Matthew lashed the Bahamas on Thursday, causing widespread flooding and damage to structures, trees and power lines.
No fatalities were reported, but the Associated Press reported that at least 30 people trapped in their homes by floodwaters on the island of New Providence were rescued by authorities.No fatalities were reported, but the Associated Press reported that at least 30 people trapped in their homes by floodwaters on the island of New Providence were rescued by authorities.
The conditions in the capital, Nassau, remain too dangerous for authorities to assess the damage. New Providence has not seen a major hurricane since 1929.The conditions in the capital, Nassau, remain too dangerous for authorities to assess the damage. New Providence has not seen a major hurricane since 1929.
Hurricane Matthew ripped the wall off this hotel in Nassau, Bahamas (photo via @AP) pic.twitter.com/Klm6nHBN66Hurricane Matthew ripped the wall off this hotel in Nassau, Bahamas (photo via @AP) pic.twitter.com/Klm6nHBN66
1:30 pm. #MATTHEW's taking long to pass. We can't seem to shake it off. #Nassau #Bahamas pic.twitter.com/zeHAtiugi21:30 pm. #MATTHEW's taking long to pass. We can't seem to shake it off. #Nassau #Bahamas pic.twitter.com/zeHAtiugi2
Incredible #Hurricane #Matthew video coming in from #Nassau #Bahamas, roof blowing off a home. They just evacuated! Video: Jose Ageeb pic.twitter.com/2He1tgrSmLIncredible #Hurricane #Matthew video coming in from #Nassau #Bahamas, roof blowing off a home. They just evacuated! Video: Jose Ageeb pic.twitter.com/2He1tgrSmL
Clint Watson, a journalist in Nassau, has told CNN that the storm caused widespread structural damage.Clint Watson, a journalist in Nassau, has told CNN that the storm caused widespread structural damage.
“You can tell from the fierce winds the destruction left behind. The island is in a blackout at this point ... Everyone is still hunkered down in their homes until the all-clear is given.”“You can tell from the fierce winds the destruction left behind. The island is in a blackout at this point ... Everyone is still hunkered down in their homes until the all-clear is given.”
Officials had shut down power to the entire island of New Providence as a precautionary measure as the storm approached. Those without generators were still without power, and could be for weeks.Officials had shut down power to the entire island of New Providence as a precautionary measure as the storm approached. Those without generators were still without power, and could be for weeks.
Watson said a lot of electricity poles had been “snapped in half” by wind.Watson said a lot of electricity poles had been “snapped in half” by wind.
“It’s going to take a valiant effort from outside sources to come into the capital.”“It’s going to take a valiant effort from outside sources to come into the capital.”
6.46am BST6.46am BST
06:4606:46
The death toll in Haiti as a result of Hurricane Matthew is being widely reported as at least 339. This drone footage shows the extent of the damage.The death toll in Haiti as a result of Hurricane Matthew is being widely reported as at least 339. This drone footage shows the extent of the damage.
This drone footage shows just some of the devastation caused by #HurricaneMatthew in Haiti, where at least 339 people have died in the storm pic.twitter.com/kbBl6KfeeoThis drone footage shows just some of the devastation caused by #HurricaneMatthew in Haiti, where at least 339 people have died in the storm pic.twitter.com/kbBl6Kfeeo
UpdatedUpdated
at 6.46am BSTat 6.46am BST
6.44am BST6.44am BST
06:4406:44
One model has shown Hurricane Michael leaving the coast of One model has shown Hurricane Matthew leaving the coast of
Guardian Australia’s environment reporter, Michael Slezak, has spoken to Liz Ritchie-Tyo, an associate professor at the University of New South Wales, about Hurricane Matthew’s trajectory.Guardian Australia’s environment reporter, Michael Slezak, has spoken to Liz Ritchie-Tyo, an associate professor at the University of New South Wales, about Hurricane Matthew’s trajectory.
The smaller Hurricane Nicole, south of Bermuda, might be affecting its path, she said. “It’s very unusual to see see two cyclones in the Atlantic at once.”The smaller Hurricane Nicole, south of Bermuda, might be affecting its path, she said. “It’s very unusual to see see two cyclones in the Atlantic at once.”
The Pacific ocean had warmer sea temperatures and had large-scale circulations that tended to develop more cyclones.The Pacific ocean had warmer sea temperatures and had large-scale circulations that tended to develop more cyclones.
“Tropical cyclones in the Atlantic normally develop out of easterly waves that come off Africa and propagate all the way across the Atlantic. They are the seeds for hurricanes in the Atlantic. And they have to make it all the way across the Atlantic – it’s unusual for two to happen at once.”“Tropical cyclones in the Atlantic normally develop out of easterly waves that come off Africa and propagate all the way across the Atlantic. They are the seeds for hurricanes in the Atlantic. And they have to make it all the way across the Atlantic – it’s unusual for two to happen at once.”
Ritchie-Tyo referenced an projection made a few days ago that, after moving away from the Florida coastline and clockwise towards the Caribbean, Hurricane Matthew would circle back weaker – effectively doing a loop-de-loop.Ritchie-Tyo referenced an projection made a few days ago that, after moving away from the Florida coastline and clockwise towards the Caribbean, Hurricane Matthew would circle back weaker – effectively doing a loop-de-loop.
Well look at that!!! New run of the #American #GFS says "hey #Euro, you were on to something earlier". #HurricaneMatthew Loop-de-loop! pic.twitter.com/QCyV6bLol1Well look at that!!! New run of the #American #GFS says "hey #Euro, you were on to something earlier". #HurricaneMatthew Loop-de-loop! pic.twitter.com/QCyV6bLol1
This morning's run of GFS US weather model has #HurricaneMatthew doing a bizarre loop off Florida coast! Detail likely to change... pic.twitter.com/tBb5kIKt6PThis morning's run of GFS US weather model has #HurricaneMatthew doing a bizarre loop off Florida coast! Detail likely to change... pic.twitter.com/tBb5kIKt6P
It would be “very unusual for them to bend back around into the tropics”, she said, but the ridge of high pressure moving east across the US may be forcing Matthew south.It would be “very unusual for them to bend back around into the tropics”, she said, but the ridge of high pressure moving east across the US may be forcing Matthew south.
It seems now that it is likely that Michael will circle back, as was speculated earlier in the week – but weather is unpredictable. It seems now that it is likely that Matthew will circle back, as was speculated earlier in the week – but weather is unpredictable.
Updated
at 8.17am BST
6.35am BST6.35am BST
06:3506:35
Photos and videos shared to Twitter are showing deteriorating conditions across Florida.Photos and videos shared to Twitter are showing deteriorating conditions across Florida.
RIGHT NOW: Conditions in West Palm Beach as bad as it's been all night. #HurricaneMatthew @WPTV pic.twitter.com/W87v1GP2pcRIGHT NOW: Conditions in West Palm Beach as bad as it's been all night. #HurricaneMatthew @WPTV pic.twitter.com/W87v1GP2pc
Rain coming nonstop now. Wind bursts making some noise. Covering #HurricaneMatthew with @Florida_Today crew. pic.twitter.com/nOYUjYw3PbRain coming nonstop now. Wind bursts making some noise. Covering #HurricaneMatthew with @Florida_Today crew. pic.twitter.com/nOYUjYw3Pb
Reed Timmer, an extreme meteorologist with AccuWeather, told CNN live from Cocoa Beach that “the wind is definitely increasing” before his connection with the station was lost.Reed Timmer, an extreme meteorologist with AccuWeather, told CNN live from Cocoa Beach that “the wind is definitely increasing” before his connection with the station was lost.
That location at Cape Canaveral is particularly vulnerable to the storm surge forecast to come with Hurricane Matthew because it is surrounded by water either side.That location at Cape Canaveral is particularly vulnerable to the storm surge forecast to come with Hurricane Matthew because it is surrounded by water either side.
Close to 2,000 people are watching storm chaser Jeff Piotrowski’s Periscope stream, shot from inside his car at Cocoa Beach, which shows steady, heavy rain and increasing winds.Close to 2,000 people are watching storm chaser Jeff Piotrowski’s Periscope stream, shot from inside his car at Cocoa Beach, which shows steady, heavy rain and increasing winds.
Conditions are expected to deteriorate quickly in the coming hours.Conditions are expected to deteriorate quickly in the coming hours.
6.24am BST
06:24
Brevard County Fire Rescue has said conditions are too dangerous to respond to emergencies and urged residents to stay inside.
UPDATE -BCFR says it is now too dangerous to respond to emergencies. Live power lines are down, stay inside. #HurricaneMatthew
Reporter James Dean tweeted footage of firefighters battling the elements while responding to a fire in the town of Indialantic in Brevard County.
Indialantic firefighters brave gusty wind, rain to subdue structure fire, believed to be greenhouse, at unincorporated N. Riverside address. pic.twitter.com/s3Jp0S1skf
How to fight a fire in a tropical storm...#indialantic #matthew pic.twitter.com/HP0H1ZIgo9
6.17am BST
06:17
The National Hurricane Center has published its 1am update, with Hurricane Michael still a Category 4 storm with 130 mph winds and gusts of 160 mph. It is moving north-west at 13 mph.
The eye of the storm is reportedly now “super wide” at 55 miles across. Shrinking indicates intensifying.
Recon reports the eye is super wide now at 55 miles across. #Matthew
6.08am BST
06:08
The National Hurricane Center’s website has been inaccessible for several hours – apparently due to a “technical issue”. It’s not known when it will be fixed.
NWS Administrative Message on website connectivity issues: https://t.co/0s8d62XeGF pic.twitter.com/l0W4z18KLw
5.56am BST
05:56
It’s coming up to 1am Friday local time in Florida and conditions are deteriorating as Hurricane Matthew approaches.
According to the National Hurricane Center’s update at midnight, Matthew is continuing to move away from the northwestern Bahamas. It was then about 60 miles east of Fort Pierce and 105 miles south-east of Cape Canaveral.
A wind gust of 55mph has been reported at Stuart, Florida, and one of 54mph at Vero Beach.
#HurricaneMatthew still 105 miles away from Cape Canaveral but winds are whipping the east coast of FL & damage already coming in. pic.twitter.com/wZ0sgQCVL3
109 MPH wind being forecasted around 3 AM Eastern at Cape Canaveral. #Matthew #HurricaneMatthew pic.twitter.com/k2TRaLDdr3
#Matthew strong and just off the coast. Long night for a good chunk of Florida. pic.twitter.com/quPAsdYZkM
According to the latest update from Florida Power & Light, 141,000 people are without power and that could climb to more than 2.5m over the weekend.
The storm is currently still a Category 4, with winds of 130mph. Matthew may be downgraded to a Category 3 before it strikes the Florida coast later this morning.
5.31am BST
05:31
These images of the Grand’Anse capital of Jeremie were tweeted by the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti late on Thursday.
People walk along a street in downtown #Jeremie #Matthew pic.twitter.com/jea2rSL3eJ
An elderly man sits on the remains of his home in the western town of #Jeremie #Matthew pic.twitter.com/j4iqXz0W0E
People continue to clean up in the western city of #Jeremie #Matthew pic.twitter.com/qlXyZR7cSv
A woman walks along the waterfront in the western city of Jeremie on October 6, 2016. #Matthew pic.twitter.com/DHMohSEzrp
5.23am BST
05:23
These images from Port-Salut, in the South Department of Haiti, show the devastation caused by Hurricane Matthew.
Hotel le boucanier (pompon cherestal) à Port Salut #Matthew pic.twitter.com/oEkvy89mET
Nazine Hotel (Port Salut) #Matthew #MatthewHaiti pic.twitter.com/u8RWaMlSqH
Hotel au beau lambi port Salut #Matthew pic.twitter.com/43XfTrofcj
5.21am BST
05:21
Death toll in excess of 280 in Haiti
Hurricane Matthew has already ripped through Haiti, with the number of people killed rising rapidly into the hundreds on Thursday, Reuters reports.
The total differs between different government agencies and committees, but a Reuters tally of deaths reported by civil protection officials at a local level showed the storm killed at least 339 people.
Earlier on Thursday, a meeting of emergency workers including representatives from the government, the United Nations and international aid agencies said 283 had been killed.
“We have nothing left to survive on, all the crops have gone, all fruit trees are down, I don’t have a clue how this is going to be fixed,” said Marc Soniel Noel, the deputy mayor of Chantal.
Four people were killed over the weekend in the Dominican Republic, which shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti.
Many victims were killed by falling trees, flying debris and swollen rivers when Matthew hit on Tuesday with winds of 145 miles per hour.
Most of the fatalities were in towns and fishing villages around the western end of Tiburon peninsula in Haiti’s southwest.
The storm passed directly through the peninsula, driving the sea inland and flattening homes on Monday and Tuesday.
The devastation in the Grand’Anse capital of Jeremie is evident in these pictures.
Destroyed houses in Jeremie #Haiti After #Matthew by @carlosrawlins for @Reuters pic.twitter.com/WaJDuSQ1c4
According to a report from Unicef on Thursday, telecommunication to Grand’Anse has been re-established, confirming that more than 11,000 people in that area have had their homes destroyed in the storm. That’s in addition to the more than 5,000 in the West.
Small towns along the western part of Haiti suffered extreme damage from heavy winds,rains and on the coastal areas storm surge #Matthew pic.twitter.com/9rhjO9BCc1
The only road connecting the capital of Port-au-Prince to the South is inaccessible after a bridge collapse on Tuesday. A presidential election scheduled for Sunday has been postponed as a result of the devastation.
Affected areas are experiencing outbreaks of disease, including cholera, Zika and dengue fever, which could be worsened by conditions. Les Cayes, for example, is completely flooded, and many diseases are water-borne.
Access to clean water and sanitation is therefore at the top of the priority list.
4.59am BST
04:59
With Florida Power & Light Company reporting close to 100,000 customers without power, Brevard County Emergency Management has reminded people that text messages are the most efficient form of communication in the case of an outage.
“Plain text (SMS) messages require the smallest amount of cellphine power and only need limited bandwidth to send. That means plain texts with no hpotos, no video, no video and no emoticons, sent to one person at a time.”
Journalist Gail Paschall-Brown shared this image of heavy rain in Daytona Beach as Hurricane Matthew bears down on the coastline.
Rain and wind picking up a bit just off Richard Petty Blvd, Daytona Beach @wesh pic.twitter.com/cn5UjvyKF8
Latest look at radar as we're watching that eye move closer to the coastline. Here's a glimpse... #WESHwx pic.twitter.com/ZOcwTar2vR
4.53am BST
04:53
The Weather Channel’s on-camera meteorologist Paul Goodloe is evacuating the Jacksonville Marriott. “Too dangerous to stay, so we are seeking safer ground while we can,” he tweeted.
The back and front doors have been sandbagged and the building is deserted, as he showed in a video he posted to Instagram.
“We’re the last ones here. If the Weather Channel is leaving Jacksonville Beach, I think everyone else should as well.”
Officials have been frustrated by some residents’ resistance to evacuation orders. The frustrated sheriff of Martin County, William Snyder, told NBC News on Thursday afternoon that the stakes were high.
“People do not seem to get it and are not leaving. I’m not saying this to be theatrical ... I asked my captain of detectives if he had body bags because if we get 140 mph winds in mobile home parks, we are going to have fatalities.”
Several counties, including Volusia, Seminole, Flagler and Orange counties, have issued mandatory curfews in an attempt to prevent fatalities. Residents won’t be prevented by law enforcement from evacuating; “however, anyone caught loitering could be charged with a misdemeanor”.
4.37am BST
04:37
Nearly 100,000 households are without power in Florida, according to the 11pm update from Florida Power and Light, with more than 41,000 in Palm Beach County, 16,400 in Miama-Dade and 11,000 in Broward. That total is expected to climb.
Power outages can be deadly if we respond dangerously. Don’t run generators indoors. Carbon monoxide can wipe out a family. #Matthew
Ed Rappaport, deputy director of the National Hurricane Center, told CNN that said conditions will deteriorate as Hurricane Matthew nears the northern coast. Storm surge could reach 11ft high if it makes impact with the shoreline.
Rappaport said Hurricane Matthew had peaked in intensity in terms of windspeed “but not enough that it will drop below a Category 3” by the time it reaches the shore.
“Even if it were to get 5mph higher or 10-15mph lower, it’s not going to change the impact.”
The key question, said Rappaport, is whether the eye of the storm hits the coast or, “if we’re lucky, stays just offshore”.
Wind gusts more frequent now pic.twitter.com/8ALLhJItt6
Regardless, there remains the potential of “loss of life” as a result of the storm surge, strong winds, and possible flooding. With as many as 12in rain forecast, inland areas at particularly at risk.
CNN’s weather anchor Derek Van Dam has remarked on the “ominous, if not desire wording” that, even as the storm passes, “locations may be uninhabitable for weeks and months” as a result of widespread and extensive damage.