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Hurricane Matthew: damage 'not over' as storm rips along Florida coast – live Hurricane Matthew: damage 'not over' as storm rips along Florida coast – live
(35 minutes later)
5.56pm BST
17:56
Further south in Titusville, west of Cape Canaveral and south of Daytona, residents are surveying the damage left by Matthew, even without a “direct hit”.
Brian Farmer takes photos in the Bay Towers apartments in Titusville where #HurricaneMatthew tore the roof off, at least 50 displaced pic.twitter.com/eaVHBsYGDO
5.42pm BST
17:42
Jacksonville-based television reporter Russell Colburn tweeted this stunning video from St. Augustine, Florida, the oldest city in the America, where he reports 20 people are trapped in a bed and breakfast.
20 people, including children, stuck in #StAugustine bed & breakfast. They say they're getting worried, as the surge is about to come in. pic.twitter.com/EMgX2UqBwb
St. Augustine’s mayor, Nancy Shaver, was just on CNN, where she said officials “believe about 50% of the people who should have evacuated did not.”
“It’s been quite a serious problem with this storm,” she said.
“We have obviously lost power, we turned off the water as a precautionary measure at 8pm last night,” she said. “It’s important for people to take it seriously, people who do not put our first responders at risk.”
5.28pm BST5.28pm BST
17:2817:28
Reporter Richard Luscombe has just delivered us this update from Florida, as Hurricane Matthew heads north toward Jacksonville.Reporter Richard Luscombe has just delivered us this update from Florida, as Hurricane Matthew heads north toward Jacksonville.
Downed power lines and fallen trees appeared to be the worst of the damage in Martin and St Lucie counties to the south. Bill Snyder, the Martin County sheriff, said he believed his county had “dodged a bullet”.Downed power lines and fallen trees appeared to be the worst of the damage in Martin and St Lucie counties to the south. Bill Snyder, the Martin County sheriff, said he believed his county had “dodged a bullet”.
“This could have been much worse,” he said. “It’s going to be a busy day but we are in good shape and God has truly blessed our area.”“This could have been much worse,” he said. “It’s going to be a busy day but we are in good shape and God has truly blessed our area.”
Scott, however, said he was alarmed by the storm moving closer to Jacksonville, where the National Weather Service had warned of a “worst-case” flooding scenario. “I’m really concerned about Jacksonville, I’m really concerned about Nassau [county],” he said. “Jacksonville has a lot of low-lying areas and there is concern of significant flooding there.”Scott, however, said he was alarmed by the storm moving closer to Jacksonville, where the National Weather Service had warned of a “worst-case” flooding scenario. “I’m really concerned about Jacksonville, I’m really concerned about Nassau [county],” he said. “Jacksonville has a lot of low-lying areas and there is concern of significant flooding there.”
With Matthew forecasted to arrive off the coast of Georgia late Friday or early Saturday, Barack Obama signed an emergency declaration for the state, freeing federal resources for rescue and recovery efforts. The president signed a similar declaration for 28 counties along Florida’s east coast on Thursday.With Matthew forecasted to arrive off the coast of Georgia late Friday or early Saturday, Barack Obama signed an emergency declaration for the state, freeing federal resources for rescue and recovery efforts. The president signed a similar declaration for 28 counties along Florida’s east coast on Thursday.
In South Carolina, officials were preparing for a storm surge of 6-10ft and were continuing evacuations from coastal communities ahead of the storm’s arrival. In its 8am advisory, the NHC said Matthew would have weakened to a minor hurricane strength by then, with its shrinking wind field posing a reduced threat.In South Carolina, officials were preparing for a storm surge of 6-10ft and were continuing evacuations from coastal communities ahead of the storm’s arrival. In its 8am advisory, the NHC said Matthew would have weakened to a minor hurricane strength by then, with its shrinking wind field posing a reduced threat.
5.14pm BST5.14pm BST
17:1417:14
Hurricane Matthew is now moving north along the Florida coast away from Daytona Beach and toward Jacksonville. In Daytona, the National Weather Service reports that winds are easing, but still hurricane force.Hurricane Matthew is now moving north along the Florida coast away from Daytona Beach and toward Jacksonville. In Daytona, the National Weather Service reports that winds are easing, but still hurricane force.
The latest observation had sustained winds at 73 mph on Daytona Beach, with gusts up to 91 mph. Hurricane force, beginning at category 1, is 74 mph.The latest observation had sustained winds at 73 mph on Daytona Beach, with gusts up to 91 mph. Hurricane force, beginning at category 1, is 74 mph.
4.53pm BST4.53pm BST
16:5316:53
Here is a great illustration of what South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley is so concerned about – the latest storm surge predictions now include nearly all of North Carolina’s coast.Here is a great illustration of what South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley is so concerned about – the latest storm surge predictions now include nearly all of North Carolina’s coast.
The 11am Friday prototype storm surge warning now extends from Florida to N. Carolina. #Matthew @NOAA @NHCDirector https://t.co/R5OOOwlIzd pic.twitter.com/vTSCR5R66IThe 11am Friday prototype storm surge warning now extends from Florida to N. Carolina. #Matthew @NOAA @NHCDirector https://t.co/R5OOOwlIzd pic.twitter.com/vTSCR5R66I
4.40pm BST4.40pm BST
16:4016:40
Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton released a statement on Hurricane Matthew, including an official plea for people to evacuate, and a message to campaign volunteers.Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton released a statement on Hurricane Matthew, including an official plea for people to evacuate, and a message to campaign volunteers.
My thoughts and prayers are with everyone in the path of Hurricane Matthew, and my heart is broken for the victims and their families in Haiti, Cuba, the Caribbean, and Florida.My thoughts and prayers are with everyone in the path of Hurricane Matthew, and my heart is broken for the victims and their families in Haiti, Cuba, the Caribbean, and Florida.
This is a serious storm, and it has already caused serious damage. If you get an evacuation order, please follow it immediately...This is a serious storm, and it has already caused serious damage. If you get an evacuation order, please follow it immediately...
To all our local campaign staff, volunteers, and supporters: Please take care of yourselves and your neighbors – nothing is more important than that. To our extraordinary first responders and everyone working to prepare for and respond to the storm: We’re so grateful for your courage and sacrifice, especially in times like these.To all our local campaign staff, volunteers, and supporters: Please take care of yourselves and your neighbors – nothing is more important than that. To our extraordinary first responders and everyone working to prepare for and respond to the storm: We’re so grateful for your courage and sacrifice, especially in times like these.
And to the people of Florida and the Southeast, and everyone in the eye of the storm: Stay safe, and know that America is with you. In times of disaster, we pull together. We’ll have your back every step of the way – today, and in the weeks and months to come.”And to the people of Florida and the Southeast, and everyone in the eye of the storm: Stay safe, and know that America is with you. In times of disaster, we pull together. We’ll have your back every step of the way – today, and in the weeks and months to come.”
4.32pm BST4.32pm BST
16:3216:32
South Carolina Governor: situation is 'getting worse'South Carolina Governor: situation is 'getting worse'
As Hurricane Matthew moves northward, South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley updated predictions for the storm’s impact on her state.As Hurricane Matthew moves northward, South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley updated predictions for the storm’s impact on her state.
“We hoped it would relieve a little bit of the situation,” Haley said about the storm, adding, “We think it is getting worse.”“We hoped it would relieve a little bit of the situation,” Haley said about the storm, adding, “We think it is getting worse.”
Haley specifically called out barrier islands along South Carolina’s coast, including Daniel and Daufuskie islands. Haley said 100 people chose to stay on Daufuskie island, which she warned could be severely flooded by storm surge.Haley specifically called out barrier islands along South Carolina’s coast, including Daniel and Daufuskie islands. Haley said 100 people chose to stay on Daufuskie island, which she warned could be severely flooded by storm surge.
“We are looking at major storm surges, we are looking at winds, we are looking at wet grounds,” said Haley. “There is nothing safe about what’s getting ready to happen.”“We are looking at major storm surges, we are looking at winds, we are looking at wet grounds,” said Haley. “There is nothing safe about what’s getting ready to happen.”
“This is the last time you will hear my voice, when I’m asking you to evacuate.”“This is the last time you will hear my voice, when I’m asking you to evacuate.”
As of Haley’s update, 310,000 South Carolinians had evacuated further inland, up from 280,000 Thursday. There are 2,000 state guardsmen on duty, and another 3,000 on standby.As of Haley’s update, 310,000 South Carolinians had evacuated further inland, up from 280,000 Thursday. There are 2,000 state guardsmen on duty, and another 3,000 on standby.
UpdatedUpdated
at 4.34pm BSTat 4.34pm BST
4.19pm BST4.19pm BST
16:1916:19
Anyone trying to fly in or out of Florida and Georgia today is likely to have a difficult time.Anyone trying to fly in or out of Florida and Georgia today is likely to have a difficult time.
Airports up and down the coast canceled flights in anticipation of Hurricane Matthew, including nearly all of today’s flights out of Orlando International Airport, and the vast majority out of Sanford, Jacksonville, Gainesville and Savannah, Georgia.Airports up and down the coast canceled flights in anticipation of Hurricane Matthew, including nearly all of today’s flights out of Orlando International Airport, and the vast majority out of Sanford, Jacksonville, Gainesville and Savannah, Georgia.
4.01pm BST4.01pm BST
16:0116:01
President Obama just gave us an update on how the White House is monitoring Hurricane Matthew. He made specific mention of Jacksonville, Florida and the Georgia coast as areas of concern.President Obama just gave us an update on how the White House is monitoring Hurricane Matthew. He made specific mention of Jacksonville, Florida and the Georgia coast as areas of concern.
What we’re seeing now is Matthew, having moved above south Florida and some of the largest population centers, working its way north,” said Obama.What we’re seeing now is Matthew, having moved above south Florida and some of the largest population centers, working its way north,” said Obama.
“The big concern people are having now is the effects it could have in areas like Jacksonville on through Georgia.”“The big concern people are having now is the effects it could have in areas like Jacksonville on through Georgia.”
Obama sat next to Craig Fugate, administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency better known as FEMA, during the update. The agency has made emergency preparations along the Florida coast, which will move north with the storm, Obama said.Obama sat next to Craig Fugate, administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency better known as FEMA, during the update. The agency has made emergency preparations along the Florida coast, which will move north with the storm, Obama said.
I just want to emphasize to everybody – this is still a really dangerous hurricane. The potential for storm surge, flooding, loss of life and severe property damage continues to exist, and people need to follow the instructions of their local officials over the course of the next 24, 48, 72 hours,” Obama said.I just want to emphasize to everybody – this is still a really dangerous hurricane. The potential for storm surge, flooding, loss of life and severe property damage continues to exist, and people need to follow the instructions of their local officials over the course of the next 24, 48, 72 hours,” Obama said.
UpdatedUpdated
at 4.01pm BSTat 4.01pm BST
3.40pm BST3.40pm BST
15:4015:40
Officials are increasingly turning their attention to Jacksonville, Florida, on the northeast coast.Officials are increasingly turning their attention to Jacksonville, Florida, on the northeast coast.
This interactive map by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shows why – the city and areas just north are predicted to be some of the areas worst hit by Hurricane Matthew’s storm surge.This interactive map by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shows why – the city and areas just north are predicted to be some of the areas worst hit by Hurricane Matthew’s storm surge.
A major hurricane not impacted this area in 118 years, since October 2nd 1898. unlike any hurricane in the modern era. #HurricaneMatthewA major hurricane not impacted this area in 118 years, since October 2nd 1898. unlike any hurricane in the modern era. #HurricaneMatthew
3.27pm BST3.27pm BST
15:2715:27
As has been repeated in this blog, and by officials at the National Hurricane Center, storm surge is the most dangerous part of a hurricane.As has been repeated in this blog, and by officials at the National Hurricane Center, storm surge is the most dangerous part of a hurricane.
Storm surges are caused by high winds that push water onshore, and inland through waterways. Because of the flood potential of waterways, storm surge damage can extend miles inland.Storm surges are caused by high winds that push water onshore, and inland through waterways. Because of the flood potential of waterways, storm surge damage can extend miles inland.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration explains more in this video.The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration explains more in this video.
3.16pm BST
15:16
Some incredible videos show just how powerful Hurricane Matthew’s storm surge can be.
For a sense of scale, take a look at the lamp post in the right, the base of which is completely underwater.
WOW! Look at the storm surge, waves & wind in Daytona Beach. @hbwx @TenaciousTopper @AllysonRaeWx #Matthew https://t.co/KZOZPlgHt5 pic.twitter.com/Tjmv76sSl6
2.54pm BST
14:54
Florida Governor Rick Scott mentioned another important piece of information about Lake Okeechobee in his update: that the US Army Corps of Engineers are assessing potential damage.
The lake was already the subject of a local emergency earlier this year, when the Army Corps released water from the lake to avoid damaging notoriously old levees.
“I’m worried about the dike,” said Guadalupe Duran told USA Today on Thursday. Her home is a mile away from the lake. “It could flood everything.”
2.35pm BST
14:35
Florida Governor Rick Scott just updated the nation on Hurricane Matthew’s impacts so far. Here are the highlights:
“We’re only halfway through, we’re going to have more outages,” said Scott. “Power saves lives. We want everybody to get their power back as soon as possible.”
2.15pm BST
14:15
We just received an update from the National Hurricane Center.
Hurricane Matthew now has sustained winds at 121 mph with gusts up to 150mph.
It is important to remember that while hurricanes are categorized based on wind speeds, storm surges are the biggest threat to human life during a hurricane.
2.01pm BST
14:01
We are waiting for Dr. Rick Knabb, director of the National Hurricane Center, to update us on Hurricane Matthew’s projected path.
Meanwhile, more than 470 people are now believed dead in Haiti.
The number of people killed in Haiti by the devastating effects of Hurricane Matthew rose to at least 478 on Friday as rescue workers and aid agencies battled to reach remote areas of the country, assess the damage and deliver relief.
The hurricane, which hit Haiti on Tuesday, brought 145mph winds and torrential rains that destroyed more than 3,200 homes, displaced 15,000 people, ruined plantations and drowned animals. The toll leapt on Thursday night as receding waters revealed more bodies.
The International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies estimates that more than one million Haitians have been affected, with hundreds of thousands of people in urgent need of humanitarian assistance. It has launched an appeal for £5.8m to help provide medical relief, shelter, water and sanitation over the next year.”
1.44pm BST
13:44
Newspaper reports first storm-associated death in US
The Vero Beach Press Journal has reported the first death in the United States associated with Hurricane Matthew.
According to the newspaper, a 58-year-old woman Florida died of a heart attack after St. Lucie County suspended emergency services.
The Guardian is working to confirm this death.
In Haiti, 330 people are believed dead as a result of the storm.
Updated
at 1.45pm BST
1.32pm BST
13:32
We expect an update from the director of the National Hurricane Center within 20 minutes, via Periscope.
This morning, Dr. Rick Knabb again warned Florida residents in Matthew’s path to leave if they still can.
“Part of the history of the hurricane might be how many people die,” Knabb told CNN.
Join @NHCDirector Dr. Rick Knabb live on Periscope at 8:50 a.m. EDT this morning for the latest on #Matthew https://t.co/DoS8b35IpM pic.twitter.com/9TZChcOWpi
1.18pm BST
13:18
In Hurricane Matthew’s wake is Martin County, Florida, immediately south of Port St. Lucie along the state’s Treasure Coast.
Officials there are just beginning to assess the damage wrought by Matthew. Again, this flooding and wind damage happened without the eye of the storm ever making landfall.
Our first look at #matthew damage: debris, flooded roads, erosion and downed power lines @ MacArthur Blvd. pic.twitter.com/HHbXRQvAmC
12.58pm BST
12:58
This video is a good reminder of why local officials want people who stayed through the hurricane to remain indoors, even after winds calm down.
Dramatic video shows power lines exploding in Merritt Island, Florida as Hurricane Matthew churns up the coast. https://t.co/944xgkHFtZ pic.twitter.com/WrFPk1EiVv
Downed power lines could electrify standing water, a major danger for anyone who chose not to heed warnings to evacuate.
“The fact of the matter is we already have a couple thousand people that stayed, and those people need to stay where they are,” Cocoa Beach mayor Tim Tumulty told CNN.
12.46pm BST
12:46
Florida governor: still 'a long way to go'
Florida Governor Rick Scott updated the nation on Hurricane Matthew’s path along Florida’s coast, Friday morning on CBS This Morning.
Scott said as of 7:15am ET the hurricane remained, “a little bit off our coast which is a blessing.”
“We’re going to see up to 12 ft in the Jacksonville area,” Scott said, referring to storm surge in the northern, coastal city. “We still have a long way to go. We have this all day today.”
Scott said about 40,000 Floridians were without power as Matthew cruised up the coast toward Daytona Beach, the well-known tourist destination.
Mathew is expected to ride the Florida-Georgia coast heading northward through Friday, arriving at the southern coast of South Carolina at 2am Saturday, according to the latest predictions from the National Hurricane Center.