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Hurricane Matthew: Florida coast takes pounding as storm heads north – live Hurricane Matthew: Florida coast takes pounding as storm heads north – live
(35 minutes later)
8.39pm BST
20:39
It’s not just people who need to hunker down for a storm like Hurricane Matthew: zoos and wildlife parks face unique challenges in keeping their animals safe from the storm - and from each other - in confined spaces while they wait for the storm to pass.
St Augustine Alligator Farm and Zoological Park in St Augustine, Florida, has moved all its birds and mammals to the concrete safety of the Komodo Dragon building, and the park has been giving regular updates via its Facebook page:
8.22pm BST
20:22
Nicky Woolf here, taking over from my colleague Jessica Glenza.
Hurricane Matthew’s trail of destruction in Haiti has stunned those viewing the aftermath, with the number of dead soaring as high as 842.
Tens of thousands have been made homeless, and crops have been destroyed.
With fatalities mounting, various government agencies and committees differed on total deaths. A Reuters count of deaths reported by civil protection and local officials put the toll at 842.
Hurricane Matthew arrived thrashing at the door of Rosemika’s house in Croix-des-Bouquets, Haiti, at 6am on Tuesday, the Guardian’s Sam Jones reports.
“It happened so quickly and suddenly,” the 10-year-old told aid workers. “I heard my neighbour screaming: ‘Water! Water everywhere!’ It had completely surrounded us.”
Rosemika and her brothers and sisters ran, terrified, to the sanctuary of the hills. Like some of her friends in Haiti’s Ouest department, they lost their home to the fury of the wind and the rain.
The water “was like a monster, hitting everything violently,” she said.
According to a release from the charity Unicef, As many as 500,000 children live in the Grande Anse and Grand South areas of southern Haiti which were worst hit by the storm. According to the release:
Three days after the storm, it remains unclear how many of them need urgent assistance as damage to road infrastructure continues to hamper assessment and relief efforts.
“We’re still far from having a full picture of the extent of the damage,” said Marc Vincent, Unicef Representative in Haiti. “We are hoping for the best, but bracing for the worst.”
Up to 80 per cent of homes in the south are reportedly damaged and nearly 16,000 people are staying in temporary shelters. Some 175 schools are believed to have sustained heavy damage and at least 150 schools throughout the country are being used to shelter evacuees.
7.56pm BST7.56pm BST
19:5619:56
Dr. Rick Knabb of the National Hurricane Center and storm surge team lead Jamie Rhome just gave an update on Hurricane Matthew’s impacts along the east coast, reiterating their warning to leave evacuation zones if possible.Dr. Rick Knabb of the National Hurricane Center and storm surge team lead Jamie Rhome just gave an update on Hurricane Matthew’s impacts along the east coast, reiterating their warning to leave evacuation zones if possible.
“Unfortunately, the track just offshore in Florida gave people the impression that, ‘Ooo, we’ve dodged a bullet here,’” said Jamie Rhome. That was not the case, he said. “Clearly, you’re seeing the flooding and Jacksonville and Georgia.”“Unfortunately, the track just offshore in Florida gave people the impression that, ‘Ooo, we’ve dodged a bullet here,’” said Jamie Rhome. That was not the case, he said. “Clearly, you’re seeing the flooding and Jacksonville and Georgia.”
Knabb said he had also seen people assume storm surge risk was not as great if low tide occurred when the storm hit. In fact, the National Hurricane Center calculates tides with its storm surge predictions, so ranges of 6-9 ft, which is the current prediction for Flagler Beach, Florida, already consider low and high tides.Knabb said he had also seen people assume storm surge risk was not as great if low tide occurred when the storm hit. In fact, the National Hurricane Center calculates tides with its storm surge predictions, so ranges of 6-9 ft, which is the current prediction for Flagler Beach, Florida, already consider low and high tides.
“The threat is real – again if you’ve been told by your emergency manager to evacuate – do so,” said Knabb.“The threat is real – again if you’ve been told by your emergency manager to evacuate – do so,” said Knabb.
7.46pm BST7.46pm BST
19:4619:46
We’re now listening to an update from Dr. Rick Knabb, director of the National Hurricane Center in Florida. Watch with us via the Periscope link below.We’re now listening to an update from Dr. Rick Knabb, director of the National Hurricane Center in Florida. Watch with us via the Periscope link below.
Join @NHCDirector Dr. Rick Knabb live on Periscope at 2:40 p.m. EDT this afternoon for the latest on #Matthew https://t.co/Bx7unjQdO1 @NOAA pic.twitter.com/xZSolueiNLJoin @NHCDirector Dr. Rick Knabb live on Periscope at 2:40 p.m. EDT this afternoon for the latest on #Matthew https://t.co/Bx7unjQdO1 @NOAA pic.twitter.com/xZSolueiNL
7.36pm BST7.36pm BST
19:3619:36
Even though millions of residents along the east coast received orders to evacuate, not all heeded those warnings. Among them is Arthur Cohen, 63, a Jacksonville Beach resident riding out the storm. Cohen described the decision of whether to follow evacuation orders as an emotional one.Even though millions of residents along the east coast received orders to evacuate, not all heeded those warnings. Among them is Arthur Cohen, 63, a Jacksonville Beach resident riding out the storm. Cohen described the decision of whether to follow evacuation orders as an emotional one.
“I was feeling good initially, a little anxious yesterday,” said Cohen. “But then, when I saw the further forecast and spoke to people about the building, I felt good again, and I feel very good now. I am very safe.”“I was feeling good initially, a little anxious yesterday,” said Cohen. “But then, when I saw the further forecast and spoke to people about the building, I felt good again, and I feel very good now. I am very safe.”
Cohen also sent The Guardian a video from his home where waves can be seen crashing over nearby dunes and water filling city streets.Cohen also sent The Guardian a video from his home where waves can be seen crashing over nearby dunes and water filling city streets.
“Well, I’m in a high rise condominium that’s newly built and I’m in the southwest corner 10 stories high, and I’m not concerned about the storm surge affecting us,” he said.“Well, I’m in a high rise condominium that’s newly built and I’m in the southwest corner 10 stories high, and I’m not concerned about the storm surge affecting us,” he said.
“We’re seeing small waves now in the street where it’s coming over the dunes and into the street and flooding 1st Avenue here.”“We’re seeing small waves now in the street where it’s coming over the dunes and into the street and flooding 1st Avenue here.”
7.11pm BST7.11pm BST
19:1119:11
We just received an update from the National Hurricane Center on Hurricane Matthew’s projected path.We just received an update from the National Hurricane Center on Hurricane Matthew’s projected path.
Right now, the hurricane is expected to hug the coast, moving northwest along the Florida-Georgia coastline as it weakens over the next two days. The hurricane may make landfall in the next few hours.Right now, the hurricane is expected to hug the coast, moving northwest along the Florida-Georgia coastline as it weakens over the next two days. The hurricane may make landfall in the next few hours.
Matthew is still a category three hurricane, with sustained winds at 115 mph.Matthew is still a category three hurricane, with sustained winds at 115 mph.
Near St. Augustine, the storm surge has reached 3.11 ft above the normal high water mark for the area, and wind gusts have reached 84 mph.Near St. Augustine, the storm surge has reached 3.11 ft above the normal high water mark for the area, and wind gusts have reached 84 mph.
Nearby Flagler Beach may see storm surge of up to 9ft, according to this latest forecast, and beaches as far as North Carolina could see up to 4 ft storm surge.Nearby Flagler Beach may see storm surge of up to 9ft, according to this latest forecast, and beaches as far as North Carolina could see up to 4 ft storm surge.
“There is a danger of life-threatening inundation during the next 36 hours along the Florida northeast coast, the Georgia coast, the South Carolina coast, and the North Carolina coast from Cocoa Beach, Florida, to Cape Fear, North Carolina,” wrote forecaster Lixion Avila.“There is a danger of life-threatening inundation during the next 36 hours along the Florida northeast coast, the Georgia coast, the South Carolina coast, and the North Carolina coast from Cocoa Beach, Florida, to Cape Fear, North Carolina,” wrote forecaster Lixion Avila.
UpdatedUpdated
at 7.26pm BSTat 7.26pm BST
5.56pm BST5.56pm BST
17:5617:56
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”.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/eaVHBsYGDOBrian 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 BST5.42pm BST
17:4217:42
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.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/EMgX2UqBwb20 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.”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.“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.”“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.