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Hurricane Matthew: storm surge threat to Carolinas and Georgia Hurricane Matthew: storm surge threat to Carolinas and Georgia - live
(35 minutes later)
11.47am BST
11:47
Weather forecaster Henry Rothenberg tweets:
#MATTHEW: Dangerous Cat 2 hurricane w/ the eye brushing the coast, but has yet to make landfall. #tropics #hurricane pic.twitter.com/DVbssHkApT
11.32am BST
11:32
While attention is now turned to the hurricane’s impact on the US, with at least four deaths in Florida, let’s not forget that almost 900 people have died in Haiti.
Officials say the death toll is expected to continue to rise as help reaches isolated towns in the island nation, which is still recovering from a devastating earthquake six years ago.
There are fears of a cholera outbreak in many areas because of the lack of clean water.
11.07am BST11.07am BST
11:0711:07
Storm surges reported in Georgia and South CarolinaStorm surges reported in Georgia and South Carolina
The National Hurrucane Centre has just issued its latest update on the hurricane.The National Hurrucane Centre has just issued its latest update on the hurricane.
A private weather station on Tybee Island, Georgia, recently reported a wind gust of 93 mph (150 km/h), while another private weather station in Beaufort, South Carolina, recorded a wind gust of 83 mph (133 km/h). A wind gust of 85 mph (137 km/h) was recently measured at the airport on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Water levels remain high along much of the St. Johns River, with 3.0 feet of storm surge inundation reported at the Racy Point tide gauge. About 4.8 ft of storm surge inundation was reported at Ft. Pulaski, Georgia, near Savannah, and 3.5 ft of storm surge inundation has been reported at the Port of Charleston, South Carolina.A private weather station on Tybee Island, Georgia, recently reported a wind gust of 93 mph (150 km/h), while another private weather station in Beaufort, South Carolina, recorded a wind gust of 83 mph (133 km/h). A wind gust of 85 mph (137 km/h) was recently measured at the airport on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Water levels remain high along much of the St. Johns River, with 3.0 feet of storm surge inundation reported at the Racy Point tide gauge. About 4.8 ft of storm surge inundation was reported at Ft. Pulaski, Georgia, near Savannah, and 3.5 ft of storm surge inundation has been reported at the Port of Charleston, South Carolina.
NEW VIDEO: Charleston, SC seeing flooding conditions early this morning from heavy rainfall #SCwx #HurricaneMatthew pic.twitter.com/7Q8fePgDDoNEW VIDEO: Charleston, SC seeing flooding conditions early this morning from heavy rainfall #SCwx #HurricaneMatthew pic.twitter.com/7Q8fePgDDo
10.55am BST10.55am BST
10:5510:55
This is the latest update from the National Hurricane Center on the probable path of the storm over the coming days.This is the latest update from the National Hurricane Center on the probable path of the storm over the coming days.
It is expected to near North Carolina’s southern coast by Saturday night.It is expected to near North Carolina’s southern coast by Saturday night.
10.25am BST10.25am BST
10:2510:25
Some dramatic video from CNN as the hurricane hit Daytona beach in Florida.Some dramatic video from CNN as the hurricane hit Daytona beach in Florida.
The scene as a storm surge from Hurricane #Matthew rolled into Daytona Beach, Florida https://t.co/UHF0L9Nq0W pic.twitter.com/PPqZpWLiEEThe scene as a storm surge from Hurricane #Matthew rolled into Daytona Beach, Florida https://t.co/UHF0L9Nq0W pic.twitter.com/PPqZpWLiEE
9.33am BST9.33am BST
09:3309:33
Hurricane-force winds are now moving onshore at Hilton Head and Pritchards Island, South Carolina, the National Hurricane Center reports.Hurricane-force winds are now moving onshore at Hilton Head and Pritchards Island, South Carolina, the National Hurricane Center reports.
82 mph wind gust just came in from Hilton Head, SC. #Matthew #scwx pic.twitter.com/7rztNtvOOO82 mph wind gust just came in from Hilton Head, SC. #Matthew #scwx pic.twitter.com/7rztNtvOOO
9.25am BST9.25am BST
09:2509:25
Craig Fugate, director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, has raised concern that relatively light damage so far could give people up the US coast a false sense of security. He told NBC:Craig Fugate, director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, has raised concern that relatively light damage so far could give people up the US coast a false sense of security. He told NBC:
People should not be looking at the damages they’re seeing and saying this storm is not that bad.People should not be looking at the damages they’re seeing and saying this storm is not that bad.
The real danger still is storm surge, particularly in northern Florida and southern Georgia. These are very vulnerable areas. They’ve never seen this kind of damage potential since the late 1800s.The real danger still is storm surge, particularly in northern Florida and southern Georgia. These are very vulnerable areas. They’ve never seen this kind of damage potential since the late 1800s.
In St. Augustine just south of Jacksonville, Florida, about half of the 14,000 residents refused to heed evacuation orders despite warnings of an 8-foot (2.4-meter) storm surge that could sink entire neighborhoods, Mayor Nancy Shaver said in a telephone interview from the area’s emergency operations center. Television images later showed water surging through streets in the historic downtown area of St. Augustine, the oldest U.S. city and a major tourist attraction. “There’s that whole inability to suspend disbelief that I think really affects people in a time like this,” Shaver said.In St. Augustine just south of Jacksonville, Florida, about half of the 14,000 residents refused to heed evacuation orders despite warnings of an 8-foot (2.4-meter) storm surge that could sink entire neighborhoods, Mayor Nancy Shaver said in a telephone interview from the area’s emergency operations center. Television images later showed water surging through streets in the historic downtown area of St. Augustine, the oldest U.S. city and a major tourist attraction. “There’s that whole inability to suspend disbelief that I think really affects people in a time like this,” Shaver said.
#HurricaneMatthew slams #Jacksonville coast https://t.co/QyhREMLLLy#HurricaneMatthew slams #Jacksonville coast https://t.co/QyhREMLLLy
9.19am BST9.19am BST
09:1909:19
4:15am - Western eyewall over Hilton Head Island right now. Still no official landfall of #Matthew as center of eye just off shore. #scwx pic.twitter.com/AIPsNsyj9o4:15am - Western eyewall over Hilton Head Island right now. Still no official landfall of #Matthew as center of eye just off shore. #scwx pic.twitter.com/AIPsNsyj9o
9.08am BST9.08am BST
09:0809:08
As it stands, Matthew has killed at least 877 in Haiti and left tens of thousands homeless in the Caribbean country. The hurricane smashed through Haiti’s western peninsula on Tuesday with 145 mile-per-hour (233 kph) winds and torrential rain. At least three towns in the hills and coast of Haiti’s fertile western tip reported dozens of people killed, including the farming village of Chantal where the mayor said 86 people died, mostly when trees crushed houses. Food was scarce in Haiti and at least seven people died of cholera, likely because of flood water mixing with sewage. The Mesa Verde, a US Navy amphibious transport dock ship, was heading for Haiti to support relief efforts.As it stands, Matthew has killed at least 877 in Haiti and left tens of thousands homeless in the Caribbean country. The hurricane smashed through Haiti’s western peninsula on Tuesday with 145 mile-per-hour (233 kph) winds and torrential rain. At least three towns in the hills and coast of Haiti’s fertile western tip reported dozens of people killed, including the farming village of Chantal where the mayor said 86 people died, mostly when trees crushed houses. Food was scarce in Haiti and at least seven people died of cholera, likely because of flood water mixing with sewage. The Mesa Verde, a US Navy amphibious transport dock ship, was heading for Haiti to support relief efforts.
Matthew has also triggered mass evacuations along the US coast from Florida through Georgia and into South Carolina and North Carolina. It is forecast to move near or over the South Carolina coast Saturday morning, the National Hurricane Center reports, and it will near North Carolina’s southern coast by Saturday night.Matthew has also triggered mass evacuations along the US coast from Florida through Georgia and into South Carolina and North Carolina. It is forecast to move near or over the South Carolina coast Saturday morning, the National Hurricane Center reports, and it will near North Carolina’s southern coast by Saturday night.
The hurricane sideswiped Florida’s coast with winds of up to 120 mph (195 kph) but did not make landfall in the state. There were at least four storm-related deaths in Florida but no immediate reports of significant damage in cities and towns where the storm swamped streets, toppled trees and knocked out power to more than 1 million people. Two people were killed by falling trees, according to Florida officials, and an elderly couple died of carbon monoxide poisoning from a generator while sheltering from the storm inside a garage.The hurricane sideswiped Florida’s coast with winds of up to 120 mph (195 kph) but did not make landfall in the state. There were at least four storm-related deaths in Florida but no immediate reports of significant damage in cities and towns where the storm swamped streets, toppled trees and knocked out power to more than 1 million people. Two people were killed by falling trees, according to Florida officials, and an elderly couple died of carbon monoxide poisoning from a generator while sheltering from the storm inside a garage.
The hurricane raked the Georgia coast, including some of the state’s islands such as St. Simons and Tybee.The hurricane raked the Georgia coast, including some of the state’s islands such as St. Simons and Tybee.
At 2 a.m. EDT, Matthew had sustained winds of 105 mph (165 kph), and was centered 45 miles (70 kilometers) south of Hilton Head, South Carolina. It was moving north about 12 mph (19 kph).At 2 a.m. EDT, Matthew had sustained winds of 105 mph (165 kph), and was centered 45 miles (70 kilometers) south of Hilton Head, South Carolina. It was moving north about 12 mph (19 kph).
Barack Obama urged people not to be complacent and to heed safety instructions. “The potential for storm surge, loss of life and severe property damage exists,” the president told reporters after a briefing with emergency management officials.Barack Obama urged people not to be complacent and to heed safety instructions. “The potential for storm surge, loss of life and severe property damage exists,” the president told reporters after a briefing with emergency management officials.
8.44am BST8.44am BST
08:4408:44
The eyewall of the hurricane is currently right on the coast of South Carolina.The eyewall of the hurricane is currently right on the coast of South Carolina.
#NOAA43 completed the first leg through #HurricaneMatthew. Eyewall right on the coast of SC. pic.twitter.com/I9pr178TVn#NOAA43 completed the first leg through #HurricaneMatthew. Eyewall right on the coast of SC. pic.twitter.com/I9pr178TVn
62mph wind gust in Beaufort, #HurricaneMatthew closing in on a landfall. #chswx pic.twitter.com/8tk1RGmNbb62mph wind gust in Beaufort, #HurricaneMatthew closing in on a landfall. #chswx pic.twitter.com/8tk1RGmNbb
Looks like #Matthew could make a landfall after all. Eyewall getting close to Hilton Head, still moving north towards our location pic.twitter.com/xWAG0JCEamLooks like #Matthew could make a landfall after all. Eyewall getting close to Hilton Head, still moving north towards our location pic.twitter.com/xWAG0JCEam
8.08am BST8.08am BST
08:0808:08
Summary as at 3amSummary as at 3am
It’s just gone 3am eastern time in the US and the worst of Hurricane Matthew is hitting Savannah, Georgia, and surrounding suburbs and towns.It’s just gone 3am eastern time in the US and the worst of Hurricane Matthew is hitting Savannah, Georgia, and surrounding suburbs and towns.
This is how things stand:This is how things stand:
7.51am BST7.51am BST
07:5107:51
Savannah and surrounding areas are expected to be experiencing the worst of the storm now. We don’t yet have any confirmation of landfall.Savannah and surrounding areas are expected to be experiencing the worst of the storm now. We don’t yet have any confirmation of landfall.
There’s a curfew in effect from midnight to 5am for most areas along the southeast coast, and we won’t be able to see the full extent of the damage in southern Georgia and northern Florida until daybreak.There’s a curfew in effect from midnight to 5am for most areas along the southeast coast, and we won’t be able to see the full extent of the damage in southern Georgia and northern Florida until daybreak.
There have also been a number of reports of crashes on the i95. A lot of trees down on the road.There have also been a number of reports of crashes on the i95. A lot of trees down on the road.
Hurricane #Matthew Ax on i95 near Ridgeland, #savannah ~ Jasper Co. @WSAV pic.twitter.com/Tq5JAaL1HYHurricane #Matthew Ax on i95 near Ridgeland, #savannah ~ Jasper Co. @WSAV pic.twitter.com/Tq5JAaL1HY
The New York Times summarised the impact of the storm on Florida in this video.The New York Times summarised the impact of the storm on Florida in this video.
7.21am BST7.21am BST
07:2107:21
Hurricane could make landfall, experts sayHurricane could make landfall, experts say
The US National Hurricane Centre has issued its 2am update, which shows the system tracking along the coast to reach North Carolina by 8pm Saturday.The US National Hurricane Centre has issued its 2am update, which shows the system tracking along the coast to reach North Carolina by 8pm Saturday.
this is the 2am update from the US National Hurricane Centre. #HurricaneMatthew https://t.co/ZNETyaF1ej pic.twitter.com/pS5GhYhyZgthis is the 2am update from the US National Hurricane Centre. #HurricaneMatthew https://t.co/ZNETyaF1ej pic.twitter.com/pS5GhYhyZg
It’s currently travelling north, toward the coast, at 12mph/19kmh. Maximum wind speeds of 105mph/160k/h.It’s currently travelling north, toward the coast, at 12mph/19kmh. Maximum wind speeds of 105mph/160k/h.
The radar looks pretty scary. That wide yellow band at the bottom of system is the eyewall - if it crosses fully on to land, then Hurricane Matthew will have made landfall for the first time in the US.The radar looks pretty scary. That wide yellow band at the bottom of system is the eyewall - if it crosses fully on to land, then Hurricane Matthew will have made landfall for the first time in the US.
Northern eyewall of #Matthew perilously close to SC/GA. Only 1 wobble brings it ashore! Be safe! pic.twitter.com/xtn9YxMDA6Northern eyewall of #Matthew perilously close to SC/GA. Only 1 wobble brings it ashore! Be safe! pic.twitter.com/xtn9YxMDA6
7.08am BST7.08am BST
07:0807:08
There are reports coming through that the eyewall of the hurricane is just about to make, landfall at Hilton Head. That’s not quite the eye of the storm (although there are predictions the eye itself will hit) but it is the area that contains the worst winds.There are reports coming through that the eyewall of the hurricane is just about to make, landfall at Hilton Head. That’s not quite the eye of the storm (although there are predictions the eye itself will hit) but it is the area that contains the worst winds.
That’s expected to be in the next half an hour to an hour, so between 2.30am and 3am eastern.That’s expected to be in the next half an hour to an hour, so between 2.30am and 3am eastern.
Landfall in Beaufort County is a very bad scenario for increased surge impacts in #CHS. Really, really hoping the turn happens soon.Landfall in Beaufort County is a very bad scenario for increased surge impacts in #CHS. Really, really hoping the turn happens soon.
Core of #Matthew just 45 miles south of Hilton Head and moving DUE NORTH at 12 mph! Could be getting a landfall. pic.twitter.com/9u8E9Q7dteCore of #Matthew just 45 miles south of Hilton Head and moving DUE NORTH at 12 mph! Could be getting a landfall. pic.twitter.com/9u8E9Q7dte
The Savannah River in downtown Savannah has breached its banks, and that flooding is expecting to worsen as the eyewall approaches.The Savannah River in downtown Savannah has breached its banks, and that flooding is expecting to worsen as the eyewall approaches.
Trouble in #Savannah as the Savannah River overflows its banks ... the flooding begins. #HurricaneMatthew pic.twitter.com/F1firqk2jrTrouble in #Savannah as the Savannah River overflows its banks ... the flooding begins. #HurricaneMatthew pic.twitter.com/F1firqk2jr
Butler Avenue on #TybeeIsland under water due to #HurricaneMatthew Storm Surge and high tide. 2nd highest tide since #HurricaneDavid #wtoc pic.twitter.com/5ezexcREdnButler Avenue on #TybeeIsland under water due to #HurricaneMatthew Storm Surge and high tide. 2nd highest tide since #HurricaneDavid #wtoc pic.twitter.com/5ezexcREdn
6.42am BST6.42am BST
06:4206:42
The worst of the weather is expected to reach Hilton Head Island, on the coast just north of Savannah, very soon.The worst of the weather is expected to reach Hilton Head Island, on the coast just north of Savannah, very soon.
Eyewall is within 10 miles of the coast of Hilton Head Island. Extremely dangerous situation unfolding pic.twitter.com/Hf0oJn23NvEyewall is within 10 miles of the coast of Hilton Head Island. Extremely dangerous situation unfolding pic.twitter.com/Hf0oJn23Nv
If you know people on Hilton Head, call them and let them know that there is the potential for extremely dangerous wind soon.If you know people on Hilton Head, call them and let them know that there is the potential for extremely dangerous wind soon.