Hurricane threatens Florida
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.JIM LONEY
Reuters Miami - Hundreds of thousands of Florida coastal dwellers were ordered out of their homes last night as Tropical Storm Erin neared hurricane strength and spun through the Bahamas on a collision course with the US mainland.
The rapid approach of the storm, which formed late on Sunday in the Atlantic, sent residents of south Florida scurrying for emergency supplies and dredged up memories of Hurricane Andrew, the costliest natural disaster in US history.
Emergency services in the heavily populated Miami and Fort Lauderdale areas and the Florida Keys ordered thousands of people to evacuate mobile homes, low-lying coastal areas and barrier islands. Between 600,000 and 800,000 people live in Dade County's evacuation zone.
"Everyone needs to follow the evacuation order. Lives are very clearly held in the balance," said Dade County Commissioner Bruce Kaplan.
Florida's Governor, Lawton Chiles, declared a state of emergency in south and central Florida, activating the state's emergency operations centre.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments