Hurricane Irma regains Category 5 strength; warning zone expanded for Florida
MIAMI — The Latest on Hurricane Irma (all times local):11:10 p.m.The National Hurricane Center says Irma has strengthened back into a Category 5 storm.
MIAMI — The Latest on Hurricane Irma (all times local):11:10 p.m.The National Hurricane Center says Irma has strengthened back into a Category 5 storm.
Irma bears down on Florida, more than 5 million told to flee coast
MIAMI — Irma trained its sights on Florida and officials warned more than 5 million people that time was running out Friday to evacuate ahead of the deadly hurricane as it followed a path that could take it from one end of the state to the other.By early evening, Irma was a slightly weakened Category 4 storm with winds of 155 mph (250 kph) and forecasters said it could be back up to Category 5 when it comes ashore near Key West on Sunday morning.Forecasters adjusted the storm's potential track more toward the west coast of Florida, away from the Miami metropolitan area of 6 million people, meaning "a less costly, a less deadly storm," University of Miami researcher Brian McNoldy said.Nevertheless, forecasters warned that its hurricane-force winds were so wide they could reach from coast to coast, testing the nation's third-largest state, which has undergone rapid development and more stringent hurricane-proof building codes in the last decade or so."This is a storm that will kill you if you don't get out of the way," National Hurricane Center meteorologist Dennis Feltgen said. "Everybody's going to feel this one."Irma killed at least 20 people in the Caribbean and left thousands homeless as it devastated small resort islands known for their warm, turquoise water.In Florida, gas shortages and gridlock plagued the evacuations, turning normally simple trips into tests of will.
MIAMI — Irma trained its sights on Florida and officials warned more than 5 million people that time was running out Friday to evacuate ahead of the deadly hurricane as it followed a path that could take it from one end of the state to the other.By early evening, Irma was a slightly weakened Category 4 storm with winds of 155 mph (250 kph) and forecasters said it could be back up to Category 5 when it comes ashore near Key West on Sunday morning.Forecasters adjusted the storm's potential track more toward the west coast of Florida, away from the Miami metropolitan area of 6 million people, meaning "a less costly, a less deadly storm," University of Miami researcher Brian McNoldy said.Nevertheless, forecasters warned that its hurricane-force winds were so wide they could reach from coast to coast, testing the nation's third-largest state, which has undergone rapid development and more stringent hurricane-proof building codes in the last decade or so."This is a storm that will kill you if you don't get out of the way," National Hurricane Center meteorologist Dennis Feltgen said. "Everybody's going to feel this one."Irma killed at least 20 people in the Caribbean and left thousands homeless as it devastated small resort islands known for their warm, turquoise water.In Florida, gas shortages and gridlock plagued the evacuations, turning normally simple trips into tests of will.
Bracing for Irma: Florida resident with ties to Milwaukee hunkers down as hurricane approaches
MILWAUKEE -- Not everyone is evacuating for Hurricane Irma.
MILWAUKEE -- Not everyone is evacuating for Hurricane Irma.
Irma eyes long-feared path: Straight through the center of Florida
MIAMI — Hurricane Irma's predicted path continues to inch west as the massive storm, still armed with 155 mph winds, approaches Florida.
MIAMI — Hurricane Irma's predicted path continues to inch west as the massive storm, still armed with 155 mph winds, approaches Florida.
Rush Limbaugh evacuates after linking Irma to media hoax, 'climate change agenda'
PALM BEACH, Fla. – Conservative talk radio host Rush Limbaugh appeared to indicate that he was evacuating his Florida home, just days after expressing skepticism about the seriousness of Hurricane Irma and floating unfounded theories about why media outlets were aggressively covering the looming storm."May as well announce this.
PALM BEACH, Fla. – Conservative talk radio host Rush Limbaugh appeared to indicate that he was evacuating his Florida home, just days after expressing skepticism about the seriousness of Hurricane Irma and floating unfounded theories about why media outlets were aggressively covering the looming storm."May as well announce this.
"We're still supporting them:" Brookfield Central H.S. students walk to benefit Hurricane Harvey victims
MILWAUKEE -- More than 1,000 high schoolers in Brookfield walked a mile Friday, September 8th in a show of support for Hurricane Harvey victims.
MILWAUKEE -- More than 1,000 high schoolers in Brookfield walked a mile Friday, September 8th in a show of support for Hurricane Harvey victims.
Governor Walker issues executive order relating to Harvey relief
MADISON -- Governor Scott Walker issued Executive Order #252 Friday, September 8th suspending certain restrictions and limitations for emergency aid transportation following Hurricane Harvey, according to a recent release.
MADISON -- Governor Scott Walker issued Executive Order #252 Friday, September 8th suspending certain restrictions and limitations for emergency aid transportation following Hurricane Harvey, according to a recent release.
Walt Disney World to close theme parks through Monday; aims to reopen on Tuesday
ORLANDO -- Disney announced on Friday its four major theme parks will close early on Saturday and remain closed through Monday with hopes of reopening on Tuesday.
ORLANDO -- Disney announced on Friday its four major theme parks will close early on Saturday and remain closed through Monday with hopes of reopening on Tuesday.
Police shoot armed man at Miami airport amid Irma evacuation
Police shot a man who wielded a knife and tried to get into a Miami airport terminal from a runway, prompting the closure of a busy concourse as travelers tried to leave Florida ahead of Hurricane Irma, authorities said.Miami-Dade Police Director Juan Perez said late Thursday that the unidentified suspect entered a restricted area on the tarmac "where the airplanes actually come in.""One of the sergeants that responded observed a gentleman on the tarmac.
Police shot a man who wielded a knife and tried to get into a Miami airport terminal from a runway, prompting the closure of a busy concourse as travelers tried to leave Florida ahead of Hurricane Irma, authorities said.Miami-Dade Police Director Juan Perez said late Thursday that the unidentified suspect entered a restricted area on the tarmac "where the airplanes actually come in.""One of the sergeants that responded observed a gentleman on the tarmac.
White House: Pres. Trump briefed on Irma preparations; his "number 1 priority is saving lives"
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The White House says President Donald Trump was briefed Thursday on preparations for Hurricane Irma and the federal government's planned response to the storm.The White House says President Trump urged his administration to stay engaged in supporting the governors of the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Florida and other states that may be affected.President Trump's "number one priority is saving lives," the White House says.President Trump told the officials that those in the path of the storm need to heed the instructions of their state and local officials.President Trump was also briefed on the recovery efforts involving Harvey.He was joined by Vice President Mike Pence and senior members of the Trump administration during the briefing.
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The White House says President Donald Trump was briefed Thursday on preparations for Hurricane Irma and the federal government's planned response to the storm.The White House says President Trump urged his administration to stay engaged in supporting the governors of the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Florida and other states that may be affected.President Trump's "number one priority is saving lives," the White House says.President Trump told the officials that those in the path of the storm need to heed the instructions of their state and local officials.President Trump was also briefed on the recovery efforts involving Harvey.He was joined by Vice President Mike Pence and senior members of the Trump administration during the briefing.
Orlando's major amusement parks still operating
The three major amusement parks in Orlando, Florida, are all operating under normal conditions as Hurricane Irma threatens the entire state.Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando and Sea World said Thursday morning they are monitoring the movement of Irma, but at this point have made no plans to shut down their parks or alter the normal hours of operations.
The three major amusement parks in Orlando, Florida, are all operating under normal conditions as Hurricane Irma threatens the entire state.Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando and Sea World said Thursday morning they are monitoring the movement of Irma, but at this point have made no plans to shut down their parks or alter the normal hours of operations.
"No gas and gridlock:" Traffic nightmare as 500K people told to leave Florida
MIAMI — The race to flee Hurricane Irma became a marathon nightmare for many as more than a half-million people were ordered to leave South Florida on Thursday.With the storm barreling toward the tip of Florida for perhaps a catastrophic blow this weekend, normally quick trips turned into daylong journeys on crowded highways amid a constant search for gasoline and lodging.
MIAMI — The race to flee Hurricane Irma became a marathon nightmare for many as more than a half-million people were ordered to leave South Florida on Thursday.With the storm barreling toward the tip of Florida for perhaps a catastrophic blow this weekend, normally quick trips turned into daylong journeys on crowded highways amid a constant search for gasoline and lodging.
Harvey telethon to now include Irma victims
The star-studded Sept. 12 telethon scheduled to help victims of Hurricane Harvey is expanding its reach to include those affected by Hurricane Irma as well.Event organizers say that they are prepared to help in any way they can.Beyoncé, Blake Shelton, Barbra Streisand and Oprah Winfrey will headline the one-hour telethon that will be simulcast next week on ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox and CMT.The event will be telecast live at 7 p.m. CDT on Tuesday, September 12th and streamed live on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.
The star-studded Sept. 12 telethon scheduled to help victims of Hurricane Harvey is expanding its reach to include those affected by Hurricane Irma as well.Event organizers say that they are prepared to help in any way they can.Beyoncé, Blake Shelton, Barbra Streisand and Oprah Winfrey will headline the one-hour telethon that will be simulcast next week on ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox and CMT.The event will be telecast live at 7 p.m. CDT on Tuesday, September 12th and streamed live on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.
Florida woman embraces stranger who gave her last generator in store
ORLANDO, Fla. - While many residents in Florida are bracing for impact as Hurricane Irma makes its way through the Caribbean, Pam Brekke knew she needed to get a generator in order to help her father.Brekke had scoured the area searching for generators, but found only empty store shelves."My father's on oxygen, and I'm worried about this storm," she told WFTV.She even traveled 30 miles from her Sanford home to the Lowe's in Orlando, but, as she waited in line, she saw the customer in front of her receive the last generator in stock.The realization sent Brekke into tears, which caught the attention of Ramon Santiago.Without knowing the reason behind her need for a generator, Santiago gave her the one in his cart.
ORLANDO, Fla. - While many residents in Florida are bracing for impact as Hurricane Irma makes its way through the Caribbean, Pam Brekke knew she needed to get a generator in order to help her father.Brekke had scoured the area searching for generators, but found only empty store shelves."My father's on oxygen, and I'm worried about this storm," she told WFTV.She even traveled 30 miles from her Sanford home to the Lowe's in Orlando, but, as she waited in line, she saw the customer in front of her receive the last generator in stock.The realization sent Brekke into tears, which caught the attention of Ramon Santiago.Without knowing the reason behind her need for a generator, Santiago gave her the one in his cart.
Senate passes $15.3B aid package for Harvey
WASHINGTON -- The Senate has passed a $15.3 billion aid package for victims of Harvey — nearly doubling President Donald Trump's emergency request and adding a deal between Trump and Democrats to temporarily extend the government's ability to borrow money to cover its bills.The 80-17 vote returns the legislation to the House for a vote Friday that would send it to the White House.The measure would also fund government agencies through Dec. 8, taking the threat of an Oct. 1 government shutdown off the table.The aid money comes as Harvey recovery efforts are draining federal disaster aid coffers — and as Hurricane Irma takes aim at Florida.Majority Leader Mitch McConnell moved late Wednesday to add $7.4 billion in money for rebuilding to Trump's $7.9 billion Harvey request.
WASHINGTON -- The Senate has passed a $15.3 billion aid package for victims of Harvey — nearly doubling President Donald Trump's emergency request and adding a deal between Trump and Democrats to temporarily extend the government's ability to borrow money to cover its bills.The 80-17 vote returns the legislation to the House for a vote Friday that would send it to the White House.The measure would also fund government agencies through Dec. 8, taking the threat of an Oct. 1 government shutdown off the table.The aid money comes as Harvey recovery efforts are draining federal disaster aid coffers — and as Hurricane Irma takes aim at Florida.Majority Leader Mitch McConnell moved late Wednesday to add $7.4 billion in money for rebuilding to Trump's $7.9 billion Harvey request.
"It will take years:" Rescuers rush to Caribbean islands as Category 5 Irma churns toward Florida
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic — French, British and Dutch rescuers rushed aid to a string of Caribbean islands Thursday after Hurricane Irma left at least seven dead and thousands homeless as it traced a course that could lead to a catastrophic strike on Florida this weekend.Warships and military planes were dispatched to the stricken zone with food, water and troops after the fearsome Category 5 storm smashed homes, schools and roads.Hundreds of the miles to the west, Florida braced for the onslaught, with forecasters warning Irma could slam headlong into the Miami metropolitan area of 6 million people, punish the entire length of the state's Atlantic coast and push on into Georgia and South Carolina.Officials issued mandatory evacuation orders for tens of thousands of people in the Florida Keys and in exposed or low-lying parts of the Miami-Fort Lauderdale area as Irma closed in with winds of 175 mph (281 kph).By early Thursday afternoon, the hurricane was north of the Dominican Republic, where authorities reported some flooding and the evacuation of several thousand locals and tourists but no serious damage or casualties.Skies over the Haitian capital, Port-au-Prince, were still clear just after noon local time.
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic — French, British and Dutch rescuers rushed aid to a string of Caribbean islands Thursday after Hurricane Irma left at least seven dead and thousands homeless as it traced a course that could lead to a catastrophic strike on Florida this weekend.Warships and military planes were dispatched to the stricken zone with food, water and troops after the fearsome Category 5 storm smashed homes, schools and roads.Hundreds of the miles to the west, Florida braced for the onslaught, with forecasters warning Irma could slam headlong into the Miami metropolitan area of 6 million people, punish the entire length of the state's Atlantic coast and push on into Georgia and South Carolina.Officials issued mandatory evacuation orders for tens of thousands of people in the Florida Keys and in exposed or low-lying parts of the Miami-Fort Lauderdale area as Irma closed in with winds of 175 mph (281 kph).By early Thursday afternoon, the hurricane was north of the Dominican Republic, where authorities reported some flooding and the evacuation of several thousand locals and tourists but no serious damage or casualties.Skies over the Haitian capital, Port-au-Prince, were still clear just after noon local time.
Most Florida flood zone property not insured: "This could easily be the most costly storm in U.S. history"
FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida -- As Hurricane Irma bears down on Florida, an Associated Press analysis shows a steep drop in flood insurance across the state, including the areas most endangered by what could be a devastating storm surge.In just five years, the state's total number of federal flood insurance policies has fallen by 15 percent, according to Federal Emergency Management Agency data.Florida's property owners still buy far more federal flood insurance than any other state — 1.7 million policies, covering about $42 billion in assets — but most residents in hazard zones are badly exposed.With 1,350 miles of coastline, the most in the continental United States, Florida has roughly 2.5 million homes in hazard zones, more than three times that of any other state, FEMA estimates.
FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida -- As Hurricane Irma bears down on Florida, an Associated Press analysis shows a steep drop in flood insurance across the state, including the areas most endangered by what could be a devastating storm surge.In just five years, the state's total number of federal flood insurance policies has fallen by 15 percent, according to Federal Emergency Management Agency data.Florida's property owners still buy far more federal flood insurance than any other state — 1.7 million policies, covering about $42 billion in assets — but most residents in hazard zones are badly exposed.With 1,350 miles of coastline, the most in the continental United States, Florida has roughly 2.5 million homes in hazard zones, more than three times that of any other state, FEMA estimates.