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Florida braced as storms approach

 

 

Florida Governor Jeb Bush has declared a state of emergency

Millions have been put on alert as a hurricane and tropical storm sweep across the Caribbean and head towards the US state of Florida.

Hurricane Charley battered the Cayman Islands on Thursday as it headed towards Cuba and Florida.

 

One man was reported killed in Jamaica on Wednesday night as heavy rains caused floods on the south coast.

 

Tropical storm Bonnie was forecast to hit Florida on Thursday, with hurricane Charley expected to hit hours later .

 

In western Cuba, the authorities have evacuated 25,000 people from low-lying areas, where there are fears of flooding. Tourists have been taken off a southern resort island.

 

Hurricane Charley is expected to hit Cuba by nightfall and pass almost directly over the capital Havana, before reaching Florida early on Friday.

 

 

A hurricane warning has been issued for the Florida Keys and for the south-west Florida coast.

 

The state faces as double threat as tropical storm Bonnie is heading towards the western coast.

 

Governor Jeb Bush has declared a state of emergency and put 8,000 National Guard troops on alert as the twin storms approach. Schools and government offices have closed.

 

Bonnie, currently in the Gulf of Mexico, has forced the evacuation of more than 100 oil rigs and has triggered heavy rains in Florida.

 

Oil production disrupted

 

Hurricane Charley has winds of about 85mph (137km/h), which are expected to strengthen.

 

 

What causes a hurricane? Use our guide to find out more

 

 

Animated guide

 

Although it did not hit Jamaica directly, rains from the hurricane caused mudslides and flooding in parts of the island. The main airport has been closed and some cruises have been diverted.

 

Authorities in the Cayman Islands told people to stay indoors on Thursday as wind and rain battered the islands.

 

The Caymans are a wealthier and better-prepared British dependency and some tourists there were taking the alert in their stride, the Associated Press news agency reports.

 

"I've never been in a hurricane before," a US visitor from Las Vegas told the agency. "I'm kind of excited."

 

Bonnie weakened overnight but regained some strength early on Thursday.

 

It has already caused widespread disruption to oil and gas operations in the Gulf of Mexico.

 

Gulf oil production has been cut by 25% and natural gas by 17%, according to the US Minerals Management Service.