Florida’s Gulf Coast has been battered by Hurricane Hermine’s 80mph winds and heavy rains.
A state of emergency has been declared by Florida’s governor Rick Scott, after warning that the hurricane could potentially be “life-threatening.” Scott recommended that precautions should be taken as soon as possible by residents of the Gulf Coast. A state of emergency has also been declared in neighbouring states, the east of North Carolina, and in Georgia.
The hurricane is being monitored closely as it is feared that the wind speeds could increase to 95mph.
The hurricane season in The Atlantic usually affects the coastal regions of the U.S. and runs from June to November.
Surfing and sea conditions will be unsafe along most of the west coast of Florida today, and will affect the upper east coast tomorrow.
Warning British travellers travelling to Florida over the next couple of days, the British FCDO, said: “Hurricane Hermine is forecast to bring strong winds, including sporadic tornadoes, heavy rain, hazardous sea conditions and flooding to Florida from Friday 2 September, and to Georgia, South and North Carolina thereafter.
“You should monitor the progress of approaching storms and follow the instructions issued by the local authorities, including any evacuation orders.”
It is predicted that Hermine will die back down to a tropical storm, before forwarding up the east coast, into Georgia, and North and South Carolina. It will continue to threaten the neighbouring states with flooding and heavy rain.