Florida Wildfire Threatens Thousands of Homes, Forces Mass Evacuation

Large wildfire in SW Florida threatens 2,000 homes

A large wildfire in southwest Florida is threatening more than 2,000 homes, prompting mass evacuation.

The blaze has already consumed about 5,000 acres (2,000 hectares) and at least two dozen homes and other structures in Collier County, forcing residents in several areas to flee their homes and prompting the governor to deploy National Guards.

“These wildfires are dangerous and if you’re within the evacuation area, do not stay in your home,” said Florida governor.

A spate of wildfires that have plagued the drought-stricken Sunshine State since late March prompted the governor to declare a state of emergency last week.

Other Reports from the U.S.

• Massive power outage cripples San Francisco for seven hours.
• New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco Suffer Simultaneous Power Outages

Fay Heads North Toward SW Florida Coast

A HURRICANE WARNING IS IN EFFECT FOR THE SOUTHWESTERN COAST OF FLORIDA FROM FLAMINGO TO ANNA MARIA ISLAND.  A HURRICANE WARNING MEANS THAT HURRICANE CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED WITHIN THE WARNING AREA WITHIN THE NEXT 24 HOURS.  PREPARATIONS TO PROTECT LIFE AND PROPERTY SHOULD BE RUSHED TO COMPLETION. (NOAA)

TS Fay – Short Wave IR Image – GOES Floater Imagery – 30 minute updates – NOAA

Fay struck Cuba’s south coast with 80km winds and heavy rain. She was expected to drop as much 20cm (8 inches) of rain over the island, having left a deadly trail across the Caribbean.

National Weather Service Enhanced Radar Mosaic

Base Reflectivity – Southeast Sector – NOAA – NWS

About 10,000 people including tourists in western and central areas of Cuba have been evacuated, boats were pulled out of water, temporary shelters and food distribution centers were set up.

State of Florida have deployed 500 National Guards, and Florida Keys are being evacuated.

In Haiti a bus plunged into a swollen river, killing 50 people. Many of the dead were swept away like “driftwood,” said the Mayor of Bomont, Haiti. Others, including several children, drowned while trapped in the sunken vehicle.

Five others were killed in Haiti and the neighboring Dominican Republic in flood-related accidents.

A couple died in Kingston, Jamaica when their car was swept away by floodwater.

Shell Oil and Marathon Oil have reportedly pulled as many as 700 workers from offshore facilities in the Gulf of Mexico.

Related Links:

• TS Fay Public Advisory No. 13A
• Fay May Strengthen to Hurricane Force
• Weather
• World Now (Weather and Image Links)
• Tropical Storm Fay Forms