Hurricane Ian hit Florida on Wednesday, making landfall as a category 4 storm. The Foreign Office has updated its travel advice regarding the danger to life posed by the storm.
The storm is one of the most powerful hurricanes to batter the US. With wind speeds up to 150mph and 12 foot storm surge, the hurricane unleashed disaster with catastrophic flooding and torrential rain.
The Foreign Office's latest update concerns the severe and 'life threatening' risk of flooding from rain and coastal storm surges. The agency previously urged Brits to follow mandatory evacuation orders.
Hurricane Ian, which has now been downgraded to a category 1 storm, is losing force as it moves inland. Millions in Florida have lost power after the storm knocked out electricity throughout Cuba.
The Foreign Office noted that the Fort Myers and Tampa Bay areas were under a hurricane alert, but added the entire state may be affected to differing degrees.
Its update says: "Strong winds and heavy rainfall are expected. There is a severe and life threatening risk of flooding from rain and coastal storm surges.
"You should closely monitor local and international weather updates from the US National Hurricane Center and follow the advice of local authorities and/or your tour operator including any mandatory evacuation orders."
In an alarming warning, it added: "If you live in these coastal areas you should have already left for safer areas inland."
Brits were directed to the agency's tropical cyclones page for advice on what to do if you are caught up in a storm.
The Atlantic hurricane season normally runs from June 1 to November 30. Airlines cancelled flights to Florida in the run up to the catastrophic storm.
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