The huge storm, which will be the worst to hit Florida in over half a century, began approaching the east coast state earlier today, gaining fury as it advanced with winds of up to 145 mph and torrential rain.
Two million people were subsequently urged to board up their homes and head inland to escape the most powerful storm to threaten the Atlantic coast in more than a decade.
The hurricane, which is set to be the strongest to hit the United States in 12 years, was this morning upgraded to a potentially catastrophic category four storm, the second highest classification.
