Statement from British Ambassador Kim Darroch on Hurrican Irma

This is a message to all British nationals in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina: If you are in the path of Hurricane Irma, please follow the advice of state and local authorities, including any evacuation orders.

Hurricane Irma has already brought devastation in its wake, and my thoughts are with all those affected, particularly those in Anguilla, the British Virgin Islands, and Turks and Caicos.

Irma is the most powerful storm to hit the Atlantic, and people’s safety is the number one concern of British and US authorities. We are working with state and US authorities to ensure that support is available and everything can be done before Hurricane Irma reaches Florida. Teams of staff have been at airports in the affected area providing advice and support to British nationals, and additional staff are on standby to provide assistance once the hurricane has passed.

As well as Florida, much of Georgia, coastal areas of South Carolina, and parts of North Carolina are in Irma’s projected path. Authorities in all four states have declared a state of emergency. In Florida, mandatory evacuations are widespread throughout the state (check here for details). In Georgia, the authorities have issued mandatory evacuation orders for all areas east of I-95, all of Chatham County and some areas west of I-95.

Again, if you are in the path of the hurricane, please follow the advice of local authorities, including any evacuation orders. And continue to check the Foreign Office’s travel advice.

If you evacuate, please get in touch with your family and tell them your plans. And if you are in need of help from the Foreign Office, or are concerned about others, call our emergency hotline on +44 207 008 0000.

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