Whole island evacuated as super typhoon makes final approach by Sean Batty
Earlier in the week we said that ex hurricane Ioke, which is now a super typhoon could be heading towards the tiny Mid-Pacific island of Wake. We expect the storm to smash into Wake later this afternoon.
The island is home to a U.S Air Force base, which has around 200 personnel based at it. U.S authorities evacuated the entire island of people on Monday afternoon and flying them to the safe haven of Hawaii.
The decision was taken after forecast from the U.S. National Weather Service (NWS) showed that the storms eye would cross directly over the island.
It will also bring a surge of water up to 30ft (9.1 metres) in height which could submerge many parts of the 2.5 square mile island, where the highest point is around 18ft, bringing devastation to the island.
According to a NWS forecaster, Ioke is currently ranked the fifth-strongest storm ever seen in the Central Pacific, and is the first Category 5 storm in the region since 1994.
The typhoon is one of the longest-sustained storms in world history, having stayed at Category 4 for a week. Current winds in this monster are whipping round at a steady speed of 155mph, while gusts have been reported in excess of an astonishing 190mph.
The island saw another devastating typhoon nearly 40 years ago. "Sarah" roared through with winds just as strong. National Weather Service accounts say torrential rains battered the island. Buildings were ripped apart.
The water went right across Wake Island and, for a short time, it was submerged.
Those brought to safety aren't sure what will be left when Ioke's gone but grateful to be far from the path of the typhoon.
|
|
