For Hurricane Irma, the metrics are measured in millions

Washington: Already key metrics are being measured in the millions - millions evacuated from their homes, millions without power and millions effectively twiddling their thumbs as daily life grinds to a halt.

US Federal Emergency Management
 Agency director Brock Long. 

As Hurricane Irma dawdles northwards, there were forecasts of dangerous storm surges in its wake, with Florida Governor Rick Scott warning: "The biggest thing you can do now is pray.”

And tens of millions in the rest of the country were glued to TVs, watching it all.

When news emerged from the Keys, there were reports of ferocious winds and buildings submerged in floodwaters and of power and mobile phone services being down, but Key West, at least, seemed to have escaped anticipated catastrophe.

Read Paul McGeough’s story in today’s Melbourne Age - “For Hurricane Irma, the metrics are measured in millions.”