Florida boat show 'evacuated' as Sandy tears north
Having already caused widespread devastation and a reported 20 deaths across the Caribbean, Hurrican Sandy was expected to hit the US mainland today. Although forecasters dropped Sandy to a category one hurricane, it was still producing sustained wind speeds of around 80knots (150kmh), adding to the problems of a Floridian coast already struggling against wind and rain.
Yesterday afternoon MBM received word from people at the show reporting that, with Sandy looming offshore, sections of the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show were being evacuated. However, organisers said that they expected the show to open as usual today at 1000 (1500GMT) but that they would continue to monitor the weather and take appropriate
action if conditions change.
It certainly puts a bit of rain at Southampton Boat Show into perspective.
