Bush flees ahead of hurricane

13 April 2012

George Bush fled Washington by helicopter today as Hurricane Isabel hit the east coast of the United States with winds of 105mph and torrential rain.

He left the capital for his Camp David retreat a day early and the presidential jet was moved from Maryland to Georgia.

As the hurricane's arrival coincided with high tide, sea levels are expected to rise by 11 feet. Hundreds of thousands were making their way to safety this afternoon as the hurricane swept inland.

Only four inches of rain could cause severe flooding but with 12 inches expected over the next 24 hours, flooding rather than the hurricane itself could pose the greatest threat.

More than 300,000 people were urged to move to higher ground as the storm gathered speed and grew in force.

Government offices in Washington are shutting down and travel by rail, air and bus is being thrown into chaos. Three British airlines cancelled flights into Washington. Schools closed early and in neighbouring Maryland and Virginia, a state of emergency was declared.

Forty warships and submarines have put to sea to ride out the storm.

Although Isabel was downgraded earlier this week, forecasters warn that it still poses a major threat.

People living on the coast have been boarding up their homes and stocking up on candles, food, water and torch batteries. One resident said: "We're all hunkering down."

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