Hurricane Dennis has reached north-west Florida and the Alabama coastline. It's already killed 20 people in the Caribbean.
Key West Florida as Hurricane hits (Reader photo: WJ Lilley Esq)
1.4 million people were told to evacuate their homes before winds of up to 190km/h (120mph) hit Pensacola Beach, Florida on Sunday.
Florida, Mississippi and Alabama have been declared disaster zones, allowing them to receive emergency federal aid.
Have you been affected by Hurricane Dennis? Or do you know anybody who has been affected? Send us your experiences using the form below.
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This Have Your Say is now closed. Read a selection of your comments below.
I've been through Ivan and Dennis and let me assure you Dennis was only just a big wind compared to the devastation of Ivan.
Vernon Todd, Chipley FL, USA
I grew up in Pensacola, and now live in Atlanta. Last September my apartment turned into a refugee camp for my parents, sister and grandfather, who still live in Pensacola and had to flee Hurricane Ivan. With the approach of Dennis, they once again came up to Atlanta to escape harm's way. They just left this morning and are still in the car riding back, but promise to call and let me know of the damage once they get into town. I worry about them and all Floridians, not because of the material damage, but because of the mental agony they've suffered.
Suzanne, Atlanta, US
From the aftermath of Dennis - we have floods galore on the western side of Atlanta. I have seen ranches stuck in what can only be described as lakes! It takes an extra hour to get to work in the mornings. But all this inconvenience is nothing compared to the Pan Handle and London.
P Humphrey, GA, USA
We have not recovered from Ivan and here comes Dennis. Because Dennis took a more westerly turn we did not get the brunt of the storm as we did with Ivan. We received a lot of wind and rain, there are some trees down and most of us lost power for at least 24 hours. But this was a thunderstorm compared to Ivan.
Linda Green, Repton, AL
The only good thing to come from Dennis is that Floridians have learnt their lesson - when a hurricane is headed this way, we stock up and hunker down. Everywhere you went, the weather and news channels were focusing on Dennis, and patrons were actually listening. After last year's trifecta, let's just say, hurricanes actually mean something to us now.
B W McCartt, Orlando FL
Nope not affected yet, but hope to be. As bad as a hurricane is when it slams into land, it is beneficial too. It brings needed rain to far inland areas of the country during the dry summer. Even the flooding that occurs deposits new layers of rich mud in the low lands and help to build up the deltas of rivers flowing into the sea.
Joe, Cleveland, USA
A hundred percent safer than a tsunami - at least I had one week notice with so many choices. I will surely be back here.
Kwame Angel, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
Despite the terror a hurricane can bring, one must remember that without these summer and fall events the East Coast would not get the rainfall needed to sustain crops. It is a natural cycle that runs for 40 years in an increasing then decreasing amount.
I saw my worst hurricane season here in Tampa last year - not pretty. Unfortunately for Florida, Dennis is only the beginning. In the 5 years I've been here I've seen four biggies hit this area and I was under a mandatory evacuation last season because I live in a flood zone. My thoughts go out to the people hit. We've got another one on the way - Emily. I'll NEVER complain about the rain in Liverpool again.
Dave Cantlay, Ruskin, Florida (Ex. Liverpool)
Don't ever underestimate a hurricane. It is five days since Dennis passed through and we still have a whole community in Portland stranded. Food is being airlifted in to the marooned because the surrounding roads have been completely washed away. Jamaica is a developing country laden with debt and unable to afford the highest quality infrastructure and maintenance. I look forward to the day when money is not the first concern of our disaster preparation and reconstruction teams.
Ivy Gordon, St. Mary, Jamaica
I feel sorry for the people who got hit with the full force of the hurricane, but up here in Chicago we're desperately hoping its remnants will come our way. It has been so dry that the grass is dead and the shrubs are wilting.
Phoebe Rice, Chicago, USA
When Hurricane Dennis hit, my family and I were vacationing in Varadero, Cuba. This is close to the track taken by the eye of the storm. We are especially grateful to the Cuban staff of the hotel who worked tirelessly to ensure the safety and comfort of all of the guests. It was especially difficult for the Cubans as most were very concerned about the fate of their own relatives living in nearby towns. Their jobs required that they stay at the hotel and since phone lines were down, it was not even possible for them to call home for news. In spite of these extremely difficult circumstances they took very good care of us.
Patrick, Victoria, Canada
Yesterday as I was driving down the highway, it became more crowded with people coming through from Florida and all other places southward of Birmingham. I began to pray for the safety of everyone. It's easy to say that they should move from the coastline, but as far as I'm concerned, home is where the heart is. Stay safe people.
Kieve, Birmingham, Alabama
Last year our area was slammed with three hurricanes. I'll never forget huddling in the dark as Charlie's eye went over our house. Then Frances which took days to go by - being in a house with boarded up windows with a toddler is no fun, let me tell you. Then we thought we'd go to Tampa to get away from Jeanne, but she followed us there! I was so afraid that Dennis would come our way, but all we got were a few winds, a little rain and horrible humidity. When the rain started Saturday night all I could do was cry. I'm a native Floridian, but even I am having trouble coping with hurricane season these days. We don't even have the new roof on the house yet - there's a bucket in the attic to catch the leak. We're on a waiting list, like most everyone else in Orange and Seminole County. Anyone who doesn't take these storms seriously - come to my house. I'm sending prayers to everyone who was in the path of Dennis. I hope to God that we have no more storms this year - but there is already tropical depression 5 on the charts.
Colleen, Longwood, FL, USA
Hurricane Dennis take us by surprise, but this hurricane gives us the opportunity to unite together as one. Even though our economy gets a major set back, tourism and other vital industries have been affected, we Jamaicans know how to pick up the pieces and bounce back.
John Brooks, Kingston, Jamaica
Yesterday Hurricane Dennis came to Pensacola and shocked everyone. If you have seen some of the pictures of down town Florida, it was all flooded and trees were everywhere. Well if you saw my neighbourhood that isn't the case. Half of my neighbourhood still has power, as do I. But the thing is they said that Hurricane Dennis would be worse than Ivan and that we were going to get the bad side. The course changed early in the morning and we got the good side. Navarre on the other hand-where my cousins live - got hit pretty hard from what I am seeing, it is their Hurricane Ivan of the year. We are lucky that we didn't get the bad side of the hurricane this time, but will we be so lucky next time?
Julie, Pensacola FL, USA
Whilst not near the eye of the storm, the Virgin Islands were affected by severe thunderstorms lasting all day Wednesday, into the night and Thursday morning. We were doused by a little "tail" coming off the main system that produced the most spectacular electrical storm I've ever witnessed. At around 9:00pm, a bolt of lightning cracked down dead-centre of the island at the very top of the mountain and instantaneously, the whole island went black. Immediately after the blackout came the familiar hum of those buildings with automatic generators engaging, followed by the miniscule glow they created. The thunder went on into the night whilst the rest of the island sat in the dark until around 1:00am. The local market was sold-out of flashlights the next day!
Reed Thomas, St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands
My family's vacation in Florida was cut short by Dennis the menace. We were in a town called Seagrove just west of Panama City. The owners of our condo asked us to evacuate by noon on Friday. I never really thought too much about hurricanes until this experience. The long lines for gas and the general state of concern where enough to make you understand what the locals go through during these terrible storms. I hope this is the worst this hurricane season has to offer.
Steve Ross, Alpharetta, GA, USA
Hurricane Dennis caused a lot of damage in Cuba, the Government moved many to safe houses, but the countryside is ravaged - although one good thing the dams are filled - there was a water shortage. Havana and many areas are without electricity, water, gas - the Cuban people have so much hardship to put up with, without nature adding to them. Please support Cuba in any way you can. It is a beautiful country with delightful and charming people.
Keith Jay, West Sussex
I have seen first hand the destruction left by the strong winds of hurricane Dennis while it crossed Cuba two days ago. Winds of up to 170 km/h battered the southern coast of central Cuban province of Sancti Spiritus causing inland flooding, home destruction and downing utility poles and trees. The devastation is such in southern coastal towns that they look like a war zone.
Jordan Gonzalez , Sancti Spiritus, Cuba
Remnants of the hurricane are moving north causing heavy rains. The storm did not linger on the US Gulf Coast for very long and as a result damage is less than anticipated - but that doesn't mean no damage. There is flooding, power lines down and other damage. Compared to the hurricanes which hit the area last year, Dennis was less destructive - thankfully.
Dave Woods, Cleveland, USA
It was a pretty scary run-up but we didn't even lose power here in southwest Pensacola. Lots of rain and some wind but just not too bad.
William Best, Pensacola
Here in Atlanta we're still experiencing hurricane Dennis. There have been flash floods and felled trees. Still, it wasn't nearly as bad as Ivan last summer. I grew up in Jacksonville, Florida and we never experienced a hurricane head on in the 8 years that I lived there. I can't believe how many have hit Florida lately. It's no fun to get the heavy rains and thunderstorms here so I can't imagine how difficult it's been for my friends in Florida!
Kristen, Atlanta, GA, USA
My heart goes out to anyone experiencing this Hurricane season. As I was in the Caymans when Ivan smashed us up last year, if a warning goes out, take it from me - GET OUT. Hurricanes are no laughing matter.
Carly Cadoo, Cayman Islands
My sister Lola is now on a flight to England because she has trouble living in America because of all the storms. I am only 15 and I am very scared.
Scarlet Brookes, Pensacola, Florida
The hurricane has made landfall over Pensacola Beach, Florida to the east of us in Alabama - which means the poor folks in Pensacola are getting hit hard again. Here in Alabama, we're having heavy rain and some gusts of wind but the situation is a lot better compared to Ivan last year. As an ex-pat living here for two years, I'd hoped to avoid a major hurricane and now I've experienced two. I'm glad I'm moving back to Europe shortly, one hurricane is more than enough!
Bruce, Fairhope, Alabama
I have my dad and two brothers and a sister living in Florida and I hate this time of year - it is so difficult when you live so far away. My thoughts and prayers are with them and their families and everyone who is in the path of Dennis. Take care.
Jackie Neve, Minster Kent
Dennis was no Ivan in Pensacola, FL. I rode both storms out in the same building at the airport in Pensacola. Ivan ripped part of the roof off the building and had us fearing for our lives all night. Dennis put on a brief, interesting show for about an hour this afternoon. Pensacola was lucky to be on the west side of Dennis, the weaker side of the storm. Nevertheless, Dennis overall was not as powerful or disruptive as Ivan. The weather professionals that categorized Ivan as a Category 3 hurricane obviously weren't here for the storm or its aftermath.
Cliff Murdock, Pensacola, FL, USA
Every year it is the same, and every year everyone acts so surprised! My heart goes out to those affected, but I can only wonder why this is always such a shock! Good luck FL.
Maria Ziegler, Kitchener, ON. Canada
It was only a few weeks ago I was in Havana. It is a beautiful city. It breaks my heart to see pictures of what Dennis has done. I experienced Hurricane Juan while I lived in Halifax. It is something I will never forget. My apt building shifted during the storm. The city was a mess for weeks. We only had two fatalities during the storm. I can only hope that my dear friends in Cuba remain strong.
Katie, Newfoundland, Canada
I live in Fort Lauderdale, in south Florida, on the 20th floor of a coastal high rise. We have been on the fringes of Dennis. However on Friday night, we caught some of the outer bands of weather. At 4.30 am on Saturday, a gust of wind estimated at up to 80 mph took my heavy teak table of my balcony, and carried it out over the beach. Most of Broward County had been expecting 30 to 40 mph gusts, so I had taken in lighter chairs. Compared to others of course, a minor incident. But not one I'd like to see again any time soon.
John Mapletoft, Fort Lauderdale, USA
I live in southwest Florida and even though the hurricane centre says we are just getting the outskirts of the storm, people here are still taking precautions. Gas stations are running out of gas, water and canned goods are flying off the shelves, lumber and generators are completely gone. After we got directly hit by Charlie last year, everybody has taken things more seriously. Hurricanes are unpredictable and everybody should be prepared. More than likely, this hurricane is going to be powerful, and I pray, whoever is in its path is ready for it.
Christina McNabb, Fort Myers, FL
My prayers go out to the people of Jamaica, Haiti, Cuba and the U.S. Please stay strong. We are all rallying behind you. This is not just your problem, it affects us all. We'll be there to help you reconstruct your lives. Resilience is one of the most admirable qualities we human beings share. I would like to convey the same sentiments to the people of Great Britain. God be with you all.
Melissa Gonzales, Arima, Trinidad and Tobago
Here in Panama City, FL, up in the Florida Panhandle, mandatory evacuations have been ordered in many parts of our county. Gas stations are mostly out of gas now and all day long we've had quite a bit of instances of price gouging. Gas prices have gone up 30 cents to 1 dollar overnight at some gas stations. After being slammed by 4 hurricanes in a month last year, knowing we have another major hurricane coming for us is just unbelievable!
Steve Conway, Panama City, FL, USA
People are acting as if they are in a war zone. There is no gas anywhere in town. We are getting ready for Dennis to arrive. This is the peak of the holiday season and I believe the tourist season is over for this year. We are still recovering from Ivan and now we have Dennis. We have had our share of the Hurricanes, so I hope this one goes to Texas.
JP, Pensacola, FL, USA
Last season Grand Cayman suffered the dreadful ravages of Ivan (Cat 4-5). Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Cuba, in the path of this vicious storm. May you stay safe.
Ray Anthony, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
36 hours to go and all I can say is, what are the chances we'd get another big one again? The area is still recovering from Ivan, and because of dickering with insurance brokers and the task of getting so many supplies and licensed contractors, many blue tarps can still be seen on roofs. The area is certainly taking this year more seriously! My one complaint would be that the evacuation may hit a big snag tomorrow as almost all the petrol in the city is gone. With Tropical Storm Cindy cruising through on Wednesday, ice, propane, and canned goods were certainly in short supply as well. The generators that so many people bought last year will be useless, and many who planned to leave tomorrow may not get far without the needed petrol. I fear many will be experiencing Dennis on the side of the Interstate, perhaps they will rethink their guzzling SUV's after all...LOL Wish us luck!
Tara Bauer, Pensacola, Florida
I have my sister living in Florida. Phoned her yesterday to take all precautions and look after the old and helpless people. Chandrika is very bold and resourceful. She said that she will do what is necessary without putting her life in jeopardy. God bless her, and all Floridians.
Ram Bahadur Chhetri, Falls Church, VA, USA
Miami, the Keys, and New Orleans are the home and work places of my 2 daughters and my son-in-law. I live in Indiana. The hurricane season is a time of intense worry for me. Hurricane Dennis is the strongest storm this early in the hurricane season that I can remember.
SDR, Indiana, USA
My husband is in Havana somewhere - hopefully safe - Dennis hit a little more than 95 miles North @ 1AM EDT July 9 - he did call last morning July 8 1AM EDT - to say all was well so far - he was outside of the city at that time and was being transported to Havana that morning @ 3:00 EDT. So I am hoping to hear soon - it is now 12:22 AM PDT July 9/05- I could not imagine missing a family member as London is suffering - apparently Canada is on the forewarn list now as being last on the list, I just want my husband and all his compatriots to be well
Nancy H, Chilliwack, BC, Canada
We work as cabin crew and our colleagues and partners are down in Cuba at the moment. All we know is that they have been on the move - and have had to move hotels - which involved hours on a bus. We are due to take the aircraft out to them from Gatwick on Sunday morning - but as yet have no more information on whether this is still going ahead or what length of delays we may be dealing with. Will pass on more information when we get news.
Jeremy Charles, Crawley, England
I've been living in Cuba now for several years and I am still impressed by the way that the local civil defence authorities swing into action as soon as they receive warning. Commenting on the Cuban living in London about not knowing which is worse take my word for it there's no choice Please may I add my condolences to the victims, and their families, of the terrible tragedy that's hit London. London is my home town.
Michael Walker, Havana, Cuba
We are living in a mobile home on a canal in Key Largo just 100 yards from the open bay. Our car, a Smart Crossblade (no roof, windscreen or doors) is neither large enough to hold everything necessary, nor suitable for evacuation, and no adequate replacement is available, so we are hunkering down in the 12 hours before Dennis arrives, hoping the worst will be over in 24 hours.
Aldo Hanson, Key Largo, Florida
Thank heavens Jamaica was spared a direct hit by Hurricane Dennis, though there were lots of flooding! We are still tallying the damage caused by the torrential rains! Phew!! In the meantime, I empathise with others who are still in this storms path, especially now as it is a Category Four system which is regarded as "extremely dangerous"! We can only pray and hope for the best for our friends and family in Cuba and the US!
Agostinho, Kingston, Jamaica
My brother has just called me from Havana, Cuba, and he's flight tonight to London has been cancelled. To make things worse, he has no cash left (his credit card doesn't work either), his wife is suffering from an allergic reaction and they have no where to stay. Thank God for helpful local Cubans who are helping them out!
Jonathan Reynaga, London
I have just heard from my family in Jamaica regarding Hurricane Dennis. This is the first in some time that the island has been affected by two big systems in 9 months. The country has not fully recovered from the impact of Hurricane Ivan last September. There is some scientific evidence to suggest that the intensity of the storms is being increased by global warming. The G8 leaders meeting in Scotland must do something to address this issue urgently. If not, climate change will make it more difficult to help underdeveloped countries no matter how much aid they receive.
Sean Henry, Oxford, UK
The hurricane did not directly hit Jamaica although a lot of areas have suffered from flooding. I am an ex-pat based here and was pleased that hurricane Dennis did not hit direct. My thoughts go to the people who are still in the hurricanes path. Although it did not hit direct it was still quite bad in terms of rain fall, so I hope people take the warning seriously and make adequate provision.
Scott, Kingston, Jamaica
Just had a text from my parents who are on holiday in Cuba. They have been evacuated from their hotel but the message from them was 'not to worry'
Amanda Smith, Lincoln, UK
As I speak I have my daughter Natalie and stepdaughter Lauren and their boyfriends on separate holidays in Cuba and both being evacuated to the South East of Cuba. My daughter has rung me to tell me that one of the four coaches in the cavalcade was blown off the road and into a ditch. No one has been hurt as they await another coach to continue onwards. My stepdaughter will be ringing tonight with hopefully a less adventurous evacuation! Not quite the holiday anyone was expecting.
Paul Cullen, Bexley - UK
Hurricane Dennis has now passed Grand Cayman. This morning is calm, but the ground very wet after a night of amazing lightning and thunder. Hurricane warning remains in effect for the sister islands, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. Residents of Grand Cayman will be taking their hurricane shutters down today.
Fiona Foster, George Town , Grand Cayman
I have lived in Florida my entire life - 30+ years - and have prepared each year for the possibility of a hurricane. We have been overdue for some really active hurricane seasons, and during that time people have forgotten that it can and will happen! And here it finally is. No one calls me Chicken Little anymore - but it continues to shock me to see how unprepared and unimpressed people are with these hurricanes. I would have thought last year would be an eye opener for them, but many people have tried to delude themselves into thinking last year was an anomaly. People need to wake up and recognise - this will be the norm for a few years to come.
LJ, Palm Beach Gardens, FL
I'm originally from the centre of Cuba, from a small town (call it village), and for 24 years experienced hurricanes first hand. It's a terrifying thing, especially when you are young and very poor. I remember everyone scramble under the kitchen table. If you are lucky to have a concrete roof, you're safe, otherwise, it could be chaos. One time the whole roof of my house went flying and we had to make our way to the neighbours'. I never felt safe. Now after this terrible terrorist attack we have suffered in London, I don't feel safe either, and I don't know which of these catastrophes is worse. We must do something! We have to stand up to the challenge and face it. It's the only way to defeat the 21rst century's evils: Climate change, poverty, and terrorism!
Idael Cepero, London, UK
Last year we were affected by 4 hurricanes and were without power in 90 degree plus conditions for a total of two weeks. We lost the entire contents of our fridge and freezer but luckily didn't have any major property damage.
It's 6.30am and we are now starting to prepare for Dennis. My husband is outside preparing the grounds and pool.
This year Florida had a tax free hurricane preparedness week so everyone had the chance to stock up on hurricane supplies. I'll run out today to purchase board games for the family and to stock up on canned food and diapers for the children - a lot of stores were out of diapers last year!
I am originally from Bournemouth but after 9 years in Florida one gets more used to hurricanes!
Jerry and Leorah Solomon, Sarasota Florida
Leorah - good to hear that you and the family are safe and well. My brother-in-law is also a Florida resident and they too are preparing for this hurricane. They had a terrible time with the hurricanes last year and it is always a very worrying time for us relatives in another country - especially when power and phones are down. Please get in touch if you can.
Patrik Rodwell, London, England