WEAKENED but persistent, Tropical Storm Frances swept into north-western Florida yesterday as its successor, Hurricane Ivan, gathered in the Caribbean, threatening Barbados and St Lucia.

Hurricane Frances swept across Florida today submerging entire roads, tearing off rooftops and leaving more than four million people without power.

Hurricane Frances ripped apart roofs, shattered windows and toppled trees as it raged through the Bahamas yesterday with violent winds that sparked panic and drove thousands to flee. At least one man was electrocuted in the storm.