Strong gains in the telecom and finance sectors helped lift the London market today as blue-chip shares raced ahead.

Hurricane Isidore roared into Mexico today, killing at least two people and leaving hundreds of thousands without power as howling winds ripped up trees, tore away rooftops and blocked roads.

Hurricane Isidore has buffeted Cuba’s small Isle of Youth with strong winds and drenching rains as it moved slowly on a steady track toward the western tip of the main island and the Gulf of Mexico.