Thousands of holidaymakers on the US east coast have been ordered to head home as Hurricane Irene approaches.

A large and powerful Hurricane Irene roared across the Bahamas archipelago, knocking down trees and destroying homes on a path that officials said posed the greatest threat to the country’s smaller, less-populated islands.

Howling winds from Hurricane Frances toppled trees and left a path of destruction across the Bahamas capital Nassau today as it headed for Florida.