Parts of Florida are inching back towards normality with workers restoring power, clearing roads and replenishing fuel supplies, even as teams scour the southernmost islands and authorities warn of mass devastation.

A fierce storm that could turn into a hurricane appeared to be heading towards Florida today.

Hurricane Rita strengthened to a dangerous Category 3 storm early today, sparing the Florida Keys but prompting mandatory orders to once again evacuate New Orleans as well as the Texas city of Galveston.