Tropical Storm Noel strengthened into a hurricane over the Atlantic today after slamming the Caribbean with heavy rains, flooding and mudslides that left at least 115 dead.

A hurricane warning prompted a rush on petrol stations early today in south-east Florida, where people were advised to stock up on necessities and take safety precautions ahead of Tropical Storm Katrina.

Hurricane Charley left a trail of destruction in Florida, where officials today reported a “significant loss of life”, as the slightly weakened storm barrelled on toward the South Carolina coast.