Ivan’s death toll hits 80 after lashing southern US

HURRICANE Ivan slammed into the Gulf Coast early yesterday with 130mph winds, launching tornadoes, washing out a major bridge, hurling metal signs through the night and killing at least 12 people.

Up to 15 inches of rain were expected as the storm moved inland. It weakened by late morning, but remained a Category 1 hurricane with winds of 75mph.

Ivan had already killed 68 as it passed through the Caribbean, weeks after Hurricanes Charley and Frances tore through on their treks to Florida.