Update: 7:30 p.m. ET - Newsweek writer Melina Delkic writes: "As Hurricane Irma battered the western coast of Florida on Sunday, the westward shift of the storm's eye created conditions for a dangerous storm surge for those on the state's western coast. Although its wind speeds had decreased since its landfall in Cuba, the storm remained highly destructive." Read more and watch videos of the storm here.
Getting reports of serious situation in @pbcgov Stonybrook Apt. Bldg. G. roof collapsed emergency evacuation of 67 residents #Sayfie
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) September 10, 2017
Update: 7:10 p.m. ET - Newsweek writer Robert Valencia writes: "Hurricane Irma's wrath and mandatory evacuation orders in Key West were not enough to deter staff at Ernest Hemingway's Home and Museum —and its 54 six-toed cats — from leaving." Read more here.
@MSNBC @CNN Please try to find out how those at the hemingway house in #KeyWest are doing, So worried about #hemingwayhouse #HemingwayCats
— AmyL6482 (@1sinatrafan) September 10, 2017
Update: 6:30 p.m. ET - Some Florida residents were being told Sunday to boil their home water to avoid getting sick from contamination. In Broward County in South Florida, a mandatory boil water alert was put into effect for all residents of Hollywood and customers of Broward County Water and Waste Water Services. "Residents should not use the water without boiling it first, as boiling kills bacteria and other organisms in the water," a media release said.
Another shot of #hurricane #Irma eye wall passing over Naples Park pic.twitter.com/XS2NR9p4ZM
— James Reynolds (@EarthUncutTV) September 10, 2017
Update: 6:02 p.m. ET - Hurricane Irma had dropped to a Category 2 storm by early Sunday night after making landfall in southwestern Florida. With 110 mph winds, the storm was slowing down but remained dangerous after it hit Naples and Marco Island. The National Hurricane Center said, "although weakening is forecast, Irma is expected to remain a hurricane at least through Monday morning."
130 mph wind gust just recorded at Marco Island Emergency Operations Center. #Irma
— NWS Miami (@NWSMiami) September 10, 2017
Update: 5:37 p.m. ET - President Donald Trump said Sunday the U.S. maybe a "little bit lucky" after Hurricane Irma switched direction and did not hit South Florida with its full might. Trump said the storm damage will cost "a lot of money" but "right now, we're worried about lives, not cost." Trump spoke to reporters after returning to the White House from Camp David in Maryland.
Boats in the road #BigPineKey #Irma will still strong. Our cars made it through the storm. pic.twitter.com/gz1UDC5pZS
— Jim Edds (@ExtremeStorms) September 10, 2017
Update: 5:10 p.m. ET - Newsweek writer Cristina Silva writes: "The white sand beaches of the Caribbean that lure tourists from across the globe and fuel local economies were devastated in the wake of Hurricane Irma, with some tourism officials predicting loses in the billions of dollars." Read more here.
There's a plus side to hurricanes. I now have water front property. pic.twitter.com/AYQp9cShd5
— Bacon Bits Tirado (@BaconTirado) September 10, 2017
Update: 4:52 p.m. ET - Newsweek writer Harriet Sinclair writes: "President Donald Trump is facing calls to open his exclusive Mar a Lago resort to Florida residents who have been displaced by Hurricane Irma." Read more here.
Thank you. pic.twitter.com/aMK3u6iKO0
— MartinCountySheriff (@MartinFLSheriff) September 10, 2017
Update: 4:30 p.m. ET - Newsweek writer Robert Valencia writes: "While Hurricane Irma keeps pummeling Florida with sustained winds of 120 miles per hour, authorities are hoping prior recovery preparations will be enough to help those in harm's way." Read more here.
#keylargo #irma #publix on MM101 sign is down after Irma's passing pic.twitter.com/apkBJScjmv
— Sandra DLC (@SDLCHARLIE) September 10, 2017
Update: 4:17 p.m. ET - President Donald Trump has approved a major disaster declaration for Florida and intends to visit the state soon, according to reports.
Meanwhile, some residents are taking dangerous selfies with camera phones during the storm. Newsweek writer H. Alan Scott writes: "As Hurricane Irma makes landfall on the western part of Florida, with winds reaching 130mph, you would think taking a selfie would be the last thing on your mind. Well, you would be wrong." Read more here.
JUST IN: Florida Gov. Scott requests major disaster declaration from Pres. Trump as Hurricane #Irma makes landfall. https://t.co/cbY8oFs1Zm pic.twitter.com/R545PQxq4v
— ABC News (@ABC) September 10, 2017
Update: 4:02 p.m. ET - Hurricane Irma displaced water from Hillsborough Bay on Sunday afternoon, leaving the shore bare. The water was pulled from the shore because of low pressure caused by the Category 4 storm.
"This is really crazy. It's probably a once in a lifetime experience for us — hopefully," Resident Hilda Carillo told the Tampa Bay Times.
Evacuate... your clothes. https://t.co/a9g6P3kokW via @Newsweek
— H. Alan Scott (@HAlanScott) September 9, 2017
The water in Tampa is gone. I don't want to think about what it's going to look like when it comes back in a few hours.
— Katy Tur (@KatyTurNBC) September 10, 2017
Update: 3:42 p.m. ET - From Newsweek writer Cristina Silva: "Registered sex offenders across Florida might have a hard time finding safe shelter as Hurricane Irma begins pummeling the state Sunday. Many shelters across Florida were at capacity over the weekend, and few had let in sex offenders. Some were told to report to their nearest prison or jail, while others were shunned, according to local reports." Read more here.
Tree is down across the street as #HurracaineIrma makes landfall 50 miles away. Eye could pass over my house about 6pm. pic.twitter.com/FmepsFhsYA
— RobSpicker (@RobSpicker) September 10, 2017
Update: 3:30 p.m. ET - Police were watching for looters Sunday as Hurricane Irma began pounding South Florida. In Fort Lauderdale, there were at least nine arrests for looting. There were also tornado reports across the state.
NEW: Tornado Warning for Vero Beach, Lakewood Park, Fellsmere, Titusville, Merritt Island and Rockledge until 3:45 p.m.
— WPBF 25 News (@WPBF25News) September 10, 2017
#BREAKING Fort Lauderdale Police arrest 9 looters caught by #Local10 cameras robbing stores during #Irma https://t.co/y8dkgzddFH pic.twitter.com/tN4ZxZb0sp
— WPLG Local 10 News (@WPLGLocal10) September 10, 2017
Update: 3:17 p.m. ET - From Newsweek writer Janissa Delzo: "Hurricane Irma, a catastrophic Category 4 storm, has eerily proved to live up to the meaning behind its name: war goddess. The powerful hurricane ripped through the Caribbean and made landfall over the Florida Keys early Sunday morning. But, where exactly does the name Irma originate?" Read more about Irma here.
The eerie meaning behind the name Irma. https://t.co/nxgwaffkNp pic.twitter.com/zg1eJUjALu
— Janissa (@janissadelzo) September 10, 2017
Update: 3:05 p.m. ET - From Newsweek writer Jessica Firger: "Officials are well aware that incidences of rape and assault become more common in the wake of hurricanes such as Irma and Harvey. When state-wide evacuations for Hurricane Irma began last week, Florida's Polk County sheriff announced that sex offenders would be banned from all shelters." Read more coverage about hurricanes and sexual assault here.
Sexual assault becomes more common in the wake of a hurricane like Irma https://t.co/QiCY8uhDPe
— Jessica Firger (@jessfirger) September 10, 2017
Update: 2:50 p.m. ET - Florida Governor Rick Scott has been alerting residents with updates about Hurricane Irma nonstop in recent days and he says he won't stop. "I'm in constant communication with emergency management officials from across the state as #HurricaneIrma impacts Florida," Scott tweeted Sunday as heavy winds and rains pummeled his state.
Latest from Brickell. #irma #HurricaineIrma Video from our balcony on corner of Brickell Bay Drive and SE 14th Street. pic.twitter.com/WdTDxHp03o
— Bobby Moore (@hudsbuds) September 10, 2017
Law enforcement no longer responding to calls in Lee County. EMS stopped hours ago.#irma #hurricaneirma #florida @wgcu pic.twitter.com/K2iJCP0efO
— Quincy J. Walters (@quincy_walters) September 10, 2017
Update: 2:30 p.m. ET - From Newsweek writer Harriet Sinclair: "More than 10,000 domestic and international flights have been grounded due to adverse weather conditions caused by Hurricane Irma." Read more coverage here.
Check the status of a flight by entering its info over here: https://t.co/LMtkTcSh2M pic.twitter.com/FAwFnQ9T0U
— Spirit Airlines (@SpiritAirlines) September 8, 2017
Update: 2:09 p.m. ET - More than 10,000 National Guard from 14 different states are on their way to Florida to help with emergency relief efforts, Major General Calhoun said this afternoon.
“More than 10,000 National Guard troops are on their way into the state of Florida from 14 different states,” Major General Calhoun says pic.twitter.com/FcR97Tc3JK
— CBS News (@CBSNews) September 10, 2017
Update: 1:55 p.m. ET - Two Florida police officers have died in a traffic accident, the sheriff's department has confirmed in Hardee County, east of Sarasota.
The officers were named as Julie Ann Bridges, a Hardee County deputy, and Joseph Ossman, a sergeant with the Florida department of corrections, in a statement by the sheriff's department.
It is unclear whether storm conditions were responsible for the accident.
Heartbroken for @hcsheriff and @FL_Corrections in the loss of Hardee Deputy Bridges and DOC Sgt Ossman who were killed in a crash this AM pic.twitter.com/XfpbROVTSa
— Polk County Sheriff 🚔 (@PolkCoSheriff) September 10, 2017
Update: 1:35 p.m. ET - As the storm approaches, flamingos are being led to safety in Busch Gardens theme park in Tampa Bay.
Update: 1:24 p.m. ET - President Donald Trump's cabinet met Sunday to discuss the government response to Hurricane Irma. The president also spoke with the governors of Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee, where the storm is expected to strike in coming days.
Serious @Cabinet meeting today, called by @POTUS at Camp David. Reports on #Irma's track, potential impact, fed & state preparedness. pic.twitter.com/YEjRWA9vLB
— Sec. Sonny Perdue (@SecretarySonny) September 9, 2017
Update: 1:18 p.m. ET - More footage from Miami of storm surges submerging downtown.
Update: 1:10 p.m. ET - The eye of the storm is approaching Naples, southwest Florida, the National Weather Service warned.
12:53 PM at #Naples sustained wind 48 mph gusting to 76 mph. 115+ mph winds on the way as eyewall moves in. Shelter in place! #Irma
— NWS Miami (@NWSMiami) September 10, 2017
Update: 1:03 p.m. ET - Footage earlier showed waters receding in Tampa Bay as the storm approached.
Look at Tampa Bay... this AM there were whitecaps. @JaniceDean told me the winds from #irma are pushing the water out @foxandfriends pic.twitter.com/5agY7hG1zC
— Jillian Mele (@jillianmele) September 10, 2017
However the Storm Surge Unit at the National Hurricane Center has warned that waters will surge back as winds in west Florida change direction.
Don't be fooled by low water conditions on the FL W coast ahead of Irma, water will rapidly surge back when the winds change direction
— NHC Storm Surge (@NHC_Surge) September 10, 2017
Update: 12:51 ET - The National Weather Service Melbourne has warned drivers fleeing the storm not to become trapped in floods, with severe flood warnings in place across East Central Florida.
Risk of flooding will continue as strong rain bands move through our area. Do not drive through flooded roadways! TURN AROUND, DON'T DROWN! pic.twitter.com/jvOavdER4J
— NWS Melbourne (@NWSMelbourne) September 10, 2017
Update: 12:43 ET - A campaign launched by all five of the former living United States presidents has added Hurricane Irma to its fundraising appeal for disaster relief.
The fund will continue to raise money for relief of victims of Hurricane Harvey, which struck last month in Texas.
Update: 12:28 ET - Footage is emerging showing swaths of downtown Miami submerged in water.
In this video you can actually see the Bay water starting to flood the side walks. #Miami #HurrcaneIrma #Irma #Florida pic.twitter.com/PE5YLNCxl3
— Joseph De La Cruz (@JosephDeLaCruzM) September 10, 2017
79th Street Causeway, a main thoroughfare fm hwy to beach flooded on all sides. #HurricaneIrma #Miami #Flooding pic.twitter.com/LJloKwI8Ue
— Heather Lacy (@Heather_Lacy1) September 10, 2017
Water ponding in #brickell #irma #miami pic.twitter.com/gMDFgekXSj
— Rosa Flores (@RosaFlores) September 10, 2017
Update: 12:01 ET - More than a million customers in Florida are now without power, as the storm blasts the state, according to utilities companies.
BREAKING: Florida utility officials say more than 1 million customers lose power as Hurricane Irma lashes the state.
— The Associated Press (@AP) September 10, 2017
Update: 11:50 a.m. ET - President Trump spoke to the governors of Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee on Sunday, the White House said the White House said as cited by Reuters.
The announcement comes as Hurricane Irma's path moved away from the lower Florida Keys westward to the Gulf Coast and states to the north.
Update: 11:41 a.m. ET - Miami Herald reporter Joey Flechas has just recorded this footage in downtown Miami, showing the atonishing force of the storm.
About 20 minutes ago, the south end of Biscayne Boulevard was a violent swirl of wind and rain. Near Intercontinental. #HurricaneIrma pic.twitter.com/t8DxryshWg
— Joey Flechas (@joeflech) September 10, 2017
Update: 11:34 a.m. ET - A large crane in downtown Miami has collapsed onto a high-rise building as strong winds tear through the city, according to multiple news reports.
JUST IN: Large crane collapses on building in downtown Miami during Hurricane #Irma, witnesses and NWS say. https://t.co/YfR2oiaoqN pic.twitter.com/VhbHlXq3D4
— NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt (@NBCNightlyNews) September 10, 2017
Update: 11:26 a.m. ET - Shocking images of devastation are emerging from the U.S. Virgin Islands, which were hit by Hurricane Irma last week.
Absolute devastation in the US Virgin Islands after #Irma. Forests wiped out as far as the eye can see pic.twitter.com/z8a30nbRMM
— Brian Kahn (@blkahn) September 10, 2017
Update: 10:28 a.m. ET - Florida Light and Power is reporting that half a million customers in Miami/Dade County are currently without electricity.
Florida Power & Light currently reports over a half a million customers in Miami/Dade County are w/out power right now. pic.twitter.com/MAXwYgs9XU
— Marcy McMacken (@Marceline1) September 10, 2017
Update: 9:53 a.m. ET - With Irma making landfall at Cudjoe Key, meteorologist John Morales says the storm is about 20 kilometers (20 miles) east of its forecast direction, which is likely to increase impact on the Miami metro area.
Cudjoe Key means Irma is 20 mi. east of NHC forecast. It's *not* turning NE but that small distance enough to increase impact in metro area. pic.twitter.com/0fGiG49D27
— John Morales (@JohnMoralesNBC6) September 10, 2017
Update: 9:40 a.m. ET - More images are emerging of the devastation caused by the storm as it passed through Cuba yesterday.
The church in the center of Remedios, Cuba got peppered by Irma debris. Almost like shrapnel hit it. pic.twitter.com/IbrY4dzUAi
— Patrick Oppmann CNN (@CNN_Oppmann) September 10, 2017
Update: 9:03 a.m. ET Vice President Mike has expressed his support for those in the path of the hurricane in a tweet.
This Sunday morning please keep those impacted by #Irma in your hearts & prayers. @POTUS, our team, & the American people are with you all https://t.co/N899yxJP67
— Vice President Mike Pence (@VP) September 10, 2017
Update: 8:03 a.m. ET - Footage from the Naval Air Station Key West shows waves lashing against the Florida shore from sea swells.
Rough conditions north side of #KeyWest from #Irma. Our building is strong. Still no power. pic.twitter.com/8U1ULokmfJ
— NAS Key West (@NASKeyWest) September 10, 2017
Separate footage from journalist and "storm chaser" Mike Theiss shows roads in the town engulfed by water.
Eyewall and Storm Surge !! #HurricaneIrma #KeyWest pic.twitter.com/jI9kItZWqJ
— Mike Theiss (@MikeTheiss) September 10, 2017
Update: 7.59 a.m. ET - More footage is emerging from Key West as it is hit by the eyewall of the hurricane.
From @chefdistilled Paul Menta of Key West First Legal Rum
— Jim Cantore (@JimCantore) September 10, 2017
Incredible as they take the eyewall #Irma @NWSKeyWest pic.twitter.com/2RLaxmMAlP
Update: 7:50 a.m. ET - ABC is reporting the first death in Florida has been confirmed, with Hurricane Irma having claimed at least 24 lives across the Caribbean so far.
LATEST: There is now 1 confirmed weather-related death from Hurricane #Irma in FL in addition to 22 confirmed deaths across the Caribbean. pic.twitter.com/KNlNzjZUr8
— ABC News (@ABC) September 10, 2017
Update: 7:21 a.m. ET - Here is Periscope footage that allegedly shows the storm making landfall in Florida Keys.
LIVE on #Periscope: LIVE: HURRICANE IRMA FROM MARATHON FLORIDA https://t.co/pXrjmSpvbK
— aydan (@ayychild) September 10, 2017
Reporter David Ovalle shot this footage a short time ago near Key West.
Hurricane Irma arriving soon in Key West #mh https://t.co/Za2n0i7aO9
— David Ovalle (@DavidOvalle305) September 10, 2017
Update: 7:08 a.m. ET - The eye of the storm has just reached the Lower Florida Keys.
NORTHERN EYEWALL OF HURRICANE #IRMA REACHES THE LOWER FLORIDA KEYS. EYE IS 15 MILES SOUTHEAST OF KEY WEST. https://t.co/pyUyGir4z6
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) September 10, 2017
Update: 7:05 a.m. ET - It is not just Florida where storm warnings are in place, but Alabama and Georgia too, CNN is reporting.
It's not just Florida — now Alabama and Georgia are seeing tropical storm warnings. https://t.co/KNFOJSLmSP
— Meg Wagner (@megwagner) September 10, 2017
Update: 6:50 a.m. ET - Here is the latest National Weather Service Key West warning, with the Keys braced for the imminent landfall of the eye of the storm.
***HEADS UP LOWER KEYS***
— NWS Key West (@NWSKeyWest) September 10, 2017
***EXTREME WIND WARNING IN EFFECT***
***SWATHS OF TORNADO-LIKE DAMAGE LIKELY***#Irma #FLkeys #flwx pic.twitter.com/jZfKlGFtIi
Update: 6:40 a.m. ET - There is an "extreme wind warning" in place for the Florida Keys, with the eye of the hurricane minutes away from making landfall.
There it is...the "extreme wind warning" for the #Irma eyewall, via @NWSKeyWest. pic.twitter.com/rS5T6OZlpi
— Jonathan Erdman (@wxjerdman) September 10, 2017
Update: 6:29 a.m. ET - Weatherman Jim Cantore has emphasized the strength of the storm, placing it in historical context. Irma is the worst hurricane to hit Florida Keys since 1960, he tweeted.
For 1st time: looking at 2 consecutive Cat 4 landfalls in USA. #irma will put the worst hit on Keys since Donna in 1960 on same date 10Sept pic.twitter.com/qcbWujy4xC
— Jim Cantore (@JimCantore) September 10, 2017
Update: 5: 39 a.m. ET - Humans are not the only ones seeking refuge from the storm, with this pair of parrots spotted sheltering on the 22nd floor ledge of a Miami hotel.
Family spots #parrots seeking shelter from #HurricaneIrma on 22nd floor of #Miami hotel. Photo: Laura Aguiar @ABC #smem #Irma pic.twitter.com/A3TCKpy3Wi
— KXLY 920 News Now (@kxly920) September 10, 2017
Update: 5:19 a.m. ET - The eye of the hurricane is about to pass over Lower Florida Keys soon, the National Weather Service has said.
Hurricane #Irma Advisory 45: Eye of Irma About to Move Across the Lower Florida Keys. https://t.co/VqHn0uj6EM
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) September 10, 2017
Update: 4.52 a.m. ET - As of 4 a.m., Irma was approximately 50 miles away from Key West, traveling northwest at 6 mph with maximum sustained winds of 130 mph, reported ABC meteorologist Dan Manzo.
At 4 a.m. there was a storm surge of two feet in Key West, and 84 mph wind gusts there.
This is the advice from the National Weather Service in Key West:
***EVERYONE IN THE FLORIDA KEYS***
— NWS Key West (@NWSKeyWest) September 10, 2017
***IT IS TIME TO HUNKER DOWN***
***THE WORST WINDS ARE YET TO COME***#Irma #FLkeys #flwx pic.twitter.com/lmHTcRv68l
A video in the town shot by one of the few people who have not evacuated showed rising waters last night.
This is a video from a person in Key West that did not evacuate... pic.twitter.com/RS2XluK8F6
— James Spann (@spann) September 10, 2017
Update: 4.49 a.m. ET - President Trump tweeted a message to those in the storm's path as it approaches.
The U.S. Coast Guard, FEMA and all Federal and State brave people are ready. Here comes Irma. God bless everyone!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 10, 2017
Update: 4:26 a.m. ET - These videos show the scene in Miami overnight, as the city is pounded by the outer bands of the hurricane.
Boats are breaking from their anchors in the bay behind Miami's Parrot Jungle. Seeing many come ashore - bad damage. @wsvn #HurrcaneIrma pic.twitter.com/15O7ZNE4rf
— Brian Entin (@BrianEntin) September 10, 2017
Intense wind and rain on Miami Beach. Trees down. #HurricaneIrma is here -- and we're not even getting the eye. Wind hasn't let up. @wsvn pic.twitter.com/qsEmE6FAGi
— Brian Entin (@BrianEntin) September 10, 2017
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