3 p.m. updates on Sept. 7:
- Latest forecasts are predicting life-threatening wind, storm surges and constructional damage. Be safe and be prepared.
- If you are evacuating to a pet-friendly shelter, The Humane Society is no longer taking calls to register pets. Go straight to the shelter to do so and bring proof of vaccinations.
- The last flight at FLL will leave the airport at 7:45 p.m. Friday. The airport will close after that.
- All ships are required to leave Port Everglades Friday morning.
- 11,000 FPL workers will be ready to deploy to fix power outages once the hurricane subsides and it is safe to work.
- Xfinity has opened WiFi hotspots across the state. Non-customers will be able to use the hotspots as well.
- During and after the storm: do not walk into standing water. There is a risk of electric currents, animals being in the water and other potential risks.
Noon updates on Sept. 7:
- New River, SE Third, SW Seventh and Andrews Ave. bridges will be locked by 8 p.m. Friday night or sooner. Boats that need to leave the area are advised to do so now.
- Residents are encouraged to take photos before the storm hits to track damage if any occurs because of the storm.
- The last flight expected to leave FLL will leave tomorrow evening
- FPL advises residents to expect power outages and to have batteries and flashlights ready.
- To report power outages call 1.800.468.8243.
- After the storm winds reach 45 mph, deputies and firefighters will not be able to reach residents, especially in evacuation areas. If you plan to evacuate, do so now.
- A storm surge watch has been announced for the below areas:
- A hurricane watch has been announced for South Florida:
- Here’s the latest forecast:
Hurricane Irma continues to forcefully cross the Atlantic. The storm battered several islands in its path already, including Barbuda, St. Martin, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.
It is still too early to tell when the storm will hit Florida, but forecasts show it could make the most impact over the weekend.
Irma is currently a Category 5 and is maintaining intensity with 180 mph winds.
Here is the latest forecast, via 7 Weather:
Hurricane watches for South Florida are likely to be posted soon, as the forecast path continues to focus on the Florida peninsula. A hurricane watch means hurricane conditions are considered possible within 48 hours.
The timing of the turn north of Hurricane Irma is still uncertain, but poses importance to the impact the storm will have on Florida. Some models show the storm turning up the west coast, while others show it heading straight up or to the east coast.
Several South Florida residents are heading north, generating heavy traffic on Interstate 95 and Florida’s Turnpike. If you are planning to leave, make sure to fill up on gas and to pack plenty of food and water.
Miami-Dade County ordered evacuations to begin today in Miami Beach, barrier islands and evacuation zone A. Broward County evacuated low-lying neighborhoods and those living east of Federal Highway.
The storm is expected to weaken over the next two days, but it is still likely that Irma will be a Category 4 storm when it approaches South Florida.
Broward and Palm Beach county schools are closed today and Friday.
President Donald Trump declared an emergency for Florida, freeing up federal funding to help the state as it prepares for and recovers from Hurricane Irma.
Facebook Comments