Hurricane Irma hit the Florida Keys Sunday morning as powerful winds and rain battered the state in what is believed to be one of the worst storms to hit the area in living memory.
The Keys are “getting pounded,” Florida Gov. Rick Scott told ABC News’ George Stephanopoulos on “This Week” Sept. 10. “They’re going to have 130 mph winds. They’re going to have 10 to 25 inches of rain. ... And then on top of that, the potential of 15 [feet] of storm surge.”
As of 10 a.m. today, the storm’s eye was moving away from the Florida Keys to the north of Florida’s west coast where the city of Naples braced for impact, ABC News reported.
“Unfortunately, there is no way the United States is going to avoid another catastrophic weather event,” Dr. Joel N. Myers, founder, president and chairman of AccuWeather said.
“There will be massive damage in Florida. [It will be] the worst single hurricane to hit Florida since Hurricane Andrew in 1992,” he said.
At the Naples Airport, wind reached 75 mph early Sunday as officials urged people to stay indoors and away from windows.
The Key West National Weather Service also warned Florida residents not to be tricked if winds start to suddenly calm down.
“IF winds go calm, you’re in the eye. Stay inside! Winds dramatically shift and will do so violently! STAY INSIDE!” the weather service tweeted on Sept. 10.
Currently, Irma is threatening all of the Florida Keys and South Florida and will soon spread those devastating effects farther north across the Florida Peninsula.
Cities most at risk of suffering from severe damage include Tampa, Fort Myers, Naples, Sarasota, and Miami, according to Accuweather.
Miami’s National Weather Service tweeted 11 a.m today that the eye was heading towards the southwest Florida coast and that everyone should remain sheltered.
“Our officers are now sheltered for their safety. We cannot respond to calls for service. Stay indoors, DO NOT venture out! #HurricaneIrma,” Miami Police tweeted at 9:10 a.m. ET on Sunday.
