As Hurricane Irma hits the Florida Keys Sunday, authorities are again urging all residents who are still in the area to stay indoors at all costs.
The National Hurricane Center said on Sunday afternoon that Hurricane Irma weakened to a Category 2 hurricane.
According to the National Hurricane Center’s latest update at 5 p.m. ET, Irma is now near Naples. It will bring “dangerous storm surges” that will be expected immediately after Irma’s eye passes along the Florida coast.
But some people are ignoring this warning.
One of those people is meteorologist Juston Drake, a storm chaser who got out of his car to face Irma’s spectacular winds in Florida.
The video footage on Twitter can be seen below.
Another person dodging the curfew is Simon Brewer. He is a meteorologist, extreme weather journalist, and adventurer featured on The Weather Channel series Storm Riders, according to his Twitter.
Brewer recorded a video showing just how strong the winds were getting.
His video posted on Twitter Sept. 10 is captioned with: “Just getting more windy…”
The Florida Keys National Weather Service said that water levels were above normal and that it could increase further in the afternoon.
“2:35p – As of now water level in Key West still about 2.5 ft above normal. Surge of 5-10 feet still possible through afternoon. #flkeys” the service tweeted.
Police in Miami are now sheltering in place and are no longer responding to calls as Hurricane Irma bears down.
“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.
According to the Miami Herald, emergency responders across Florida called on residents to stay off the roads.
“Power lines are down and roads are flooded,” said Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue on Facebook. “It is extremely dangerous outside with flying debris. Stay inside and bunker down.”
Miami Beach rescue teams also stated that it’s too dangerous to respond.
The Broward Sheriff’s Office said it would keep deputies off roadways.
Florida Power and Light on Sunday said that more than 1 million residents throughout the state are without power due to Irma’s winds. The bulk is located in Miami-Dade County, where 657,000 were without power as of 10 a.m.
From NTD.tv
