HURRICANE IRMA POUNDING FLORIDA KEYS

HURRICANE IRMA POUNDING FLORIDA KEYS

HURRICANE IRMA POUNDING FLORIDA KEYS

HURRICANE IRMA POUNDING FLORIDA KEYS – Hello everyone, we have a very sad situation unfolding throughout the Florida Keys and especially Key West, where they’re looking to get the brunt of Irma before she heads for the west coast.

Irma has begun her wobble NW/NNW towards the tiny island and looking at the satellite, I think her horsepower is a little underrated at this point, with sustained winds officially at 120mph and gusts to 150mph. She is truly a devastating storm and on top of the wind, Irma will be bringing a 5-12 ft storm surge with it. The last conditions in Key West reported were winds out of the NE at 40 mph sustained and gusts to 66. However, weather stations have reported hurricane force gusts, and we still have a ways to go before the core of Irma gets close. Also, the bulk of the storm surge will be as the center approaches and as it passes, so do not let your guard down thinking this is all she has. We are not remotely close to the apex or the conclusion of Irma.

In other areas, Islamorada and Key Largo are also taking a beating. Fort Lauderdale and Miami have been experiencing at/near-hurricane force gusts and tornado warnings have been popping up during the heavier bands.

SATELLITE LOOP

storm free

Satellite shows Irma has finally changed direction, and the center of circulation is heading right for or just west of Key West. Some strengthening is expected as she pulls further and further away from Cuba. Her interaction with land, has also helped expand the wind-field, typical with a landfalling storm.

LOCAL RADAR MIAMI FLORIDA

storm free

Heavy outer bands are stretched across from West Palm Beach, across the state to Ft Myers. These bands can be tornadic and cause localized, heavier damage. The 2nd tier of bands are now starting to affect Ft lauderdale and Miami, with torrential rain, hurricane force wind gusts, and again, the possibility of tornado activity.

LOCAL RADAR KEY WEST
storm free

The big story unfolding here is what’s happening to the Florida Keys. As you can see, the core of Irma is heading towards Key West and damage will be near or at catastrophic levels. Hopefully those that stuck around, decided at the last minute not to stay with their property, and head to hotels such as the La Concha, which is built like a fortress and high enough to escape the surge. However, expect them to lose their hotel lobby if the projected surge comes to fruition.

Next up will be Naples, and I suggest anyone in the area who decided to stick around, get to a strong building and do not stay with your homes. Get away from the water and seek shelter in a designated area. There will be a delay in the biggest of surge compared to when the main bands begin, so do not get lulled into a false sense of security.

I’ve said it in past posts, we are sparing one treasure (the east coast), in exchange for another (Florida Keys and the west coast). It was going to be one or the other. Prayers for all of those enduring this tragedy.

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