| Supplemental Info:
Hurricane Irma Situation Update - Sept 9, 2017
[This statement is from the NHC 5:00 PM update. As of the time of this email was sent (~9:00 PM EST), the NHC had not issued the 8:00 PM storm discussion. Thus, the assessment may change. Check the link later for the update.]
According to the National Hurricane Center, data from a NOAA Hurricane Hunter plane sampling Irma indicate that the hurricane has not recovered yet from its interaction with Cuba. It is est. that the maximum winds are 110 kt (126 MPH). Given the excellent satellite presentation, the lower pressure just reported by the NOAA plane, and the fact that the hurricane will move over the warm waters of the Straits of Florida, some intensification is anticipated during the next 24 hours. Irma is expected to remain a very dangerous hurricane while it moves near or over the Florida Keys and near or over the Florida Peninsula. After 48 hours, Irma will be moving farther inland and weakening.
Radar data indicate that Irma is moving toward the west-northwest at about 8 kt. The turn toward the northwest and north-northwest is about to begin since the hurricane is already at the western edge of the subtropical ridge. The track guidance continues to be tightly packed, and the bulk of the models take the hurricane over the Florida Keys and near or over the Florida Peninsula. The NHC forecast is in the middle of the guidance envelope, and given the good agreement among models, the confidence in the track forecast is high.
KEY MESSAGES:
1. Irma is expected bring life-threatening wind and storm surge to the Florida Keys and southwestern Florida as an extremely dangerous major hurricane tonight through Sunday. Preparations in southwest Florida should be completed within the next few hours, as tropical-storm-force winds are expected to begin tonight.
2. There is an imminent danger of life-threatening storm surge flooding in portions of central and southern Florida, including the Florida Keys, where a Storm Surge Warning is in effect. The threat of catastrophic storm surge flooding is highest along the southwest coast of Florida, where 10 to 15 feet of inundation above ground level is expected. This is a life-threatening situation, and everyone in these areas should immediately follow any evacuation instructions from local officials.
3. Irma will bring life-threatening wind impacts to much of Florida regardless of the exact track of the center. Wind hazards from Irma are also expected to spread northward through much of Georgia and portions of South Carolina and Alabama.
4. Irma is expected to produce very heavy rain and inland flooding. Total rain accumulations of 10 to 20 inches, with isolated amounts of between 20 and 25 inches, are expected over the Florida Keys, the Florida peninsula, and southeast Georgia from Saturday through Monday. Significant river flooding is possible in these areas. Early next week Irma will also bring periods of heavy rain to much of the southeast United States where an average of 2 to 6 inches is forecast, with isolated higher amounts, from North and South Carolina to Tennessee and eastern Alabama. This includes some mountainous areas which are more prone to flash flooding. Residents throughout the southeast states should remain aware of the flood threat and stay tuned to forecasts and warnings.
Local Forecast and Visualization Products for Irma
Ventusky Storm System Visualization (h/t Nena)
Key West Radar (NEXRAD Station BYX) (Use Animation Button)
TRAVEL:
Florida roadways continue to experience congestion.
FDOT, FHP continue to allow limited Emergency Shoulder Use (ESU).
Florida Evacuation Helpline: If you are in an evacuation zone and are unable to leave for whatever reason call the Helpline: 800-342-3557
Airbnb Storm Accommodations
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