Even though Hurricane Irma was downgraded to a tropical storm, it is still packing winds of 60 m.p.h. The National Weather Service (NWS) updates for Sept. 11, 2017, indicates it continues to be a threat.
Even though Irma is moving inland and losing its strength, it is bringing flooding rains, tornado threats, and high winds. Alabama, Georgia, and the Carolinas are in direct path of the tropical storm’s path. At 2:15 p.m. ET, the eye of the former hurricane was over
At 2:15 p.m. ET, the eye of the former hurricane was located approximately 55 miles east of Tallahassee, Florida. The Weather Channel reported Irma is moving north-northwest between 15-20 m.p.h. They further announced the NWS has issued a flash flood warning until 6:15 p.m. for Jacksonville, Florida and the St. John’s River basin.
The area most affected by the tropical storm on Sept. 11, is Jacksonville metro. The rain gauge near Main Street on the St. John’s River indicates the accumulation exceeds the record established during Hurricane Dora in 1964. Currently, there is a storm surge of 6-feet at the Interstate 225 bridge.
Authorities in Jacksonville report multiple rescues due to rushing water. They recommend evacuations in zones A and B.
Images from the aftermath of Hurricane Irma in Cape Coral, Florida illustrate the damage experienced over night. This part of the state is 150 miles north of Miami and 400 miles south of Jacksonville. Many residents chose to remain in their homes overnight after Irma was downgraded to a lesser powerful hurricane.
Even though Irma is considered a tropical storm, the damage is still far from done. It continues to reek havoc in the southwestern states. Millions in Florida are without electricity, gas stations are out of fuel, and uncountable roadways are unpassable due to flooding and fallen trees.
Hurricane Irma in Florida Facebook Safety Check page indicates there have been 854 posts requesting help, and 2,373 posts offering assistance.
People are offering housing, clothing, medical, and veterinarian services. Locating help, if needed can be found on the interactive map Facebook has posted.
The Weather Channel indicates that Tropical Storm Irma may knock out electrical services as far north as Nashville, Tennessee. If this prediction occurs, there will be outages from the furthest point south in Florida northward including Atlanta, Georgia.
By Cathy Milne
Sources:
Facebook: Hurricane Irma in Florida Facebook Safety Check
The Weather Channel: Irma Now a Tropical Storm; Significant Damaging Wind, Flooding and Tornado Threats Spreading Into the Southeast
Images Courtesy of Shanna Coburn-Rice – Used With Permission