SEBASTIAN – Hurricane Irma is now in Florida as it moves northward through Key West and into the mainland later today, and residents in Sebastian, Fellsmere, and Vero Beach could be experiencing more power outages.
Hurricane Irma is a very dangerous storm, and you should already be prepared for strong winds gusting up to 50 mph today. The winds will increase this evening, gusting up to 70 mph.
Then, later tonight, expect winds gusting up to 60 to 80 mph as the storm moves up the west coast of Florida.
“Irma is expected bring life-threatening wind and storm surge to the Florida Keys and southwestern Florida as an extremely dangerous major hurricane today, and these conditions will spread into central and northwestern Florida tonight and Monday,” the National Hurricane Center said.
Please do not go on the roads today as we are facing some dangerous conditions already. The roads are not safe today because of falling debris.
The good news is Indian River County will not get the eye of the storm, and that’s an accurate assumption based on all the local meteorologists, including the National Hurricane Center.
Even so, Indian River County may experience tornados and strong winds. Please plan to be indoors today and tonight.
The roads will not be open immediately after the storm. There may be power lines on the ground and other debris that could put you in danger.
Please wait until county officials and authorities clear the roads as you could put your life and others in danger.
Hurricane Irma is moving quickly up the west coast of Florida and should be north of us tomorrow morning.
Stay safe Sebastian, Fellsmere, and Vero Beach. You got this. We’re all in this together.