Irma weakens to tropical storm on northward ascent across Florida

Storm struck Florida as powerful Category 4 hurricane Sunday

PEMBROKE PARK, Fla. – Hurricane Irma was getting weaker as it moved over the western Florida peninsula early Monday and has since weakened to a tropical storm.

Irma hit Florida on Sunday as a powerful Category 4 hurricane, hammering much of the state with roof-ripping winds, gushing floodwaters and widespread power outages.

By 2 p.m. Monday, Irma was about 50 miles south southeast of Albany, Georgia, and was moving north northwest at 17 mph with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph. 

Local 10 News meteorologist Julie Durda said the system will move out of Florida by Monday afternoon.

"Boy, are we happy to say, 'Goodbye Irma. Get out of here and get out of here in a hurry," Durda said. 

A tropical storm warning remains in effect for Bonita Beach to the Okaloosa/Walton County Line, Jupiter Inlet to the South Santee River and Lake Okeechobee. 

Local 10 News meteorologist Luke Dorris said the tropical storm-force winds should taper off as the day goes on.

"We get into your Tuesday, it's not even windy anymore," he said.

Durda said parts of South Florida are still dealing with some moderate to heavy rain from the outer bands of the storm, because it was such a big system. 

Irma is expected to become an area of low pressure going into Tuesday as it passes over portions of Tennessee and Alabama. 

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