Irma's eye moves closer to South Florida, heavy bands expected overnight

Category 3 hurricane weakens over Cuba, but strengthening possible

PEMBROKE PARK, Fla. – South Florida dealt with the first of many heavy bands from Hurricane Irma on Saturday evening, with more to come as the storm moves closer to the mainland U.S.

In a two-hour period just before sundown, there were 9 tornado warnings issued in Miami-Dade, Broward and Monroe counties.

Some neighborhoods have started to see flooding while others are dealing with downed trees.

As of the 11 p.m. advisory, Irma was still a Category 3 hurricane, located 90 miles southeast of Key West and was moving slowly, heading northwest at just 6 mph.

Irma's sustained winds have weakened a bit to 120 mph, with gusts at 150 mph.

Forecasters said the interaction with Cuba's terrain weakened the hurricane, but as the system moved off the northern coast and into open water, it is being fueled with warm water.

Scenes from around South Florida show powerful surf barreling over Miami Beach and downed trees and power lines.

A hurricane warning remains in effect for all of South Florida.

 

While the continuing westward trend may be good news for South Florida, it could be devastating to the Keys.

"This storm is no joke for the Florida Keys," Local 10's Luke Dorris said.

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About the Authors:

A native of Sacramento, California, Julie Durda joined Local 10 with extensive knowledge and experience in meteorology from various parts of the United States.