Hurricane Irma Emergency Update: September 9, 2017

This briefing outlines immediate life-safety directives for millions of Floridians, including mandatory evacuation orders, the suspension of normal traffic rules on I-75, and the mobilization of state resources to address power outages and fuel shortages.

• •Hurricane Irma is a Category 3 storm with 125 mph winds.
• •Storm surge is forecasted to reach up to 15 feet in some areas, with 5-8 feet expected in Tampa Bay.
• •Over 6.3 million Floridians have been ordered to evacuate.
• •Mandatory evacuation is in effect for all mobile homes in Orange County.
• •Shoulder driving is permitted on I-75 from Wildwood to the Georgia line to facilitate evacuation traffic.
• •More than 320 shelters are open across the state, housing over 54,000 people.
• •The state has waived motor fuel tax for five days to expedite fuel delivery.
• •All fuel ports in Florida are closed for safety.
• •The state is requesting 1,000 volunteer nurses for special needs shelters.
• •Nearly 25,000 people had lost power at the time of the briefing.
• •Rainfall of more than one foot is expected in Orange County.

Patterns POLISCOPE noticed across the record. These are observations to investigate, not conclusions.