Hurricane Irma: Hurricane Warning, Storm Surge Warning and Tornado Watch In Effect
Update as of 4 p.m., Saturday, Sept 9
A Storm Surge Warning, Hurricane Warning and Tornado Watch are currently in place for the City of Hollywood. As of 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept 9th a countywide curfew is in effect for Broward County. All residents should remain sheltered indoors throughout the duration of the storm. A Hurricane Warning means that hurricane conditions (sustained tropical storm force winds of 74 mph or higher) are expected within the warning area.
Tropical Storm conditions are expected early this evening with hurricane conditions possible in South Florida and the Florida Keys late Saturday and into Sunday. Hurricane Irma is expected to produce 8 to 15 inches of rain in South Florida with up to 20 inches in isolated areas. Maximum sustained winds are currently near 125 mph with higher gusts. Irma is a Category 3 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Some fluctuations in intensity are likely during the next day or two, but Irma is forecast to remain a powerful hurricane as it approaches Florida. On the forecast track, the core of Irma will continue to move near or over the north coast of Cuba this afternoon, and will reach the Florida Keys Sunday morning. The hurricane is expected to move along or near the southwest coast of Florida Sunday afternoon.
The combination of a dangerous storm surge and the tide are forecast to cause normally dry areas near the coast to be flooded by rising waters moving inland from the shoreline. The water is could reach 2 to 4 feet above ground if the peak surge occurs at the time of high tide. The deepest water will occur along the immediate coast in areas of onshore winds, where the surge is expected to be accompanied by large and destructive waves. Surge-related flooding depends on the relative timing of the surge and the tidal cycle, and can vary greatly over short distances.
The City of Hollywood is closely monitoring Hurricane Irma.
Curfew/Evacuations/Shelters
Broward County has ordered a county-wide curfew that is in effect as of 4:00 p.m. Saturday and will remain in effect throughout the duration of the storm. A mandatory evacuation was ordered in Broward County for Zones A and B. In Hollywood this is the barrier island and areas east of US-1. Under a mandatory evacuation, eastbound traffic onto the barrier island at Hollywood Boulevard and at Sheridan Street will be restricted. Motorists will be detoured at 13th Avenue and Hollywood Boulevard and 14th Avenue and Sheridan Street. The City encouraged all residents in the evacuation zone, mobile homes or low-lying areas to heed these evacuation orders. In Hollywood, residents living near large tower construction cranes in the downtown area were also encouraged to evacuate.
The County opened additional general population shelters. The closest shelters to Hollywood are:
Beachside Montessori Village, 2230 Lincoln Street, Hollywood (additional shelter just opened)
Watkins Elementary School, 3520 SW 52 Avenue, Pembroke Park
Fox Trail Elementary School, 1250 Nob Hill Road, Davie
Plantation Elementary School, 651 NW 42 Avenue, Plantation
Updates on the status for shelters is on the County’s website: http://www.broward.org/Hurricane/Pages/EvacuationShelterInformation.aspx
City Preparations
Emergency Operations Center Activation
The City’s Emergency Operations Center is fully activated. The City has activated its Hurricane Call Center. This call center can be reached by calling: 954.967.4EOC (4362). Broward County is also operating its Hurricane Hotline which is 311 or 954.831.4000.
Remain Safe During and After the Storm
-Extremely dangerous and life-threatening wind is possible. Failure to seek adequate shelter may result in serious injury and possible loss of life. Residents are advised to remain inside throughout the duration of the storm.
-Keep cell phones well charged and handy. Also, cell phone chargers for automobiles can be helpful after the storm. Locate your chargers
and keep them with your cell phone.
-In emergencies it is best to remain calm. Stay informed and focused on the situation at hand. Exercise patience with those you encounter.
Be a good neighbor and help others.
The City wants to encourage everyone to continue monitoring the storm on various news outlets and check the City’s website www.hollywoodfl.org and twitter feed for updates.
