United States: Tropical Depression Irma moves over Alabama Sep 12 /update 10

Event

As of 23:00 (EDT) on Monday, September 11, Hurricane Irma had been downgraded to a tropical depression, with maximum sustained winds of approximately 56 km/h (35 mph). As of approximately 23:00 (EDT), the storm was centered over western Georgia (around 5 miles west of Columbus, Georgia) moving northwest at roughly 24 km/h (15 mph); it is expected to cross into Alabama early Tuesday. Alabama declared a state of emergency on Monday in advance of Irma's arrival to the state. Irma is expected to progressively continue to weaken to a post-tropical depression through Tuesday, September 12. Despite its weakening, Irma is anticipated to drop around an additional 5-13 cm (2-5 in) of rain over parts of South Carolina, northern Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has discontinued all hurricane, tropical storm, and storm surge warnings related to Tropical Depression Irma.

Nearly 8 million homes are without electricity due to Irma across the southeastern US, and officials estimate that it will take weeks to restore full service. Cell phone service is reportedly cut off in the lower and middle Florida Keys.

Transportation disruptions are to be expected in all affected regions, and a limited resumption of air service in affected regions is expected on Tuesday. Several Florida airports announced on Monday that service will likely resume on Tuesday, while around 1000 flights to and from Atlanta were canceled due to the storm. Major airlines are urging customers planning travel to, from, or through affected areas to confirm travel reservations before arriving at the airport. Driving conditions also remain hazardous or impossible in many areas affected by the storm. Additional transportation disruptions are likely across the region in the coming days, even once normal services resume, as airlines work to clear backlogs and evacuated residents seek to return home.

Context

At least 38 people were killed across the Caribbean as a result of the passage of Hurricane Irma in recent days, including four in the US Virgin Islands. At least ten individuals in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina have also been killed.

Most businesses and schools remain closed in Florida on Tuesday, and significant transportation delays continue as airports assess damage from the storm and some major roads remain flooded.

Mandatory evacuations were ordered for much of southern and central Florida and the Atlantic coast of Georgia in the past week. More than 6 million people across Florida evacuated in anticipation of the storm, the largest evacuation in the state's history. In South Carolina, Governor Henry McMaster ordered mandatory evacuations of South Carolina's islands on Friday, September 8.

Advice

Individuals present in the southeastern US are advised to keep abreast of weather alerts, confirm travel reservations, avoid coastal areas due to the risk of flooding, and adhere to all advice issued by the local authorities. Remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous; 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult. Finally, because floodwater may also contain wastewater or chemical products, wear boots and try to avoid any contact with the water. All items having come into contact with the water should be washed and disinfected. Dispose of any food that may have come into contact with floodwater.