INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Here’s what residents in Indian River County can expect from hurricane Irma, a storm described as “catastrophic” that is headed northwest toward Florida.
Timeline:
- Tropical storm conditions (39 mph and greater) will begin sometime after sunset Saturday as the outer layer of the storm approaches the county.
- The most significant impacts to the county are expected Sunday, Sunday night, and into early Monday, which is when the heart of the storm will pass through.
Expected Impact:
- Major hurricane force winds
- Structural damage to sturdy buildings
- Complete destruction of mobile homes
- Numerous large trees snapped or uprooted along with fences and roadway signs blown over
- Many roads will be impassable from large debris
- Widespread power and communication outages
- Major beach erosion with heavy surf breaching dunes
- Strong and numerous rip currents
- Moderate damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks, piers, and other coastal structures
- 8 to 12 inches of rain making driving conditions hazardous
- National Weather Services advises that there is a storm surge potential of 3 to 6 inches for areas east of U.S. 1 and areas along the Sebastian River.
