Floridians who didn’t evacuate told to take shelter

Authorities are urging people who chose to ride out Hurricane Irma in the Florida Keys to remain indoors until the storm passes.

The storm’s eyewall reached the chain of islands earlier today. The National Weather Service reported wind gusts of 90 mph (145 kph) near its Key West office.

In a Facebook post early Sunday, Key West Police urged people who stayed for the hurricane to remain where they took shelter until the storm has passed completely. Police also urged people not to go outside when the eye of the storm is over their area, a period when conditions can seem deceptively calm.

John Huston, who is riding out the storm from his home in Key Largo in the upper Keys, says the wind gusts are strong in his area.

“Water level is higher today,” he says via text message. “Incredible wind that won’t stop.”

— AP