thanks Russ. it seems as if Cuba must have massive destruction from Irma. and the Florida Keys are going to take an enormous pounding too. I wonder if anyone decided to stay at Key West and ignore the evacuation. It's a very risky decision.

I have not seen any notices about Tampa sending out evacuation orders - not clear how the Gulf Coast is responding.

I wonder if it is possible for Irma to avoid the sharp turn to the north (after crossing the Keys), and instead travel on a more westerly course into the Gulf of Mexico?