Hurricane Irma: 7.7 Million Without Power

FLORIDA — A much as two-thirds of Florida households and businesses are experiencing power outages, the Guardian reported the Florida Division of Emergency Management as saying.

The Florida DEM said at 5 p.m. that over 6.7 million businesses and households are without power, with an additional 800,000 homes and businesses with power cut off in Georgia.

The Associated Press reported more recently, however, that 7.7 million electric customers are without power.

Bay News 9 reported that Duke Energy is experiencing outages in these areas, with how many are affected: Pinellas 411,193; Hernando/Citrus 40,300; Polk 66,469 and Hillsborough/Pasco 84,445.

"Windy conditions across the state with chances of heavy rainfall throughout the eastern and northern counties as Tropical Storm Irma moves North through the state," the emergency management agency said.

The Florida DEM also said that Hurricane Jose does not pose a threat to Florida, a sign of relief amid the immense destruction the southeast has experienced the past week.

SEE MORE:

• Hurricane Irma Shifts Towards Orlando
• Hurricane Irma Weakens To Category 1 Storm
• Hurricane Irma: Serious Storm Surge Along St. Johns River In Jacksonville
• Hurricane Irma: ‘Dangerous Winds’ Still Likely For Orlando, Flood Watch In Effect

This story includes reporting by the Associated Press.

Article image via NASA Facebook page