Hurricane Irma storm surges hit South Florida

Joe Cavaretta / Sun Sentinel
A 7-11 sign collapsed during Hurricane Irma along A1A in Fort Lauderdale on Monday September 11, 2017.
Mike Stocker / Sun Sentinel
A sailboat came to rest near a parking lot off of Dinner Key in Miami after Hurricane Irma. Mike Stocker, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
JOE CAVARETTA / Sun Sentinel
Post-Hurricane Irma party, Monday, Sept. 11, 2017, at Tipperary Pub in Deerfield Beach.
Mike Stocker / Sun Sentinel
Downed trees blocked Bird Road at 57th Avenue in Miami after Hurricane Irma. Mike Stocker, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL - SEPTEMBER 10: Large waves produced by Hurricane Irma crash into the end of Anglins Fishing Pier September 10, 2017 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The category 4 hurricane made landfall in the United States in the Florida Keys at 9:10 a.m. after raking across the north coast of Cuba. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Mike Stocker / Sun Sentinel
People came out to check out the weather on Miami Beach as Hurricane Irma approaches, Mike Stocker, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Joe Raedle / Getty Images
MIAMI, FL - SEPTEMBER 10: A crane tower is seen after part of it collapsed from the winds of Hurricane Irma on September 10, 2017 in Miami, Florida. Hurricane Irma made landfall in the Florida Keys as a Category 4 storm on Sunday, lashing the state with 130 mph winds as it moves up the coast. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Mike Stocker / Sun Sentinel
Brickell Avenue in Miami was flooded after Hurricane Irma. Mike Stocker, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Mike Stocker / Sun Sentinel
Brickell Avenue in Miami was flooded after Hurricane Irma. Mike Stocker, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Mike Stocker / Sun Sentinel
Brickell Avenue in Miami was flooded after Hurricane Irma. Mike Stocker, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Joe Cavaretta / Sun Sentinel
SR A1A street sign on the ground following Hurricane Irma on Monday September 11, 2017.
Jim Rassol / Sun Sentinel
People line the beach in the Town of Lantana to see the early effects of Hurricane Irma. Lantana, FL. 9/9/17. Staff Photographer Jim Rassol.
Jim Rassol / Sun Sentinel
Palm Beach Sheriff's Office deputy patrols Boynton Beach Inlet Park as Hurricane Irma arrives. Boynton Beach, FL. 9/10/17. Staff Photographer Jim Rassol.
Diane Lade / Sun Sentinel
Small gas stations along Davie Boulevard and Peters Road, in Fort Lauderdale and Plantation, were still open Saturday morning. But most were shuttered by early afternoon, like this 7-Eleven at 4451 Peters Road.
Amy Beth Bennett / Sun Sentinel
Dunkin' Donuts in Pompano Beach, open for another 10 minutes with a line to the door as everyone scrambles for one last jolt of caffeine before Hurricane Irma arrives, on Saturday, Sept. 9, 2017.
Joe Cavaretta / Sun Sentinel
A car tries to drive around a large tree that blocks North Andrews on Monday September 11, 2017.
JOE CAVARETTA / Sun Sentinel
Volunteer Yvenise Moss, right, hands bags of ice to Pablo Perera od Pomapano Beach, Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017, at Quiet Waters Park in Deerfield Beach.
Ryan Van Velzer / Sun Sentinel
Damage could be seen Monday morning on September 11, 2017, across Briny Breezes in Palm Beach County.
Jim Rassol / Sun Sentinel
The early effects of Hurricane Irma hit the beach in the Town of Lantana, FL. 9/9/17. Staff Photographer Jim Rassol.
Joe Cavaretta / Sun Sentinel
Mike Stocker / Sun Sentinel
People came out to check out the weather on Miami Beach as Hurricane Irma approaches, Mike Stocker, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Joe Cavaretta / Sun Sentinel
As South Florida begins to assess Hurricane Irma damage, a marlin sign lays on the ground at Hillsboro Inlet Marina on Monday September 11, 2017.
Lisa Huriash / Sun Sentinel
The scene at the Tamarac shopping plaza early Monday morning that shows some of Hurricane Irma's damage. Lisa Huriash / South Florida Sun Sentinel
Jim Rassol / Sun Sentinel
High winds from Hurricane Irma sweep into Boynton Beach. Boynton Beach, FL. 9/9/17. Staff Photographer Jim Rassol.
Amy Beth Bennett / Sun Sentinel
Deerfield Beach on Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2017, after Hurricane Irma swept through South Florida. Amy Beth Bennett
Amy Beth Bennett / Sun Sentinel
Fort Lauderdale Beach as Hurricane Irma pushes into South Florida on Saturday, Sept. 9, 2017. Amy Beth Bennett, Sun Sentinel
Taimy Alvarez / Sun Sentinel
Ivelisse Soto prepares the crates for her dogs, Tinzy and Looney, outside Lakeside Elementary School hurricane shelter as her granddaughter's dog Rex and Looney play as powerful Hurricane Irma heads towards Florida Saturday in Pembroke Pines. Soto came to the shelter with her family and dogs. "We live in a mobile home and we were scared," said Soto. "Thank God they are open."
Joe Cavaretta / Sun Sentinel
A fire truck makes its way down A1A near Fort Lauderdale Beach on Monday September 11, 2017.
Johnny Diaz / Sun Sentinel
There are about 24 cranes in the downtown Miami area which also includes the Brickell financial district. Johnny Diaz, South Florida Sun Sentinel
Ryan Van Velzer / Sun Sentinel
Damage could be seen Monday morning on September 11, 2017, across Briny Breezes in Palm Beach County.
Susan Stocker / Sun Sentinel
Flooding along SE 3rd Ave in Dania Beach east of US 1 after Hurricane Irma.
John McCall / Sun Sentinel
Repairs begin at Flanigan's after Hurricane Irma in Deerfield Beach, Sept. 11, 2017. John McCall, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Susannah Bryant / Sun Sentinel
Hollywood cops turned away dozens of cars trying to use Sheridan Street bridge to get to the beach. They said there were too many downed power lines. Police Chief Tomas Sanchez says he's not sure when they'll let people cross.
Amy Beth Bennett / Sun Sentinel
Kamila Canchola, 8, and her brother, German Sanchez, 21, both of Ft. Lauderdale, watch the surf on Fort Lauderdale Beach as Hurricane Irma pushes into South Florida on Saturday, Sept. 9, 2017. Sanchez brought his little sister to look at the waves because this is her first hurricane and she wanted to experience it. Her sister, Abigail Sanchez said, â€œItâ€™s a good way for her to look at a storm and not be scared.â€? Amy Beth Bennett, Sun Sentinel
Carline Jean / Sun Sentinel
Some of thousands of people who showed up at the BB&T center in Sunrise to get a hot meal from 20 Food Trucks three days after Hurricane Irma passes South Florida. The JetBlue team proving the meals to help with the devastation caused by Irma.Carline Jean/Staff Photographer
Joe Cavaretta / Sun Sentinel
Bridge to Barrier Island in Sunrise is closed after Hurricane Irma on Monday September 11, 2017.
Joe Cavaretta / Sun Sentinel
The hurricane left beach sand across the road along Fort Lauderdale Beach.
Amy Beth Bennett / Sun Sentinel
Deerfield Beach Pier in Deerfield Beach on Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2017, after Hurricane Irma swept through South Florida. Amy Beth Bennett
Joe Cavaretta / Sun Sentinel
The clean up in Fort Lauderdale and the rest of South Florida begins Monday September 11, 2017 after Hurricane Irma came and went. Joe Cavaretta / South Florida Sun Sentinel
Taimy Alvarez / Sun Sentinel
Several large trees were knocked over by Hurricane Irma like this one blocking the entrance at a home in The Vineyards in Monarch Lakes Sunday.
Joe Cavaretta / Sun Sentinel
Sand is piled up at Deerfield Beach as clean-up begins following Hurricane Irma on Monday September 11, 2017.
Jim Rassol / Sun Sentinel
People line the beach in the Town of Lantana to see the early effects of Hurricane Irma. Lantana, FL. 9/9/17. Staff Photographer Jim Rassol.
JOE CAVARETTA / Sun Sentinel
Passengers check in at the Delta Airlines counter at the Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport, in Fort Lauderdale, Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2017. The airport is open after being closed for Hurricane Irma.
Jim Rassol / Sun Sentinel
Hurricane Irma arrives in Boynton Beach. Boynton Beach, FL. 9/10/17. Staff Photographer Jim Rassol.
Taimy Alvarez / Sun Sentinel
Laureen Cikora evacuated her RV in Davie with her dog, Spice, to Lakeside Elementary School hurricane shelter that allows pets as powerful Hurricane Irma heads towards Florida Saturday. She wishes she was better prepared with a dog crate, but she's glad to be safe at the shelter. "This is scary," said Cikora. "May God have mercy on us. You think I'm going to leave my dog in a camper? Our pets are like our kids"
Mike Stocker / Sun Sentinel
People drive down Brickell Avenue in Miami and take photos after Hurricane Irma. Mike Stocker, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Susan Stocker / Sun Sentinel
A dry dock at Sundance Marine off I-95 and Griffin Road sustained damaged from Hurricane Irma.
Jim Rassol / Sun Sentinel
Boynton Beach Police close the Ocean Avenue bridge as a surfer crosses to the west. Boynton Beach, FL. 9/9/17. Staff Photographer Jim Rassol.
Mike Stocker / Sun Sentinel
I-95 was nearly traffic free near Hallandale Beach Blvd. as South Floridians prepared for Hurricane Irma. Mike Stocker, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Joe Cavaretta / Sun Sentinel
Sand is piled up at Deerfield Beach as clean-up begins following Hurricane Irma on Monday September 11, 2017.
Joe Cavaretta / Sun Sentinel
The clean up in Fort Lauderdale and the rest of South Florida begins Monday September 11, 2017 after Hurricane Irma came and went. Joe Cavaretta / South Florida Sun Sentinel
Susan Stocker / Sun Sentinel
Anthony Tabasso surveys his neighborhood along SE 3rd Ave in Dania Beach after Hurricane Irma. His home has no power but is not damaged and there is street flooding, downed tree limbs and fallen power lines.
Amy Beth Bennett / Sun Sentinel
Fort Lauderdale firefighters Jorge Moral, left, and Matthew Modafferri pull a downed tree limb out of the roadway so the fire truck can pass in Fort Lauderdale on Monday, Sept. 11, 2017, after Hurricane Irma blew through South Florida. Amy Beth Bennett, Sun Sentinel
John McCall / Sun Sentinel
A roadway is covered in sand after Hurricane Irma in Deerfield Beach, Sept. 11, 2017. John McCall, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
John McCall / Sun Sentinel
People walk around after Hurricane Irma in Deerfield Beach, Sept. 11, 2017. John McCall, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Omar Kelly / Sun Sentinel
Miami International Airport re-opens following Hurricane Irma on Tuesday Spetember 12, 2017.
Lisa Huriash / Sun Sentinel
The scene in Tamarac early Monday morning that shows some of Hurricane Irma's damage. Lisa Huriash / South Florida Sun Sentinel
JOE CAVARETTA / Sun Sentinel
Flooded street by the rains of Hurricane Irma in North Andrews Gardens, Sunday, Sept. 10, 2017, in Oakland Park.
Joe Cavaretta / Sun Sentinel
Sand and debris cover A1A near Fort Lauderdale Beach on Monday September 11, 2017.
Steve Svekis / Sun Sentinel
A scoreboard at Nova Southeastern University's softball field was damaged during Hurricane Irma.
JOE CAVARETTA / Sun Sentinel
Palm trees on the Hollywood Broadwalk begin to sway from the winds of Hurricane Irma, Saturday, Sept. 9, 2017.
Carline Jean / Sun Sentinel
Thousands of people showed up at the BB&T center in Sunrise to get a hot meal from 20 Food Trucks three days after Hurricane Irma passes South Florida. The JetBlue team proving the meals to help with the devastation caused by Irma.Carline Jean/Staff Photographer
Susannah Bryan
A boat is smashed in Hollywood on North Lake Drive.
Taimy Alvarez / Sun Sentinel
The Vineyards in Monarch Lakes President Felix Carballo cleans up after Hurricane Irma left South Florida sparing the Miramar communityâ€™s houses spared major damage other than down trees, branches and mailboxes Sunday afternoon.
Susan Stocker / Sun Sentinel
Andrew Perini walks his neighbor's dog, Arnie, along 10th Ave and Polk St. in Hollywood the day after Hurricane Irma came through South Florida. Perini said he's lucky his home did not flood.
Adam Sacasa / Sun Sentinel
Evan Snow, 31, of Fort Lauderdale, walks his cockapoo, The Shaman, down Las Olas Boulevard Monday morning in Fort Lauderdale.
Adam Sacasa / Sun Sentinel
Workers remove a tree that fell outside of El Camino Mexican Restaurant on Las Olas Boulevard Monday morning.
Mike Stocker / Sun Sentinel
People walk down Brickell Avenue in Miami after Hurricane Irma. Mike Stocker, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Amy Beth Bennett / Sun Sentinel
Deerfield Beach on Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2017, after Hurricane Irma swept through South Florida. Amy Beth Bennett
Amy Beth Bennett / Sun Sentinel
Maria Pogo, left, and Zayra Carpio, friends who live in Plantation, take photographs on Fort Lauderdale Beach as Hurricane Irma pushes into South Florida on Saturday, Sept. 9, 2017. Carpio recently moved to Plantation from Spain. Amy Beth Bennett, Sun Sentinel
Joe Cavaretta / Sun Sentinel
A collapsed crane at the Auberge Beach Residence and Spa in Fort Lauderdale on Monday September 11, 2017.
Amy Beth Bennett / Sun Sentinel
Fort Lauderdale Beach as Hurricane Irma pushes into South Florida on Saturday, Sept. 9, 2017. Amy Beth Bennett, Sun Sentinel
Joe Cavaretta / Sun Sentinel
A man makes his way along Las Olas blvd in Fort Lauderdale as the winds die down and Hurricane Irma passes.
Amy Beth Bennett / Sun Sentinel
The Elbo Room, famous for hurricane parties, in Fort Lauderdale Beach as Hurricane Irma pushes into South Florida on Saturday, Sept. 9, 2017. Amy Beth Bennett, Sun Sentinel
Amy Beth Bennett / Sun Sentinel
BSO turns cars around at the Atlantic Ave. bridge in Pompano Beach as Hurricane Irma pushes into South Florida on Saturday, Sept. 9, 2017. Amy Beth Bennett, Sun Sentinel
Susan Stocker / Sun Sentinel
Trina Menefee of Hollywood and 38-weeks pregnant with her first child is riding out Hurricane Irma at home. Menefee is planning on a home birth with a midwife and has decided to stick to that plan in spite of the storm.
Lisa Huriash / Sun Sentinel
The scene in Tamarac early Monday morning that shows some of Hurricane Irma's damage. Lisa Huriash / South Florida Sun Sentinel
Joe Cavaretta / Sun Sentinel
The Galt Ocean Marketplace sign is down in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma on Monday September 11, 2017.
Jim Rassol / Sun Sentinel
Waves from Hurricane Irma crash into the Boynton Beach inlet jetty. Boynton Beach, FL. 9/9/17. Staff Photographer Jim Rassol.
Taimy Alvarez / Sun Sentinel
The Vineyards in Monarch Lakes President Felix Carballo hugs his wife, Cristina, in relief after Hurricane Irma pasted and they saw their house and the community was spared major damage other than down trees, branches and mailboxes in the West Miramar community Sunday. "As soon as I could get out I came and started clearing the drains to prevent flooding," said Carballo. "Thank God we didn't get major damage."
Mike Stocker / Sun Sentinel
Brickell Avenue in Miami was flooded after Hurricane Irma. Mike Stocker, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Taimy Alvarez / Sun Sentinel
Islamorada resident Mike Bassett, 53, stands by his truck first in line to get back into the Florida Keys Tuesday September 12, 2017. First in line, he's been waiting since 1pm Monday. He fled to Sebring, Fl. with his mother and sister. "We haven't slept for three days," said Bassett who is a charter boat captain. "I will never evacuate again." Monroe County allowed residents and business owners to re-enter into Key Largo, Tavernier and Islamorada at 7 a.m. Tuesday.
Amy Beth Bennett / Sun Sentinel
Taking photos from a sunroof on Fort Lauderdale Beach as Hurricane Irma pushes into South Florida on Saturday, Sept. 9, 2017. Amy Beth Bennett, Sun Sentinel
Amy Beth Bennett / Sun Sentinel
Charlie Bickman, left, and Charlie Eckert repair a friend's fence in Lighthouse Point on Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2017, after Hurricane Irma blew through South Florida. Amy Beth Bennett, Sun Sentinel
Mike Stocker / Sun Sentinel
Adam Todd, 43 and Martina Van Dyken, 26 ride skateboards down Ocean Drive on Miami Beach as Hurricane Irma approaches, Mike Stocker, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Mike Stocker / Sun Sentinel
Brickell Avenue in Miami was flooded after Hurricane Irma. Mike Stocker, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
JOE CAVARETTA / Sun Sentinel
A street flooded by the rains of Hurricane Irma in North Andrews Gardens, Sunday, Sept. 10, 2017, in Oakland Park.
Jim Rassol / Sun Sentinel
A tree blocks the road on SW 3rd Court just south of SW1st Ave. in Boynton Beach. Hurricane Irma arrives in Boynton Beach. Boynton Beach, FL. 9/10/17. Staff Photographer Jim Rassol.
Mike Stocker / Sun Sentinel
Brickell Avenue in Miami was flooded after Hurricane Irma. Mike Stocker, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Mike Stocker / Sun Sentinel
Brickell Avenue in Miami was flooded after Hurricane Irma. Mike Stocker, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Mike Stocker / Sun Sentinel
People drive down Brickell Avenue in Miami and take photos after Hurricane Irma. Mike Stocker, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Johnny Diaz / Sun Sentinel
Flooding along Biscayne boulevard Sunday morning as Hurricane Irma passes through South Florida. Johnny Diaz / Sun Sentinel
Mike Stocker / Sun Sentinel
Brickell Avenue in Miami was flooded after Hurricane Irma. Mike Stocker, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Joe Cavaretta / Sun Sentinel
Fort Lauderdale Beach is closed as clean-up begins along A1A on Monday September 11, 2017.
Taimy Alvarez / Sun Sentinel
The Vineyards in Monarch Lakes President Felix Carballo kisses his wife, Cristina, in relief after Hurricane Irma pasted and they saw their house and the community was spared major damage other than down trees, branches and mailboxes in the West Miramar community Sunday. "As soon as I could get out I came and started clearing the drains to prevent flooding," said Carballo. "Thank God we didn't get major damage."
Amy Beth Bennett / Sun Sentinel
A homeless man (who declined to give his name) holds a sign reading "Shelters are all full. Seeking funds for motel. Your help is gratefully appreciated" in the median at Atlantic Ave. and Powerline Road in Pompano Beach as Hurricane Irma pushes into South Florida on Saturday, Sept. 9, 2017. Amy Beth Bennett, Sun Sentinel
JOE CAVARETTA / Sun Sentinel
People come out to watch the surf and wind from Hurricane Irma on Hollywood Beach, Saturday, Sept. 9, 2017.
Carline Jean / Sun Sentinel
I'yanna Whitehead,4, of North Miami Beach rests on her dad as they wait in line for a hot meal from one of 20 Food Trucks at the BB&T center in Sunrise, three days after Hurricane Irma passes South Florida. The JetBlue team proving the meals to help with the devastation caused by Irma. Carline Jean/Staff Photographer
Omar Kelly / Sun Sentinel
Miami International Airport re-opens following Hurricane Irma on Tuesday Spetember 12, 2017.
Joe Cavaretta / Sun Sentinel
Ryan Van Velzer / Sun Sentinel
Damage could be seen Monday morning on September 11, 2017, across Briny Breezes in Palm Beach County.
Jim Rassol / Sun Sentinel
The early bands of Hurricane Irma hits the beach in the Town of Lantana. Lantana, FL. 9/9/17. Staff Photographer Jim Rassol.
Johnny Diaz / Sun Sentinel
Biscayne Boulevard Biscayne Bay began spilling into Brickell Key and behind Brickell Avenue Saturday morning. The 200 block of Biscayne Boulevard also began to flood as winds kicked up in downtown Miami.
Amy Beth Bennett / Sun Sentinel
Adam, left, and Todd Nobles make dinner on the grill as Carolyn Nobles looks on during Hurricane Irma on Sunday, Sept 10, 2017. Amy Beth Bennett, Sun Sentinel
Joe Cavaretta / Sun Sentinel
The clean up in Fort Lauderdale and the rest of South Florida begins Monday September 11, 2017 after Hurricane Irma came and went. Joe Cavaretta / South Florida Sun Sentinel
Mike Stocker / Sun Sentinel
Brickell Avenue in Miami was flooded after Hurricane Irma. Mike Stocker, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
JOE CAVARETTA / Sun Sentinel
Eric Sandy of Oakland Park uses a bed sheet to catch the winds of Hurricane Irma, Sunday, Sept. 10, 2017, in Oakland Park.
Joe Cavaretta / Sun Sentinel
Traffic light down on NE 36st & 6th ave in Oakland Park September 10, 2017 as Hurricane Irma comes closer to Broward County . Joe Cavaretta / South Florida Sun Sentinel
John McCall / Sun Sentinel
Police check on a gas station after Hurricane Irma in Deerfield Beach, Sept. 11, 2017. John McCall, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
John McCall / Sun Sentinel
Damage from Hurricane Irma in Deerfield Beach, Sept. 11, 2017. John McCall, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Amy Beth Bennett / Sun Sentinel
Intren electric worker Ben Schmidt, in the bucket, and foreman Bill Holloway work to restore power in Lighthouse Point on Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2017, after Hurricane Irma blew through South Florida. The Union, Illinois, company sent its workers down to make repairs post-Irma repairs. Amy Beth Bennett, Sun Sentinel
Jim Rassol / Sun Sentinel
People seek shelter from Irma with their pets at the West Boynton Park and Recreation Center. FL. 9/9/17. Staff Photographer Jim Rassol.
Amy Beth Bennett / Sun Sentinel
Fort Lauderdale Beach as Hurricane Irma pushes into South Florida on Saturday, Sept. 9, 2017. Amy Beth Bennett, Sun Sentinel
JOE CAVARETTA / Sun Sentinel
Volunteer Mauricio Bohorquez carries water to a car, Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017, at Quiet Waters Park in Deerfield Beach.
Amy Beth Bennett / Sun Sentinel
Fort Lauderdale Beach as Hurricane Irma pushes into South Florida on Saturday, Sept. 9, 2017. Amy Beth Bennett, Sun Sentinel
Joe Cavaretta / Sun Sentinel
Plywood art covers a liqour store on Las Olas in Fort Lauderdale on Monday September 11, 2017.
Amy Beth Bennett / Sun Sentinel
Intren electric worker Ben Schmidt works to restore power in Lighthouse Point on Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2017, after Hurricane Irma blew through South Florida. The Union, Illinois, company sent its workers down to make repairs post-Irma repairs. Amy Beth Bennett, Sun Sentinel
Mike Stocker / Sun Sentinel
Brickell Avenue in Miami was flooded after Hurricane Irma. Mike Stocker, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Sami Takalahti / Sun Sentinel
Waters wash over a pedestrian walkway in Lantana along the Intracoastal Waterway.
Jim Rassol / Sun Sentinel
People line the beach in the Town of Lantana to see the early effects of Hurricane Irma. Lantana, FL. 9/9/17. Staff Photographer Jim Rassol.
Amy Beth Bennett / Sun Sentinel
Mike Kurkuti brings his porch furniture back out of his house after Hurricane Irma toppled a huge tree in his front yard in Oakland Park on Monday, Sept. 11, 2017. Amy Beth Bennett, Sun Sentinel
Taimy Alvarez / Sun Sentinel
A shelter resident sits outside Lakeside Elementary School hurricane shelter as more people come to the shelter, which allows pets, as powerful Hurricane Irma heads towards Florida Saturday in Pembroke Pines.
Mike Stocker / Sun Sentinel
People drive down Brickell Avenue in Miami and take photos after Hurricane Irma. Mike Stocker, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Taimy Alvarez / Sun Sentinel
Mike Medlin, who is homeless, along with four others take shelter under the awning of the front entrance of Shorty's BBQ restaurant in Davie. "I tried to get into a shelter," said Medlin. "But it was filled." Shorty' BBQ is at University and Stirling Road.
Amy Beth Bennett / Sun Sentinel
Next-door-neighbors Keith Byrns and Darlene Shier chat in Darlene's front yard about the downed power pole bearing a transformer that fell between their houses in Lighthouse Point on Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2017, after Hurricane Irma blew through South Florida. Amy Beth Bennett, Sun Sentinel
Mike Stocker / Sun Sentinel
A person walks through the empty streets at Bird Road at 57th Avenue in Miami after Hurricane Irma. Mike Stocker, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Mike Stocker / Sun Sentinel
A sailboat crashed and smashed at the Dinner Key Marina in Miami. Mike Stocker, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Joe Cavaretta / Staff
Fuel tankers leave Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale.
Mike Stocker / Sun Sentinel
People came out to check out the weather on Miami Beach as Hurricane Irma approaches, Mike Stocker, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Jim Rassol / Sun Sentinel
Hurricane Irma arrives at the Boynton Beach inlet. Boynton Beach, FL. 9/10/17. Staff Photographer Jim Rassol.
Mike Stocker / Sun Sentinel
A reptile rests in the water off of Dinner Key in Miami after Hurricane Irma. Mike Stocker, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Mike Stocker / Sun Sentinel
The sailboat Hallelujah came to rest in the mangroves off of Dinner Key in Miami after Hurricane Irma. Mike Stocker, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Taimy Alvarez / Sun Sentinel
Monroe County allowed residents and business owners to re-enter into Key Largo, Tavernier and Islamorada at 7 a.m. Tuesday. US1 sign into the Florida Keys Tuesday morning around 6am.
JOE CAVARETTA / Sun Sentinel
A tree split down by the winds of Hurricane Irma, Sunday, Sept. 10, 2017, in Oakland Park.
John McCall / Sun Sentinel
Two men repair a roof after Hurricane Irma in Deerfield Beach, Sept. 11, 2017. John McCall, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Taimy Alvarez / Sun Sentinel
A child sleeps, who has been waiting to get into the Coconut Palms Elementary hurricane shelter with his family since 5am, sleeps on a bench outside the Miramar school as powerful Hurricane Irma heads towards Florida. Taimy Alvarez, South Florida Sun Sentinel
Amy Beth Bennett / Sun Sentinel
Deerfield Beach on Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2017, after Hurricane Irma swept through South Florida. Amy Beth Bennett
Amy Beth Bennett / Sun Sentinel
A car weaves around a traffic signal still dangling in a traffic lane on Copans Road at North Cypress Road in Pompano Beach on Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2017, after Hurricane Irma swept through South Florida. Amy Beth Bennett
Amy Beth Bennett / Sun Sentinel
Melpo Kurkuti walks through her front yard after Hurricane Irma toppled a huge tree in Oakland Park on Monday, Sept. 11, 2017. Amy Beth Bennett, Sun Sentinel
Mike Stocker / Sun Sentinel
Brickell Avenue in Miami was flooded after Hurricane Irma. Mike Stocker, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Joe Cavaretta / Sun Sentinel
People start coming outside on Las Olas blvd in Fort Lauderdale as the winds die down and Hurricane Irma passes.
JOE CAVARETTA / Sun Sentinel
Greg Heath is seen in front of his boat, the Last Meridian, at the Dania Beach Pier Marina, Saturday, Sept. 9, 2017. Heath plans to ride out Hurricane Irma on board.
Susan Stocker / Sun Sentinel
Cathy Payne of Pompano Beach buys a couple of bags of ice from National Ice in Pompano Beach.
JOE CAVARETTA / Sun Sentinel
Guist Park flooded by the rains of Hurricane Irma, Sunday, Sept. 10, 2017, in Oakland Park.
Elizabeth Potenza / Sun Sentinel
A car takes a beating with the soft branches of a moringa tree and the palm tree baits it on. In the meantime, the gusts topped of a rather large sea grape tree.
Joe Cavaretta / Sun Sentinel
Fallen trees in the North Andrews Gardens area of Oakland Park September 10, 2017 as Hurricane Irma comes closer to Broward County . Joe Cavaretta / South Florida Sun Sentinel
Joe Cavaretta / Sun Sentinel
Streets are starting to flood near NE 42 st in Oakland Park Sunday September 10, 2017 as Hurricane Irma comes closer to Broward County . Joe Cavaretta / South Florida Sun Sentinel
Amy Beth Bennett / Sun Sentinel
A family crosses sand-covered South Ocean Drive in Deerfield Beach on Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2017, after Hurricane Irma swept through South Florida. Amy Beth Bennett
Mike Stocker / Sun Sentinel
Brickell Avenue in Miami was flooded after Hurricane Irma. Mike Stocker, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Amy Beth Bennett / Sun Sentinel
At 1pm on Saturday, people are still boarding up businesses in Pompano Beach as Hurricane Irma pushes into South Florida on Saturday, Sept. 9, 2017. Amy Beth Bennett, Sun Sentinel
Joe Cavaretta / Sun Sentinel
A palm toppled over a boat in Lighthouse Point Monday September 11, 2017. Joe Cavaretta / South Florida Sun Sentinel
John McCall / Sun Sentinel
A traffic signal dangles after Hurricane Irma in Pompano Beach, Sept. 12, 2017.
Amy Beth Bennett / Sun Sentinel
A man walks down Las Olas Blvd in downtown Fort Lauderdale with downed trees all around as Hurricane Irma continues to batter South Florida on Sunday, Sept. 10, 2017. Amy Beth Bennett, Sun Sentinel
Joe Cavaretta / Sun Sentinel
John McCall / Sun Sentinel
Susan Tierney, of Coconut Creek, sits with her dog Ireland after Hurricane Irma in Deerfield Beach, Sept. 11, 2017. John McCall, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
JOE CAVARETTA / Sun Sentinel
A large tree brought down by the winds of Hurricane Irma, Sunday, Sept. 10, 2017, in Oakland Park.
Taimy Alvarez / Sun Sentinel
The Vineyards in Monarch Lakes President Felix Carballo hugs his wife, Cristina, in relief after Hurricane Irma pasted and they saw their house and the community was spared major damage other than down trees, branches and mailboxes in the West Miramar community Sunday.
Taimy Alvarez / Sun Sentinel
The Vineyards in Monarch Lake resident Syed Ali takes pictures of down tree limbs in his neighborâ€™s front yard after Hurricane Irma left the Miramar community sparing it from major damage other than down trees, branches and mailboxes Sunday. â€œThank God it didnâ€™t fall on either of our houses,â€? said Ali.
Jim Rassol / Sun Sentinel
Hurricane Irma arrives in Boynton Beach. Boynton Beach, FL. 9/10/17. Staff Photographer Jim Rassol.
Amy Beth Bennett / Sun Sentinel
A woman walks between sand dunes on South Ocean Drive in Deerfield Beach on Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2017, after Hurricane Irma swept through South Florida. Amy Beth Bennett
Amy Beth Bennett / Sun Sentinel
Charlie Eckert repairs a friend's fence in Lighthouse Point on Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2017, after Hurricane Irma blew through South Florida. Amy Beth Bennett, Sun Sentinel
Adam Sacasa / Sun Sentinel
Donald, who declined to give his last name, with Southeast Landscape Management, cuts down a tree that fell outside of El Camino Mexican Restaurant on Las Olas Boulevard Monday morning.
Joe Cavaretta / Sun Sentinel
Fallen tree in the North Andrews Gardens area of Oakland Park September 10, 2017 as Hurricane Irma comes closer to Broward County . Joe Cavaretta / South Florida Sun Sentinel
Joe Cavaretta / Sun Sentinel
Guisti Park in Oakland Park flooded September 10, 2017 as Hurricane Irma comes closer to Broward County . Joe Cavaretta / South Florida Sun Sentinel
Jim Rassol / Sun Sentinel
People seek shelter from Irma with their pets at the West Boynton Park and Recreation Center. FL. 9/9/17. Staff Photographer Jim Rassol.
Taimy Alvarez / Sun Sentinel
A tree landed on cars at a home in The Vineyards in Monarch Lakes by powerful winds and rain by Hurricane Irma Sunday.
Amy Beth Bennett / Sun Sentinel
Intren electric workers replace a downed light pole as they work to restore power in Lighthouse Point on Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2017, after Hurricane Irma blew through South Florida. The Union, Illinois, company sent its workers down to make repairs post-Irma repairs. Amy Beth Bennett, Sun Sentinel
Amy Beth Bennett / Sun Sentinel
A biker rides with a face mask through Lauderdale-by-the-Sea as Hurricane Irma pushes into South Florida on Saturday, Sept. 9, 2017. Amy Beth Bennett, Sun Sentinel
Lisa Huriash / Sun Sentinel
The scene in Tamarac early Monday morning that shows some of Hurricane Irma's damage. Lisa Huriash / South Florida Sun Sentinel
Amy Beth Bennett / Sun Sentinel
Fort Lauderdale firefighters load a man onto a stretcher in Fort Lauderdale on Monday, Sept. 11, 2017, after Hurricane Irma blew through South Florida. Amy Beth Bennett, Sun Sentinel
Adam Sacasa / Sun Sentinel
Evan Snow, 31, of Fort Lauderdale, walks his cockapoo, The Shaman, down Las Olas Boulevard Monday morning in Fort Lauderdale.
Mike Stocker / Sun Sentinel
The winds and sea are whipped up off of the Rickenbacker Causeway in Miami as Hurricane Irma approaches, Mike Stocker, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Staff photo/Marcia Pounds
Jakob Schneider, left, 13, and brother Ethan, 11, at downed banyan tree they used to climb at Boca Bath & Tennis neighborhood in Boca Raton. The tree missed the houses, fortunately.
Mike Stocker / Sun Sentinel
A sailboat crashed and smashed at the Dinner Key Marina in Miami. Mike Stocker, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Johnny Diaz / Sun Sentinel
Flooding along Biscayne boulevard Sunday morning as Hurricane Irma passes through South Florida. Johnny Diaz / Sun Sentinel
Amy Beth Bennett / Sun Sentinel
Pompano Beach Pier as Hurricane Irma pushes into South Florida on Saturday, Sept. 9, 2017. Amy Beth Bennett, Sun Sentinel
Joe Cavaretta / Sun Sentinel
Rumors in Wilton Manors throwing hurricane party Saturday afternoon as Hurricane Irma nears. Joe Cavaretta / South Florida Sun Sentinel
Joe Cavaretta / Sun Sentinel
Some men try out the surf off Hollywood Beach Saturday morning as Hurricane Irma nears South Florida. Joe Cavaretta / South Florida Sun Sentinel
Amy Beth Bennett / Sun Sentinel
Lauderdale-by-the-Sea as Hurricane Irma pushes into South Florida on Saturday, Sept. 9, 2017. Amy Beth Bennett, Sun Sentinel
Joe Cavaretta / Sun Sentinel
The clean up in Fort Lauderdale and the rest of South Florida begins Monday September 11, 2017 after Hurricane Irma came and went. Joe Cavaretta / South Florida Sun Sentinel
Taimy Alvarez / Sun Sentinel
Ivelisse Soto prepares the crates for her dogs Tinzy and Looney outside Lakeside Elementary School hurricane shelter that allows pets as powerful Hurricane Irma heads towards Florida Saturday in Pembroke Pines. Soto came to the shelter with her family and dogs. "We live in a mobile home and we were scared," said Soto. "Thank God they are open."
Mike Stocker / Sun Sentinel
Brickell Avenue in Miami was flooded after Hurricane Irma. Mike Stocker, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Susan Stocker / Sun Sentinel
Xavier King picks up bags of ice from National Ice in Pompano Beach for his parents who are out of power in Hollywood.
Taimy Alvarez / Sun Sentinel
Several trees were brought down by Hurricane Irma in The Vineyards in Monarch Lakes Sunday afternoon.
JOE CAVARETTA / Sun Sentinel
A sheriff's deputy and beach-goers watch the wind and surf from Hurricane Irma at Dania Beach, Saturday, Sept. 9, 2017.
Amy Beth Bennett / Sun Sentinel
City workers dig sand off of the sidewalks and South Ocean Drive in Deerfield Beach on Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2017, after Hurricane Irma swept through South Florida. Amy Beth Bennett
JOE CAVARETTA / Sun Sentinel
Broward County Sheriff Deputy Jose Setien lopads water into a car, Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017, at Quiet Waters Park in Deerfield Beach.

PUBLISHED: September 10, 2017 at 7:35 p.m. | UPDATED: August 21, 2019 at 8:19 p.m.

John Huston watched boats, furniture and refrigerators floating past his Key Largo home.

“Very noisy,” he said. “Shingles are coming off.”

Hurricane Irma struck the Florida Keys, South Florida and other parts of the state Sunday, delivering flooding that is expected to continue into the week.

Images of water spilling over Miami’s Brickell Key seawalls and onto Brickell Avenue was a sign of the storm’s arrival in South Florida.

The water problems will continue as areas of Miami-Dade County could see up to 15 inches of rain from midday Sunday through Tuesday evening.

Irma’s force brought the flooding to Ricardo Gentzsch as a surge of ocean water inundated areas near the JW Marriott Marquis Miami, his temporary shelter in downtown.

Gentzsch, who traveled from Key Biscayne to Miami on Friday with his wife and two young children, said he felt like Irma kept coming and coming.

“It’s a matter of time that she continues her path,” he said, standing outside to watch the gusting wind.

While the storm’s projected path had moved west in recent days, its outer bands still brought devastating flooding.

The storm’s surge sent at least 3 feet of water onto areas of Brickell Avenue, the heart of the city’s financial district, which looked more like a gushing river with gusts of wind bending back the palms lining the elongated neighborhood that runs about 1.5 miles along.

It caused less than a foot of standing water on State Road A1A in Fort Lauderdale, and the driving rain submerged South Flagler and Greenwood drives in West Palm Beach.

Storm surge is caused when water is pushed to the shore above the current tide, according to the National Hurricane Center.

“We evacuate for storm surge, not wind,” hurricane center storm surge specialist Jamie Rhome said. “People don’t understand the water. You’re not going to get out and swim away. It’s got waves on it. It’s got debris in it. Get out quickly.”

Fort Lauderdale Mayor Jack Seiler said that a noon high tide caused problems but that the city fared better than Miami.

“We didn’t get the real substantial storm surge,” he said.

The National Weather Service said that storm surges along the coast from Palm Beach to Miami-Dade came with the possibility of causing more flooding and damage late Sunday evening.

Palm Beach and Broward counties could see storm surges of 1 to 2 feet, the weather service said Sunday.

Up to 8 inches of rain was forecast in areas of Broward and Palm Beach counties through Tuesday.

The increased rain also added to concerns about communities near Lake Okeechobee. Gov. Rick Scott ordered mandatory evacuations Friday for cities around the lake over concerns that strong winds could push water over its Herbert Hoover Dike.

Staff writers Johnny Diaz, Rafael Olmeda and Larry Barszewski contributed to this report, which was supplemented with information from The Associated Press and the Orlando Sentinel.

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Hurricane Irma storm surges hit South Florida

Hurricane Irma storm surges hit South Florida

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