Authorities in Cuba, where the hurricane drenched tobacco fields and caused buildings to collapse, reported at least four deaths. Officials in Monroe County, which covers the Keys, had ordered a mandatory evacuation of mobile homes and recreational vehicles. But as the hurricane passed, some Key West residents ignored a curfew and emerged from their homes to survey neighborhoods. People living on barrier islands and areas that usually flood in storms also were urged to move to higher ground. That's the thing we are most concerned about.
Storm surge is an increase in the depth of sea water caused by a storm.
About 15 inches of rain expected Irene brought torrential rains as it crawled across the Florida Straits separating Cuba from the United States. Big Pine Key had a gust recorded at 103 mph, the National Weather Service said. A tornado touchdown was reported in Boca Chica Key. Intersections and streets were flooded in the Keys, a chain of islands stretching south more than 100 miles from the lower tip of the mainland. But the damage appeared to be minimal.