Hurricane Irma has already claimed five American lives amid its landfall as a Category 4 hurricane in the Florida Keys, according to
ABC News.
The deaths were result of two traffic crashes. A truck crashed in Monroe County of the Florida Keys, losing control during heavy winds, according to local officials.
And, two Florida law enforcement officers died when the cars they were driving hit head-on Sunday morning during heavy rain in Hardee County, Florida, about 60 miles inland from Sarasota, according to the Florida Highway Patrol, The Washington Post reported Sunday.
The collision claimed the lives of Sheriff's Deputy Julie Bridges, who was driving home for supplies after working in an evacuation shelter overnight. The other victim was Sgt. Joseph Ossman, who was on his way to work at the Florida Department of Corrections.
Hurricane Irma was a Category 3 as of early afternoon as it worked its way towards Naples, Fla., the Post reported. The hurricane earlier was a Category 5 storm as it ravaged the Caribbean, which has reported a death toll of at least 22 already, according to reports.
As of midday Sunday, nearly two million customers were without power, according to a spokesman for Florida Power and Light, the Post reported.
The National Weather Service warned via Twitter for residents who have not evacuated should not venture outside or on the roads, regardless of temporary weather conditions appearing safe.
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