Hurricane Irma Weakens To Category 1 Storm

FLORIDA — Hurricane Irma has been downgraded to a Category 1 storm, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Category 1 hurricanes have maximum sustained winds of 74 to 95 miles per hour. With Irma's sustained wins topping at 85 miles per hour, according to the National Hurricane Center, it now ranks as a Category 1.

The NHC said the damage from a Category 1 storm includes:

"Very dangerous winds will produce some damage: Well-constructed frame homes could have damage to roof, shingles, vinyl siding and gutters. Large branches of trees will snap and shallowly rooted trees may be toppled. Extensive damage to power lines and poles likely will result in power outages that could last a few to several days."

Watch: Hurricane Irma Weakens To A Tropical Storm, But It's Still Dangerous

For a comparison, Irma's destruction as a Category 4 storm (130-156 miles per hour) is described as:

"Catastrophic damage will occur: Well-built framed homes can sustain severe damage with loss of most of the roof structure and/or some exterior walls. Most trees will be snapped or uprooted and power poles downed. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months."

Irma is currently on the central western coast of Florida and is moving north-northwest at 15 miles per hour.

See also:

• Manatee County Enacts Curfew As Irma Nears
• Temple Terrace Enacts Curfew As Irma Nears
• Tampa Enacts Curfew As Irma Nears
• St. Pete Enacts Curfew As Irma Nears
• Sunshine Skyway Closes Ahead Of Irma
• Tampa Enacts Curfew As Irma Nears
• Hurricane Irma: Is It The Disaster Experts Fear For Tampa Bay?
• Pinellas Expands Mandatory Evacuations Ahead Of Irma
• Hurricane Irma: Ports In Tampa, St. Pete, Manatee Closed

Graphic via the NASA Facebook page