Your Irma questions answered

As Hurricane Irma heads toward South Florida we’re answering your questions ahead of the storm. Send them to reporter Stephen Hobbs (shobbs@sunsentinel.com) or write them on our Sun Sentinel Facebook page.

Here are answers so far:

Have mandatory evacuations been announced?

Broward County Mayor Barbara Sharief said people who live east of Federal Highway and on barrier islands, along with people in mobile homes and low-lying areas, must evacuate today. Miami-Dade County ordered evacuations to start this morning in Miami Beach and other barrier islands, as well as evacuation zone A, which encompasses low-lying coastal neighborhoods on the mainland. There were no mandatory evacuations in Palm Beach County as of Wednesday evening.

What about shelters?

Broward will open 14 shelters starting at noon today.

Four shelters opened in Miami-Dade Wednesday for people who live in some evacuation zones.

Palm Beach County announced plans to open 15 shelters Friday morning, as well as pet-friendly and special-needs shelters.

What can I do with my vehicle?

People looking to store vehicles in parking garages as Irma approaches have some options. On Wednesday, Miami Beach opened its public parking garages for residents to park their vehicles. There is no charge for accessible parking at on-street meters, surface lots and garages, according to the city.

People could park in Pompano Beach’s Pier Garage starting Wednesday afternoon. Spaces were available between levels 2 through 4. Vehicles must be removed within 24 hours after the threat has passed, according to the city.

Fort Lauderdale City Manager Lee Feldman said city residents will be able to park on upper floors of city parking garages at the beach, downtown on Southeast Second Street, downtown at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, and at City Hall on North Andrews Avenue as the storm gets closer.

What kind of storm surge can we expect in South Florida?

It’s not clear yet what kind of storm surge we can expect across the region. But the National Hurricane Center will include storm surge forecasts for our area as Irma gets closer.

Where can I find information on the wind strength of the storm?

The National Hurricane Center’s public advisories show the maximum sustained winds in the center of the storm as well as the speeds of winds on the outer edges. It’s unclear what we can expect for South Florida at this time.

Will I have to pay if I use a toll road to evacuate?

Tolls have been suspended on Florida roads ahead of the storm. Florida Highway Patrol troopers will not be enforcing carpool lane restrictions during evacuations.

What should I do with the stray cats that live near my home?

If the cat is friendly and you can safely pick it up, you can put it in a crate in your home, or somewhere else safe, during the storm. If not, shelters will not take them in and they will have to seek protection on their own.

Where can I find additional information?

Check the Sun Sentinel’s Hurricane Irma page for the latest coverage.