The Latest: Irma inland near Tampa, still Category 2 storm
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The Latest on Hurricane Irma (all times local):
12:15 a.m.
The National Hurricane Center says the core of Irma is now nearing Tampa in an area south of Lakeland — a community inland and to the east of the heavily populated Tampa Bay region.
A hurricane centre update at midnight said Irma remained a Category 2 hurricane with top sustained winds of 100 mph (155 kph) and was located about 25 miles (35 kilometres) south of Lakeland.