Irma weakens, makes landfall in Florida

Hurricane Irma has weakened to a Category 2 storm, technically losing its major hurricane status, after making landfall in southwestern Florida. It is hugging the coast as it moves north.

The National Hurricane Centre said Irma's winds are at 177 kph, just below major hurricane status, as the centre of the still dangerous and wide storm moved farther inland late on Sunday afternoon. It was smacking Naples after coming ashore in Marco Island at 3.30 pm local time (0530 am AEST).

The hurricane centre says "although weakening is forecast, Irma is expected to remain a hurricane at least through Monday morning."

The centre says the eye of Irma should hug Florida's west coast through Monday morning and then push more inland over northern Florida and southwestern Georgia Monday afternoon.