Hurricane Irma makes landfall in Florida.

Hurricane Irma's eye has reached the Florida Keys, a low-lying coral archipelago in the southeastern United States, bringing winds of 80 km/h. Strong winds, heavy rain, and high waves signaled Irma's approach to Florida after leaving the northern coast of Cuba.

According to the CNNNearly 380.000 people were left without power across the state. At least 36 million people are expected to be affected by the superstorm, which could bring heavy rain and dangerous flooding.

Hours earlier, Florida Governor Rick Scott urged residents to comply with the evacuation order: "If you are ordered to evacuate, you need to leave here. This is your last chance to make the right decision."

More than 75.000 people across Florida have sought shelter at over 400 temporary shelters, mostly schools, community centers, and churches.

According to the Red Cross, up to 26 million people in the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and Cuba could be affected by strong winds and torrential rain as Irma heads toward Florida. Hurricane warnings remain in effect for parts of central Cuba.

Clouds swirled across the skies of Florida just before Hurricane Irma made landfall. (Photo: [Image caption]) AP.

Earlier, Hurricane Irma swept through Cuba, bringing heavy rain and strong winds to the northern provinces. Television images showed giant waves crashing onto the coast, accompanied by widespread power outages.

At least 24 people in the Caribbean have died in the past week due to Irma. The death toll is expected to rise as rescue teams reach some of the hardest-hit areas.

Hurricane Irma devastated homes, roads, and schools, causing power outages, water shortages, and telephone service disruptions, while also stranding thousands of tourists on resort islands like St. Mar.tin, St Barts, St Thomas, Barbuda and Anguilla.