- Irma is strengthening, approaching Leeward Islands
- A direct hit on Florida’s either coast is possible this weekend
- All Floridians should begin their hurricane preparations
Irma is strengthening today, and new forecast data suggests the Major Hurricane will be a Florida problem. It was too soon to make or deny that call over the weekend, but it’s now time for all Floridians – no matter the coast – in a hurricane prone area to take Irma seriously.
Parts of South Florida will likely be in the National Hurricane Center’s 5-day forecast path later today. The official forecast takes the Category 3 storm just north of the islands of Puerto Rico, Hispaniola and Cuba through Friday. Beyond day five, reliable longer range forecast data suggests Hurricane Irma will make a sharp turn to the north near or over the peninsula of Florida. A credible forecast on when it makes that turn and how strong it will be is just not scientifically possible yet.
