‘Potentially catastrophic’ Hurricane Irma continues to strengthen with 185 mph winds; Florida impact likely

Sept. 05--Hurricane Irma is continuing to strengthen as it moves through the Atlantic as a daunting Category 5 storm, now with 185 mph winds.

Irma has become one of the most powerful storms in history with the National Hurricane Center calling it "potentially catastrophic." It's tied with Hurricane Wilma as the second strongest storm that's formed in the Atlantic Ocean on record, both just behind Hurricane Allen in 1980, which had wind speeds of 190 mph.

Gov. Rick Scott activated the Florida Air and Army National Guard Tuesday morning, with 100 members called up immediately and all 7,000 members told to report for duty Friday morning.

The governor asked President Trump to declare a pre-landfall emergency for Florida, which would free up federal funding to help the state defend itself against the huge storm. Among possible emergency measures would be shoring up beach dunes, building emergency berms and planning for potential evacuations, according to a news release from the governor's office.

"Our state emergency management officials are working with our federal and local partners to prepare for any potential impacts from this dangerous storm," Scott said. "And it is crucial that we have access to every available resource to protect our families and communities."

Officials in Monroe County, home to the Florida Keys, have ordered a mandatory evacuation for tourists on Wednesday morning. Forecasters say as the storm has continued to move closer to Florida, there is an "increasing chance" that it will impact the state.

Irma poses the greatest danger to South Florida from Friday night through Monday, with tropical-force winds possible Friday night, according to the National Weather Service.

Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Jose has formed in the Atlantic. It's still too soon to know what impact that will have on Florida.

Parts of South Florida, including Monroe County, are preparing to issue mandatory evacuations and say schools will be closed starting Wednesday.

Most forecast models currently have the entire state of Florida feeling the some impact from the storm. By Thursday, forecasters say the storm's path will become more definite.

"We have to watch it very closely," Scott said in a speech Tuesday in Naples.

Scott declared a state of emergency Monday throughout Florida in response to the storm.

"Hurricane Irma is a major and life-threatening storm, and Florida must be prepared," Scott said. "In Florida, we always prepare for the worst and hope for the best, and while the exact path of Irma is not absolutely known at this time, we cannot afford to not be prepared."

He's spoken with local officials, as well as President Donald Trump, who activated pre-landfall emergency declaration to free federal funds and resources.

"Every family has got to get ready," he said.

At Orlando International Airport, officials were planning to meet with airline officials Tuesday to discuss emergency plans and preparing for the storm, such as removing equipment off the runways.

"There's no question we're monitoring the storm," said airport spokeswoman Carolyn Fennell.

The National Hurricane Center said people should prepare.

"There's an increasing chance of seeing some impacts from Irma in the Florida Peninsula and Florida Keys," it said. "Otherwise, it is still too early to determine what direct impacts Irma might have on the continental United States. However, everyone in hurricane-prone areas should ensure that they have their hurricane plan in place."

Matt Bragaw, a forecaster at the National Weather Service in Melbourne, said residents in Central Florida still have time.

"Time is definitely on our side," he said. "It's definitely daunting, but it's times like this where being calm and collected are a necessity."

Bragaw urged residents to get the essentials ready, including water, canned food and medication.

"This is definitely a serious situation for everyone in the Florida peninsula," he said. "If [the storm] steers east or west, we'll still feel some impacts."

According to the Saffir-Simpson scale, a Category 5 hurricane has maximum sustained winds of at least 157 mph. Irma is about 180 miles east of Antigua and is moving west at 14 mph.

A hurricane warning is in effect for, among others, Puerto Rico, Barbuda and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Some areas of the Caribbean are still under a hurricane watch, tropical storm warning or tropical storm watch.

The hurricane center typically issues a warning about 36 hours before winds reaching tropical-storm force are expected to arrive.

Irma should continue its westward movement for much of today but is expected to turn to the west-northwest tonight, according to the hurricane center. Irma's core is expected to reach close to or over the northern Leeward Islands tonight or early Wednesday.

The hurricane's intensity is expected to fluctuate over the next 48 hours, but Irma is expected to remain a strong Category 4 or 5 storm, the hurricane center said.

A National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration hurricane hunter plane was in the eye of Irma this morning.

Hurricane Irma grew to a powerful Category 5 hurricane on Sept. 5 as it heads toward the Caribbean islands and could threaten Florida.

Could Houston-type flooding happen in Central Florida? »

sruiz@orlandosentinel.com or 407-420-5008

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