Hurricane Irma now Category 5; Direct hit on the islands 'will rewrite history there'

Hurricane Irma strengthened overnight and is now at Category 5 with with maximum sustained winds of 175 mph:

8 AM Update: Hurricane Irma is now a category 5 storm with maximum sustained winds of 175 mph. pic.twitter.com/TrGMmlLlkl

— NWS Miami (@NWSMiami) September 5, 2017

How strong is #Irma? Its current intensity of 175 mph is the same as Hurricane Katrina (2005) at its max intensity. pic.twitter.com/H6ZcLjL8hT

— Philip Klotzbach (@philklotzbach) September 5, 2017

Although it’s not certain where Irma may make landfall in the United States, the Leeward islands in the Caribbean are most at risk right now:

Really worried about the islands. Landfall in about 12 hours. A direct hit will rewrite history there. https://t.co/mYMMjgsYAG

— Eric Holthaus (@EricHolthaus) September 5, 2017

Advisories have now extended into parts of Hispaniola. #Irma @wsvn pic.twitter.com/PArkJzfXYy

— Phil Ferro (@PhilFerro7) September 5, 2017

Models trending closer to a direct strike for northern Leewards, British Virgin Islands and even PR & DR. Greater uncertainty for Florida. https://t.co/ggNjNBJT3a

— John Morales (@JohnMoralesNBC6) September 5, 2017

Recommended

Don Lemon Has ‘President Musk’ Narrative Thrown Back in His Face by Man on the Street

Warren Squire

Advertisement

FEMA in Puerto Rico is preparing for the worst:

San Juan, P.R. — Supplies are in place at the @FEMA distribution center, if needed, as Hurricane #Irma heads for the Caribbean. #irmapr pic.twitter.com/R9Uv74MmVf

— FEMA Region 2 (@femaregion2) September 5, 2017

As for Miami, the big worry is … football?

NFL considers moving #Dolphins opener vs. #Buccs due to Hurricane Irma https://t.co/R51yow7x24

— NBC 6 South Florida (@nbc6) September 5, 2017

***