Florida declares state of emergency as Hurricane Irma becomes Category 5 superstorm

The governor of Florida declared a statewide emergency response to Hurricane Irma, and now the Category 5 storm in the Atlantic seems to be targeting Florida.

Declaring a state of emergency for 67 Florida counties, Governor [Rick] Scott ensures local governments have ample time, resources and flexibility to prepare for this dangerous storm. According to a statement from Scott's office on September 4, the National Hurricane Center (NHC), KDSPE, declared the storm a Category 5 on the Saffi-Simpson Hurricane Scale ( September 5), with maximum sustained winds approaching 180 miles per hour (285 kilometers per hour). [Hurricane Season 2017 Guide]

In addition to the governor's declaration, he asked President Donald Trump to declare a "pre-landfall" emergency in Florida so that federal authorities can provide resources and assistance, Used in operations such as shoring up beach dunes, Scott said in a letter to Trump requesting a state of emergency that Irma "may be in Florida," according to a Sept. 5 statement. "Major disaster" for much of the state, and some of the things that could happen when it makes landfall are later this week or this weekend, according to the NHC. [Hurricane Irma Photos: Monster Storm Pictures]

Hurricane Irma achieved Category 5 status on September 5. At 12:32 EDT on September 4, 2017, an instrument on the Sumi Nuclear Power Plant satellite flew over Irma when it was classified as a Category 3 hurricane. (UWM/SSEC/CIMSS, William Straka III)

Scott urged Florida to develop a disaster plan, remain vigilant and continue to monitor local weather reports.

Although forecasters can never be sure when or where the tropical storm will hit, an NHC forecast this morning showed that "the Florida Keys and parts of the Florida Peninsula will be hit by severe damage later this week and into the weekend." The likelihood of a direct impact from Irma is increasing, however, the timing and extent of the impact are still uncertain

Irma comes on the heels of Harvey, the first hurricane of the Atlantic hurricane season, to hit as a Category 4 storm. hit the Texas coast, bringing unprecedented rainfall to areas around Houston

Live Science has basic information on how to design a hurricane preparedness plan

Originally published in Life. Science magazine.