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

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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

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