What is Hurricane Irma and when is it expected to reach the United States?
The United States, which has in the past been battered by formidable hurricanes like Katrina (2005) and most recent Harvey, is now bracing itself for the next threat posed by Hurricane Irma. This hurricane, which is heading towards Florida and the southeastern United States, is one of the most powerful hurricanes on record, and has already sustained 185 mph winds, setting a new record. The earlier record was held by Allen, an extremely powerful hurricane, that in 1980 had battered the Caribbean, eastern and northern Mexico, and southern Texas.
Allen had sustained 180 mph winds for 18 hours. Hurricane Irma has also a record by being a category 5 storm for more than two days. The second major hurricane of the 2017 Atlantic hurricane season, Irma has already caused devastation in Barbuda, St. Barthelemy, St Martin, Anguilla, and the Virgin Islands. It tore through these regions with winds of 185 mph. It was also one of the worst storms to strike the Leeward Islands and as of September 7, 2017, 10 people have already been killed in the devastation caused by it. In Puerto Rico, Irma knocked out power supplies affecting more than a million people. It has also pummeled Turks and Caicos Islands.
When is it expected to hit the United States?
Hurricane Irma is now heading towards the US, and Florida. It is expected that the winds of hurricane Irma will reach the US on Saturday. Irma may make landfall in south Florida on the night of Saturday (Sep 9th) or early Sunday Morning (Sep 10th), as a dangerous hurricane. Much of the state will experience life-threatening storm surge. Florida is bracing for the hurricane and has issued hurricane warnings and evacuations have begun. There is also a likelihood of the hurricane impacting parts of Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
Florida cities to be affected
Some of the cities in Florida which could face the brunt of Hurricane Irma are Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville and Tallahassee. It remains to be seen how the state copes with the evacuation process as there are not enough shelters in Florida.
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