After weakening to a category 4 hurricane earlier this morning, Hurricane Irma has regained category 5 intensity just prior to landfall near Camaguey Peninsula of Cuba. As of 11:00 p.m. EDT Friday, Hurricane Irma was centered near 22.1°N 77.7°W, and was moving westward at about 13 mph. Maximum sustained winds were 140 knots (160 mph) with an estimated minimum pressure of 924 mb. The intensity forecast for Irma is uncertain. Irma could weaken due to land interaction with Cuba, but it is unlikely to significantly weaken the hurricane. The latest National Hurricane Center (NHC) forecast predicts that Irma will make landfall over the Florida Keys as a category 4 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 150 mph, although Irma could be a little weaker or stronger depending on how much the terrain of Cuba disrupts Irma’s core.

A Hurricane Warning is currently in effect for Cuba, much of South Florida, and the Northwestern Bahamas. A Storm Surge Warning is in effect for much of Southwestern Florida, including Tampa Bay. Much of the state of Florida will see major impacts from Irma. If you live in an area where an evacuation has been ordered, it is strongly recommended to evacuate, as Florida is expected to be at least a category 4 hurricane at landfall! Heavy rain of 8-15 inches is likely through much of the Florida Peninsula, with isolated amounts of 20 inches or more.

I will be back with a full update tomorrow on Irma, Jose and Katia.