President Trump Tuesday declared emergencies in Florida and two Caribbean US territories as Hurricane Irma threatens to batter them later this week.

The directive, aimed at Florida, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, makes available federal funding for emergency measures including evacuations and coastal fortifications. The order also directs the Federal Emergency Management Agency to deploy to the soon-to-be-hit regions ahead of the storm’s landfall.

“This will free up much needed federal funding and assistance as we prepare for Irma,” Florida Gov. Rick Scott said during a press conference, according to The Hill.

The Category 5 hurricane is expected to batter the Caribbean early Wednesday with winds up to 185 mph before slamming into Florida late Friday night.

With Post wires