Advertisement 5.6 million people in Florida ordered to evacuate as Hurricane Irma approaches Life-threatening winds and storm surges are expected as the storm reaches U.S. mainland Share Shares Copy Link Copy

Click here for the latest updates.Irma, a deadly Category 4 storm churning in the Atlantic with 155 mph sustained winds, is expected to make landfall in Florida on Sunday morning.Irma killed at least 22 people in the Caribbean and left thousands homeless as it devastated small resort islands.The dead include 11 on St. Martin and St. Barts, four in the U.S. Virgin Islands and four in the British Virgin Islands. There was also one each in Barbuda, Anguilla, and Barbados.The storm could become a Category 5 hurricane again when it reaches Florida, a National Hurricane Center spokesman says. An 8 p.m. EDT Friday advisory from the hurricane center later said that the storm is forecast to hit Florida as a Category 4 storm.Click here for a map showing all watches/warnings regarding Irma.In addition to the hurricane warnings, storm surge watches and warnings are in effect and indicate the danger of life-threatening conditions from rising water moving inland from shoreline within the next 36 to 48 hours.The following watches and warnings are in effect for Florida:Hurricane Warning (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher are expected)Sebastian Inlet southward around the Florida peninsula to Anna Maria Island; Florida Keys; Lake Okeechobee; Florida Bay; Southeastern Bahamas; Cuban provinces of Camaguey, Ciego de Avila, Sancti Spiritus, and Villa Clara; central Bahamas; northwestern Bahamas.Hurricane Watch (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher are possible)North of Sebastian Inlet to the Flagler/Volusia county line; north of Anna Maria Island to the Suwannee River; Cuban provinces of Guantanamo, Holguin, Las Tunas and Matanzas.Tropical Storm Warning (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph are expected)Cuban provinces of Guantanamo, Holguin and Las Tunas.Storm Surge WarningSebastian Inlet southward around the Florida peninsula to Venice; Florida Keys.Storm Surge Watch North of Sebastian Inlet to the Flagler/Volusia County line; north of Venice to Anclote River and Tampa Bay.Mandatory evacuations have been issued for many counties in South Florida, but Scott said others in Florida need to watch Irma's path and be ready to move.Follow along for updates throughout the day (all times EDT):8 p.m. Alabama, governors issue broader emergency warningsGovernors in Alabama and Georgia each put broad state of emergency declarations into effect on Friday.Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey on Friday issued a state of emergency ahead of Hurricane Irma. That expands from an earlier emergency declaration.“We continue to closely monitor the path of Hurricane Irma. Although at this point is does not appear that Alabama will face the brunt of the storm, we will certainly be affected and we must be ready to respond, no matter what comes our way,” Ivey said in a statement.The declaration is to ensure resources and workers are in place to respond in Alabama or elsewhere, the governor said.Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal expanded the state of emergency earlier Friday to include 94 of the state's 159 counties. The affected counties represent the lower portion of the state.7:30 p.m. 5.6 million people in Florida ordered to evacuateIn Florida, gas shortages and gridlock plagued the evacuations, turning normally simple trips into tests of will. Parts of interstates 75 and 95 north were bumper-to-bumper, while very few cars drove on the southbound lanes.Despite driving overnight, he still took 12 hours to reach Orlando — a trip that normally takes four hours. From there, he and his wife, two children, two dogs and a ferret were headed to Arkansas.About 5.6 million people in Florida — more than one quarter of the state's population — were ordered to evacuate and another 540,000 were told to leave the Georgia coast. Authorities opened hundreds of shelters for people who did not leave. Hotels as far away as Atlanta filled up with evacuees.Florida Gov. Rick Scott said people fleeing could drive slowly in the shoulder lane on highways. He hasn't reversed the southbound lanes because he said they were needed to deliver gas and supplies."If you are planning to leave and do not leave tonight, you will have to ride out this extremely dangerous storm at your own risk," Scott said.6:45 p.m. National Hurricane Center staff warn that storm will be fatal if not avoidedThe National Hurricane Center is warning Floridians that even if the storm seems to moving away from the East Coast in the latest tracks, don't get complacent."This is a storm that will kill you if you don't get out of the way," said National Hurricane Center meteorologist and spokesman Dennis Feltgen.Feltgen says the storm has a really wide eye, with hurricane-force winds that cover the entire Florida peninsula and potentially deadly storm surges on both coasts."Everybody's going to feel this one," Feltgen said.6:30 p.m. Storm path shifts slightlyThe National Hurricane Center's latest track brings the Category 4 hurricane into southwest Florida, up the state a tad west of the center region, and further east than earlier forecasts. However, the margin of error is still large enough that the entire state may get Irma's powerful core. Taking into account Irma's 100-mile-wide hurricane-force winds, University of Miami researcher Brian McNoldy says most of the state will feel Irma's wrath. McNoldy says the storm will be "less costly (and) less deadly" on the state's west coast, in comparison to Florida's east coast, where there are more people. Forecasters keep moving Irma's projected track a bit west because its long-anticipated turn north keeps getting pushed back. McNoldy says forecasters had expected a high-pressure system to weaken further north, allowing Irma to make the turn, but it is not weakening as fast as originally forecast.6:15 p.m. Storm could strengthen to Category 5 hurricaneThe National Hurricane Center says Hurricane Irma is expected to strengthen back into a Category 5 storm before it makes landfall in the United States. In its 5 p.m. ET advisory, the hurricane center projected Irma would have sustained winds of 160 mph when it crosses the Florida Keys on Sunday. If this happens, it will only be the fourth time a category 5 hurricane has made landfall in the United States.5:10 p.m. Forecaster stresses life-threatening nature of storm to much of FloridaHurricane Irma is likely to make landfall in Florida as a dangerous major hurricane and will bring potentially deadly effects to much of the state regardless of the exact track of the center, the National Hurricane Center forecaster Lixion Avila says.There is the danger of life-threatening storm surge in southern Florida and the Florida Keys during the next 36 hours, Avila says. The threat of significant storm surge flooding along the southwest coast of Florida has increased, and 8 to 12 feet of inundation above ground level is possible in this area, Avila said."This is a life-threatening situation," Avila said. "Everyone in these areas should take all actions to protect life and property from rising water and follow evacuation instructions from local officials."Hurricane warnings have been extended northward for the east coast of Florida to Sebastian Inlet, and along the west coast of the peninsula northward to Anna Maria Island.The hurricane watch has been extended northward along the west coast of Florida to Suwannee River. A storm surge watch has been issued north of Venice to the Anclote River, including Tampa Bay, and from Ponce Inlet to the Flagler/ Volusia County Line.4:10 p.m. South Florida residents told to flee by midnightFlorida Gov. Rick Scott is warning that residents in South Florida only have hours left to evacuate.Scott on Friday told residents from seven counties that they should leave by midnight or should not get on the road."If you are planning to leave and do not leave tonight, you will have to ride out this extremely dangerous storm at your own risk," Scott said.3:30 p.m. Florida's theme parks closing as Irma approachesFlorida's major theme parks are planning to close as Hurricane Irma approaches the state.Officials at Walt Disney World in Orlando announced Friday afternoon that its parks will close on Saturday and remain closed through Monday.Universal Orlando announced on its website that it will close at 7 p.m. Saturday and will remain closed through Monday. Officials said they anticipate reopening on Tuesday.SeaWorld in Orlando and Busch Gardens, which is in Tampa, also announced plans to shut down at 5 p.m. Saturday and remain closed through Monday.Last October, the theme parks also closed down for Hurricane Matthew, which skirted Florida's southeast coast.3:10 p.m. 'Now is the time to evacuate'Florida Gov. Rick Scott is urging residents along the state’s Gulf Coast to get out of evacuation zones as Irma’s path has moved slightly west.During an afternoon news conference in Lee County in southwest Florida, Scott warned of storm surge which could be between 6 and 12 feet.“You are not going to survive this if it happens,” Scott told residents. “Now is the time to evacuate.”2:30 p.m. White House calls for vigilanceIn his weekly address, President Trump warned of the "historic" destruction Irma could bring while saying America is united as the storm bears down.As the president boarded Marine One for a weekend stay Camp David, where he'll monitor the storm and meet with cabinet members, Trump responded to a question saying "We are prepared at the highest level."In an earlier briefing, White House homeland security adviser Tom Bossert urged those in the path of Hurricane Irma to stay vigilant and listen to the directions of their local and state officials.Bossert said at the White House that people in Florida and elsewhere should not be focused on the specific track of the storm, but should make preparations now to take care of themselves and their families."It's not only a dangerous storm," Bossert said. "This storm has taken lives already. It's going to take more, unfortunately, if we're not prepared."2:15 p.m. Man dies trying to prepare for IrmaAuthorities in Florida say a man trying to install hurricane shutters in preparation for Hurricane Irma fell from a ladder and died.Davie Police Sgt. Mark Leone said in an email that a 57-year-old man had been hired to install hurricane shutters Thursday morning. He fell about 15 feet from a ladder and hit his head on a pool deck.The man was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.The man’s name wasn’t immediately released.2 p.m. Hurricane conditions over Cuba, BahamasAs Irma continues its westward advance, the National Hurricane Center's newest update said hurricane conditions are spreading over portions of Cuba and the central Bahamas.The storm is about 380 miles southeast of Miami, where Mayor Carlos Gimenez says more than 660,000 residents must evacuate and find hurricane-proof shelter as Irma bears down on Florida. The county plans to open 43 shelters with room for more than 100,000 people by Friday night.1:45 p.m. 'Get inland'Gov. Scott warned residents who haven't yet evacuated that the clock is ticking."Get inland," he said in an afternoon briefing in the Tampa Bay area. "Based on what we know, the majority of Florida will have major hurricane impact and deadly winds.We expect this along the entire east coast and west coast. All Floridians should be prepared to evacuate."Motorists are clogging highways and some are waiting for hours at gas stations.12:45 p.m. Shelters fillingFlorida’s emergency management division says nearly 6,000 people are already huddling in shelters ahead of Hurricane Irma.Most of the evacuees are gathered in shelters in Broward and Miami-Dade counties, where catastrophic Category 4 winds are expected to hit this weekend.Hundreds of thousands of residents have fled in anticipation of Irma’s winds and storm surge, which have already killed at least 20 people in the Caribbean. Many roads leaving the state have been jammed with traffic.In an afternoon update, Gov. Scott said the Keys will begin to feel the effects of Irma Saturday morning ahead of landfall early Sunday.12:25 p.m. Florida Disaster Fund activatedFor those who wish to help support those impacted by Irma, Gov. Scott activated the Florida Disaster Fund.Administered by the Volunteer Florida Foundation, it is a private fund used to assist communities during emergencies or disasters."We have heard from many individuals and organizations that want to offer help to Florida families and the Florida Disaster Fund is a great resource to support the disaster relief organizations across the state," Scott said in a statement. "I encourage all Floridians to look out for one another and work together to stay safe before and after the storm."To make a contribution, visit www.FloridaDisasterFund.org or text DISASTER to 20222 to make a one-time donation of $10.Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe declared a state of emergency for the state to be able to provide aid to other states impacted by Irma.12 p.m. Irma on course for "life-threatening" landfallDiscussion from the National Hurricane Center says the environment remains favorable for Irma to stay a Category 4 storm before it reaches Florida with "life-threatening" winds early Sunday. Unpredictable eyewall replacement cycles could fluctuate its intensity.The storm will continue west-northwest over the next 24 hours before moving to a north-northwest track and eventually northward to Florida. The turn will occur, NHC says, but the precise moment is uncertain. Regardless of where the center of the storm goes, Florida will be hit the major hurricane. Storm surge inundation in South Florida and the Keys is a danger for the next 36 hours, with the southwest coast potentially seeing 6 to 12 feet of inundation.Heavy rain featuring 4 to 12 inches of accumulation is expected, with some areas getting up to 20 inches. The rain will also come to Georgia, South Carolina and western North Carolina early next week as the storm moves north. Some mountainous spots are more prone to flash flooding, though all areas will be in danger of floods.10:50 a.m. Storm surge & hurricane watches extendedThe National Hurricane Center's latest update extends the storm surge warning from Florida's Jupiter Inlet northward to Sebastian Inlet and from Bonita Beach northward to Venice. A storm watch is in place north of Sebastian Inlet to Ponce Inlet.The hurricane watch now stretches north along the Atlantic coast to the Flagler-Volusia County line and along the Gulf Coast to the Anclote River.9:50 a.m. Scott on evacuationsGov. Scott's latest update continued to urge evacuations: "If you're told to evacuate, leave. Get out quickly. Do not put yourself or you family's life at risk.""I'm a dad and I'm a grandfather. I love my family, and I can't imagine life without them."Residents of Miami area and the Keys are streaming north, causing gridlock. Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties are home to about 6 million people combined.Scott said while fuel is still going to South Florida under police escort, gas will not be delivered after tonight. He asked evacuees to not fill their entire tank and to take only what they need to get out of the evacuation areas.Scott said 7,000 ,members of the Florida National Guard have been activated.9:10 a.m. Irma 'an entirely different level of phenomenon'For an entire generation in South Florida, Hurricane Andrew was the definition of a monster storm.For the people who led victims through that devastating aftermath, Hurricane Irma is looking far worse by nearly every measure.Weather Channel senior hurricane specialist Bryan Norcross was a local television meteorologist hailed as a hero back then. He says Irma’s impact on Florida will be much greater — “an entirely different level of phenomenon.”Kate Hale grabbed attention as Miami-Dade’s emergency management chief by saying “where the hell is the cavalry” after Andrew laid waste to half the county. She says nobody could make up a worse scenario than Irma right now. Combined with flooding from Hurricane Harvey and wildfires out west, she says the effect on the nation’s economy is “potentially staggering.”8:30 a.m. Trump promises federal helpPresident Donald Trump tweeted warnings and support for those in the way of Irma early Friday."Hurricane Irma is of epic proportion," he tweeted, "perhaps bigger than we have ever seen. Be safe and get out of its way, if possible. Federal G is ready!"7:40 a.m. FEMA briefing & NHC updateFederal Emergency Management Agency Administrator Brock Long gave a morning briefing from Washington as the monster storm made its way to Florida. He stressed the seriousness of Irma."Hurricane Irma continues to be a threat that is going to devastate the United States and either Florida or some of the southeastern states," Long said. "This is a complex forecast. Anybody from Alabama to North Carolina should be watching this storm very closely. The forecast and the direct impacts of this storm have yet to be determined because one, it's a very powerful storm but the nature of the curve in that forecast after 72 hours is going to be the key to see who gets the worst impacts here.""Its not a question of if Florida is going to be impacted," he said. "It's a question of how bad Florida is going to be impacted and where the storm ends up over the next four to five days"Long also confirmed the federal funding for Harvey relief will not be an issue after the Senate passed an aid package that the House is expected to pass later Friday, sending it to the president's desk.Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price spoke after Long, giving an update on the recovery in Texas in the wake of Harvey before discussing Irma preparations, which include extending waivers for medications and providing electricity to those who require it for medical needs, such as dialysis and oxygen machines.The National Hurricane Center's newest update offered little change in the forecast, with the hurricane and tropical storm warnings for Haiti discontinued.Maximum sustained winds were 150 mph as the storm's core prepared to move between the central Bahamas and the northern coast of Cuba.5:00 a.m. Irma was downgraded to a Category 4 hurricane overnight into Friday morning, but is expected to remain "extremely dangerous." The National Weather Service reports Irma is expected to remain at least a Category 4 hurricane until landfall in Florida. As of 5 a.m., the maximum sustained winds were 155 mph. "After landfall, a fairly quick decay in maximum winds is expected due to land interaction and increased shear, although Irma's large wind field is likely to still produce hurricane-force winds over a large area," the report stated.3:15 a.m. More warningsHurricane Warnings are now in place for Collier, Hendry, and Glades Counties in South west Florida. 2:00 a.m. Irma's wide impactIrma's center was about 20 miles north of the Great Inagua Island, which is part of the Bahamas, moving west-northwest with maximum sustained winds of 160 mph. Hurricane-force winds could be felt as far as 75 miles from the center. Irma previously had winds over 180 mph, keeping those speeds longer than any storm ever recorded in the Atlantic basin.1:44 a.m. Bahamas evacuatingThe eye of Hurricane Irma passes north of Great Inagua Island in the Caribbean. The island is a part of the Bahamas, which has issued an evacuation for residents in the path of the storm. 1:00 a.m. Heading northFloridians have begun a mass exodus as Hurricane Irma barrels toward the Sunshine State.Thousands of cars headed north, causing interstate backups and slowdowns. Drivers waited for hours at gas stations, some of which ran out of fuel. Travelers stood in line for hours at airports.Based on Irma's projected path, which includes Florida's heavily populated eastern coast, the enormous storm could create one of the largest mass evacuations in US history, CNN senior meteorologist Dave Hennen said. Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties combined have about 6 million people.People should get out now, Gov. Rick Scott warned at a Thursday news conference. If they wait until Saturday or Sunday, when high winds and rain are expected to lash south Florida, it will be too late.11 p.m. (Wednesday)The National Hurricane Center has issued a hurricane warning for southern Florida. The warning extends from Jupiter Inlet on the east coast of the state, southward around the Florida Peninsula to Bonita Beach on the west coast. The warning included the Florida Keys, Lake Okeechobee, and Florida Bay. The same area had previously been under a hurricane watch.The warning also applies to Haiti from the northern border with the Dominican Republic to Le Mole St. Nicholas, the southeastern Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands, the Cuban provinces of Camaguey, Ciego de Avila, Sancti Spiritus,Villa Clara and the central and northwest Bahamas. A hurricane watch has been issued for the east coast of Florida north of Jupiter Inlet to Sebastian Inlet and for the west coast of Florida north of Bonita Beach to Anna Maria Island.Georgia, too, is ordering coastal evacuations. People in the Savannah area and everywhere along the coast east of Interstate 95 -- including Brunswick and St. Simons Island -- are ordered to leave, starting Saturday, Gov. Nathan Deal said.Meanwhile, Governor Rick Scott announced Thursday that all public K-12 schools, state colleges, state universities and state offices will be closed from Friday to Monday.“Today, I am directing the closure of all public schools, state colleges, state universities and state offices for their normal activities effective Friday through Monday, to ensure we have every space available for sheltering and staging," Scott said. "Floridians are facing a life-threatening storm in Hurricane Irma, and every family must prepare to evacuate."The Associated Press, CNN contributed to this report.