Irma now forecasts to make landfall as a Category 5 storm

[RandySF]

Being reported on the wires. She's regaining her strength.

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

1. There's a part of me that is

quite gleeful about this. Not gleeful about the destruction and death that will ensue, but gleeful about the force of nature.

To put it another way, "Hooray for global warming!" And poop on all those who don't "believe" in it.

Depending on what Florida looks like after Irma has done her worst, there needs to be some serious reconsideration about rebuilding.

[Hortensis]

4. I have 2, conceivably 3, properties in Irma's path and fully understand.

Don't need to suggest you rein it in. I know you understand that need also. But millions have already died, millions will die, and their cultures are dying with them.

[samnsara]

7. i know what you mean.. I storm chased for ten summers...

[malaise]

2. Yep - just saw that

[Rollo]

3. Here's another look...

From accuweather.com:

[msongs]

5. NHC report 39 does not report this. nt

[Cattledog]

6. Irma is 50% bigger than Andrew. Think about that.

I fully expect the entire state to be a disaster zone much of it without power for months. Hope I am wrong.

[bearsfootball516]

8. Months??

Maybe a few places along the coast that really get rocked, but it's supposed to die down to a category 2 by the time it reaches mid-Florida and be a tropical storm by the time it exits the state.