Puerto Rico Prepares For Category 4 Hurricane Irma

[Kennah]

Source: NPR

The governors of Florida and Puerto Rico have declared preemptive states of emergency ahead of Hurricane Irma, a powerful Category 4 storm churning through the Caribbean on a westward track.

Forecasters say the dangerous storm also looks increasingly likely to hit the U.S. East Coast, either in South Florida or the Carolinas.

"We have established protocols for the safety of all," Puerto Rico Gov. Ricardo Rossello said, urging islanders to take precautions.

Rossello said 4 to 8 inches of rain were expected, with wind gusts up to 60 mph.

Read more: http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/09/04/548496195/puerto-rico-prepares-for-a-strengthening-hurricane-irma

[AJT]

1. I'm confused. If it hits as a catagory 4 wouldn't the wind and rain be much stronger?

[bearsfootball516]

2. That's the first thing I thought.

Pretty sure sustained winds for a Cat 4 are 130 MPH. Something isn't right here.

[Angleae]

8. Possibly a translation error.

Cat 4 winds are also listed as 58–70 m/s. Wouldn't be the first time a reporter didn't do any research.

[jpak]

4. Depends on which side of the eye impacts the island

The southwest side is not bad - it's the NE side which is the bear.

[AJT]

5. Thanks

[msongs]

3. if it blows thru in 8 hrs moving fast, much less rain than if it parks overhead nt

[trixie2]

6. Who wants to nickel bet me

That Trump will not know that Puerto Rico is part of the USA?

[Kennah]

7. I don't do sucker bets (n/t)

[SummerSnow]

9. The news is saying that Irma is a category 5 right now