ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- The forecast for Hurricane Irma looks better for Florida as the models show a curve up the East Coast.
The storm is still too far out, however, to be certain, so we will continue to watch developments.
Irma is a Cat. 2 storm, almost a Cat 3, and is forecast to have 130 mph winds just north of Puerto Rico by Wednesday.
Watches for parts of the Leeward Islands could be issued as early as Sunday.
And beyond that, it's anybody's guess. Do not put any trust into a "forecast" seeming to say where a storm goes after day five or beyond. The further out in time, the greater the uncertainty.
Still WAY early to put stock into it but 8 day forecast by models turn Irma into Atlantic. This forecast will update many times. Stay tuned. pic.twitter.com/HkvYxnFPtC
— Ric Kearbey⚡️WTSP (@RicTampaBay) September 2, 2017
#Irma forecast to remain a powerful hurricane as it moves closer to the Leeward Islands in 4 to 5 days. https://t.co/dugUPBzxWW pic.twitter.com/GXOFEgYNVr
— NHC Atlantic Ops (@NHC_Atlantic) September 2, 2017
More: Fake image of Hurricane Irma shows false storm path toward Texas
Hurricane Irma is not worth freaking over, but is worth preparation. This is the middle of hurricane season -- a plan needs to be in place and supplies need to be in order.
Track the tropics: Download the 10News app
►Make it easy to keep up-to-date with more stories like this. Download the 10 News app now.
Have a news tip? Email desk@wtsp.com, or visit our Facebook page or Twitter feed.