Just Earth News | @justearthnews | 05 Sep 2017, 04:50 am Print
The storm is yet to hit the state, but its proposed path led the state Governor Rick Scott to declare an emergency in all 67 counties in the state.
Releasing a statement, Scott said: "In Florida, we always prepare for the worst and hope for the best, and while the exact path of Irma is not absolutely known at this time, we cannot afford to not be prepared."
"This state of emergency allows our emergency management officials to act swiftly in the best interest of Floridians without the burden of bureaucracy or red tape," the Governor added.
Emergency has also been issued in Puerto Rico, a Caribbean island and an unincorporated U.S. territory.
Schools and Universities have also been ordered to remain shut on Tuesday, following the warnings.
Hurricane #Irma Advisory 23: Hurricane Warnings Issued For Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. https://t.co/VqHn0uj6EM
— NHC Atlantic Ops (@NHC_Atlantic) September 5, 2017
Earlier, Hurricane Harvey battered Texas, killing at least 63 people.
The storm broke a 12-year-record as several part of the state was left inundated.
Recovery operations are still going on in Texas.
Images: @NHC_Atlantic/Twitter
- UN report says climate crisis driving surge in gender-based violence
- Turkey: Magnitude 6.2 earthquake hits Istanbul, no casualties
- Two and a half million tonnes of debris need to be removed in earthquake-hit Myanmar, says UNDP
- Magnitude 5 earthquake hits Pakistan, tremors felt in Jammu and Kashmir
- US: Growing wildfire triggers evacuations in California
