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The Latest Thinking on Hurricane Irma and what it means for Maryland

Irma moves closer to the US coast
Posted at 8:33 PM, Sep 07, 2017
and last updated 2017-09-07 21:37:02-04

As of 7 p.m. Tuesday, Irma is a Category 5 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 175 mph, moving west northwestward at 16 mph. Irma is expected to remain a major hurricane as it approaches Florida with dangerous winds, heavy rain, storm surge and rough surf. This storm has a history of producing catastrophic damage and should be taken very seriously.

Maryland & Irma

A "perfectly timed" and strong area of high pressure will be in place during Irma's turn to the north. This pattern should prevent Irma from coming far enough north to make landfall near Delmarva or the North Carolina coast. This means Hurricane Irma is less likely to happen for Maryland - but we could be impacted by what's left of her by next Tuesday and Wednesday.

Florida and Irma's Right Turn

Irma's expected to make a northern turn this weekend towards the Sunshine State. Even though there is fear that Irma will make landfall near Miami, the storm's size should be a concern for the whole state.

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