Hurricane Irma: Latest Need To-Know Facts

MIAMI, FL — Hurricane Irma, the strongest Atlantic storm in history, is steamrolling toward Florida, causing mass evacuations, crowded highways and long lines at airports as Floridians heed warnings about the Category 5 storm. Georgia and the Carolinas are also in Irma's path.

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Latest On Hurricane Irma: Floridians Told To ‘Get Out Now’

Here are the latest need-to-know facts; share this with your neighbors on Facebook and Twitter:

• Hurricane Irma was downgraded slightly late Thursday, but remained a deadly Category 5 storm that is expected to hit Florida head-on, then march up to eastern seaboard. Millions of people in Irma’s path from Florida to Georgia to the Carolinas are jamming highways and airports, heeding advice to get out before the wicked storm arrives Irma pounded a string of Caribbean islands, killing at least 10 people and causing extensive damage to homes and other structures. It is due to hit Florida by Sunday morning and poses serious danger to Georgia and the Carolinas.
• Miami-Dade expands evacuation: Some 680,000 residents are affected as Hurricane Irma continues to head toward South Florida. Parts of Pinellas County are under mandatory evacuation and voluntary evacuation orders are in effect in Hillsborough County and Pasco County.
• Gas shortages: Long lines were reported at several locations. Use this tool to find gas in your area.
• Best routes to get out: If you’re one of tens of thousands of Floridians fleeing before Irma arrives, here are the best routes. Also, transportation officials encourage you to use real-time traffic apps to check on traffic.
• Tampa Bay in storm’s cone: “Prepare for the worst and hope for the best,” National Weather Service meteorologist Stephen Shiveley told Patch.
• You may also want to read about a state of emergency in Sarasota, Irma's four worst threats, what five former U.S. presidents are doing to help, how Irma’s wrath compares to Andrew’s, what's closing in Tarpon Springs, how to prepare for insurance claims, how MacDill Air Force Base is preparing, how sandbagging efforts are going, warnings for boaters, where to find shelters in Polk County and Pasco County, bus schedules, and new flights and an explanation of fare hikes.

Photo: City of Miami volunteers help residents fill free sandbags Thursday, Sept. 7, 2017, in Miami, as residents prepare for Hurricane Irma. A hurricane watch is now in effect for the Florida Keys and parts of South Florida. (AP Photo/Alan Diaz)