IRMA – AT 9:32 A.M. ET:  This is now being billed as the largest Atlantic hurricane in history.  Within a few days we will know if it will hit Florida head-on.  From CNN:

The Category 5 hurricane is "potentially catastrophic," the National Hurricane Center said. Besides devastating winds, the center warns of high storm surges that could crush low-lying structures near shore.

Though Irma's path is uncertain, forecasters have said it could turn toward Florida over the weekend, and officials there are ordering some evacuations and shutting down schools.

We are not weather reporters here.  You can do better on the Weather Channel or local TV outlets.  We will be focusing on the political and economic ramifications of this monster storm.  President Trump, and his federal team, responded very well to Hurricane Harvey, whose effects in Texas will be seen for many months.  The Republican governor of Texas, Greg Abbott, has been superb. 

Irma could actually be far worse, depending on where it strikes.  The president will be challenged again.  His team has heavy experience from Harvey.  The Republican governor of Florida, Rick Scott, is organized and capable.  From the Miami Herald:

About 100 members of the Florida Air and Army National Guard were activated Tuesday to begin preparations for Hurricane Irma and all 7,000 members will report for duty Friday morning, Gov. Rick Scott said.

In activating the Guard, Scott said if additional resources are needed before Friday, “then I stand ready to activate as many guard members needed to support our aggressive preparedness actions.”

“With Hurricane Irma now a category 5 storm, we must do all we can to prepare our families and communities for any potential impact from this major weather event,” Scott said in a statement. “We do not know the exact path of this storm, but weather can change in an instant and while we hope for the best, we must prepare for the worst.”

COMMENT:  The president meets at the White House today with Congressional leaders of both parties.  Even Mitch McConnell will be attending.  I'd love to be there.  Watch:  Trump will be warmer to the Democrats than to the Republicans.

We have some heavy weather days coming up.  It will be a dramatic weekend.

September 6,  2017