My two cents worth (which are probably worth far less than two cents):
There have been some claims/predictions made that are a bit different from the norm—such as that 1) Irma will hit somewhere between Pensacola and Mexico, 2) Tampa will be wiped out, and 3) Atlanta will be wiped out.
Although meteorologists sometimes get things wrong, they tend to get it right much more often than not. When they get it wrong, it is often wrong only to a moderate degree. Therefore I believe that Irma will probably go up or near the west coast of Florida. However, areas such as Pensacola and nearby areas in the Florida Panhandle should still be prepared and on the alert. I think that suggestions of Texas or Mexico or rather unreasonable at this point.
As far as Atlanta being wiped out, that is over the top hyperbole. If Irma goes through Atlanta, there will undoubtedly be some tree damage and possibly some minor flooding. But unless there are tornadoes associated with Irma, the damage will not be anything approaching cataclysmic. Even if there are tornadoes, Atlanta will not be wiped out—not even close.
As far as Tampa being wiped out. That is also hyperbole. However, there is at least an element of truth in it. I know that we have been told to only give positive messages, but it is still possible, there is still time, for those in low-lying areas along the coast in the Tampa area or other areas in the general area to leave. It is not hyperbole to suggest that significant sections of coastal areas will be wiped out. Completely wiped out. If you don’t think so, research Hurricane Camille (and to a lesser degree Katrina).
One other area that is scarcely mentioned but which is potentially vulnerable is the southern Appalachians. Heavy rainfall in the mountains can channel into small areas resulting in catastrophic results. With Hurricane Camille, more people were killed in the mountains of Virginia than along the Gulf Coast.
My (probably less than) two cents.
Hopes, thoughts, and prayers for those in the path of Irma.
Thank you.
I fear the keys from Siesta Key up through Anna Maria Island are in that zone of being wiped out and never the same again, especially if the more current tracks hold and the eye passes about over them.
They are so low and so narrow. There’s just nothing there to protect them.