MIAMI -- Forecasters said Ike has become a dangerous Category 4 hurricane in the Atlantic with maximum sustained winds near 135 mph.
That makes Ike the third major hurricane of the Atlantic season, which has had five hurricanes total. Bertha and Gustav were the other major hurricanes.
As of 11 p.m. Wednesday, Ike is about 610 miles northeast of the Leeward Islands. It is moving west-northwest near 17 mph.
It is too early to say whether Ike might threaten land. Ike is behind Tropical Storm Hanna, which is battering Haiti, where it has killed 26 people. Forecasters say Hanna could turn back into a hurricane before hitting the southern coast of the U.S. this weekend.
Forecasters said Josephine, the tropical storm behind Ike, is weakening.
FEMA Flooding Help
As the state prepares for a possible hit from Hanna, the Federal Emergency Management Agency is making sure it's ready to respond.
FEMA opened an operations center in Sanford on 520 West Lake Mary Boulevard Wednesday morning.
The center will be available for people dealing with flooding from Fay and more flooding if Hanna strikes.
Residents and officials are keeping a close eye on the St. Johns River as Hanna approaches because of the fear of flooding.
The office will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. until the threat passes.
For more information on how to apply for assistance, you can call FEMA directly at (800) 621-FEMA.
Crist Declares State Of Emergency
Now it's Florida's turn to look out. Gov. Charlie Crist has declared a state of emergency as Tropical Storm Hanna looms.
Crist said Florida should be ready for flash floods and high winds, even though there's no certainty that Hanna will hit the state.
It isn't just individuals getting ready. Patrick Air Force Base is making Hanna plans. The base is back on Hurricane Condition 4. That means response crews are on standby and rocket launch towers and equipment are being secured to prevent them from becoming a projectile in high winds.
Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Ike is speeding over the open waters of the tropical Atlantic Ocean. It could become a hurricane around Thursday.
Tropical Storm Josephine formed on Tuesday near the west African coast and is heading westward but is not forecast at this time to make landfall.
Hanna's Position at 2 a.m.
- Position: 23.7 North, 72.4 West
- Distance From Nassau: 325 miles east-southeast
- Movement: 13 mph northwest
- Winds: 65 mph
- Minimum Central Pressure: 989 mb (29.21 inches)
- Read Full NWS Advisory
Ike's Position at 11 p.m.
- Position: 22.1 North, 54.1 West
- Distance From Leeward Islands: 610 miles northeast
- Movement: 17 mph west-northwest
- Winds: 135 mph
- Minimum Central Pressure: 948 mb (27.99 inches)
- Read Full NWS Advisory
Josephine's Position at 11 p.m.
- Position: 13.9 North, 30.7 West
- Distance From Cape Verde Islands: 425 miles west
- Movement: 12 mph west
- Winds: 50 mph
- Minimum Central Pressure: 1000 mb (29.53 inches)
- Read Full NWS advisory
Track the paths of Hanna, Ike and Josephine with our Hurricane Tracker and downloadable map, available at the News 13 Hurricane Center.
Need help getting ready for a hurricane? News 13 on Demand, Bright House Networks Digital Cable Channel 313, has a Hurricane Center filled with vital information on what you can do to prepare for a storm. In the Severe Weather section, News 13's meteorologists show you how to be safe when a storm strikes.
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