Florida, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands are all under state of emergency as Hurricane Irma prepares for landfall. For family members who can't be with their loved ones, it's the last thing they want to hear.
NOAA's GOES East satellite imagery shows Hurricane Irma move west toward the Leeward Islands and strengthen to a Category 5 storm
"My mother lives in Naples, Florida and they projected the hurricane could go toward Florida which makes me a little nervous cause she's right on the tip of it,” Annette Dake said.
Annette Dake's mother is 72 years- old and lives alone. Seeing what happened in Houston has her really trying to convince her mother that this isn't your regular storm.
"She says it's fine. They went and got water today and bought some canned goods and she tells me to quit worrying. Not easy to do. After the devastation with the last hurricane hitting Texas, it's scary," she added.
Some people are preparing to leave to avoid Hurricane Irma. but Dake said her mother and friends are planning to stay- claiming they have a safe space when storms come. This time around she doesn't think that will be enough.
"She has a few friends who go to shelters, a gated community, and I'm like the gate is not going to keep that hurricane out."
For now in wake of Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma brewing, she's just praying for her safety. since she can't get down there.
