Gov. Rick Scott declared a state of emergency for the entire state in anticipation of Hurricane Irma.

As of 5 p.m. Monday, Irma was a Category 4 and nearing the Leeward Islands.

The 5 p.m. forecast issued by the National Hurricane Center puts much of South Florida — including a portion of Collier County — in the 5-day cone.

By declaring a state of emergency in all 67 Florida counties, Scott is ensuring that local governments have ample time, resources and flexibility to get prepared for the dangerous storm.

Statement from Gov. Rick Scott:

“Hurricane Irma is a major and life-threatening storm and Florida must be prepared. I have continued to be briefed by the Florida Division of Emergency Management on Hurricane Irma and current forecast models have Florida in Irma’s path – potentially impacting millions of Floridians. Today, given these forecasts and the intensity of this storm, I have declared a state of emergency for every county in Florida to make certain that state, federal and local governments are able to work together and make sure resources are dispersed to local communities as we get prepared for this storm. In Florida, we always prepare for the worst and hope for the best and while the exact path of Irma is not absolutely known at this time, we cannot afford to not be prepared. This state of emergency allows our emergency management officials to act swiftly in the best interest of Floridians without the burden of bureaucracy or red tape.

In Florida, we know that the best way to protect our families in severe weather is to have a plan. I urge all Floridians to remain vigilant and stay alert to local weather and news and visit FLGetAPlan.com today as we all prepare for Hurricane Irma. We will keep monitoring and issuing updates on Hurricane Irma as it approaches Florida.”

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)