With powerful

However, Floridians should remain prepared, officials say

Hurricane Irma’s path still uncertain, officials say Central Floridians should have a hurricane plan in place.

After weakening overnight, Hurricane Irma returned to a Category 3 storm Friday afternoon, but packing more punch than a day earlier, the National Hurricane Center said.

The storm strengthened throughout the day. As of the 11 p.m. advisory, Irma’s maximum sustained winds were whipping at 115 mph, said forecaster Tony Cristaldi at the National Weather Service in Melbourne.

The storm system was about 1,495 miles from the eastern Caribbean Islands — or about 2,760 miles from Florida — and was moving northwest at 15 mph.

“It is much too early to determine what direct impacts Irma will have on the continental United States,” National Hurricane Center forecaster Eric Blake said. “Regardless, everyone in hurricane-prone areas should ensure that they have their hurricane plan in place, as we are now near the peak of the season.”

Irma is moving through the eastern Atlantic and poses no threat to land now. It will not be a factor in Florida’s weather through the weekend, meteorologists said.

As Floridians keep an eye on the storm’s track, emergency officials are sharing advice on what people should do to prepare

“We always have plans in place,” said Manuel Soto, Orlando’s emergency manager. “Citizens should be monitoring weather forecasts and always have plans [and] supplies and keep themselves informed. If you live in Florida, you need to be prepared yearround. Hurricanes aren’t the only hazard we contend with.”

Matt Volkmer, a meteorologist with the Melbourne of-