Last Updated Sep 5, 2017 5:57 PM EDT
Hurricane Irma is a very real, powerful Category 5 storm that could soon target the Caribbean islands and South Florida. But the National Weather Service is warning people to watch out for fake forecasts after several went viral on social media.
"Keep your eyes out for fake forecasts. THIS is what an official NOAA advisory looks like. Note: forecast only goes out 5 days," the agency said on Facebook. They encouraged readers to visit the National Hurricane Center's official website if you are unsure of the source.
PLEASE SHARE! Be careful of fake forecasts. THIS is what an official NOAA National Hurricane Center advisory looks...
Posted by U.S. National Weather Service (NWS) on Friday, September 1, 2017
The warning comes after several websites claimed Irma would become a Category 6 storm -- which does not exist -- that would wipe entire U.S. cities off the map.
"There is no such thing as a typhoon in the Atlantic or a Category 6 or higher hurricane," WAPT Meteorologist Nathan Scott wrote on Facebook, encouraging users to follow trusted media outlets when searching for information on the storm.
He added, "Meteorologists have not discussed anything about implementing Category 6 criteria because there's nothing that strong."
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/category-6-hurricane-myths-of-hurricane-irma/
