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Tracking Hurricane Irma: How to spot fake posts circulating online

Posted at 5:03 PM, Sep 04, 2017
and last updated 2017-09-05 07:32:31-04

It is still too soon to know the direct path for Hurricane Irma, and we always tell you don't believe everything you read on the internet. 

One article out there suggests that Irma will be a Category Six, that is not possible. The article also suggests Irma would wipe cities off the map. Also not true.

According to Tampa-based WFTS Meteorologist Greg Dee, "it does not exist." He said, "Category Five is max, and this is not the strongest hurricane we've ever seen, it's not even close."

Another post circulating suggests Irma's path will hit Houston, also not true.

WFTS web contributor Kelly Bazzle said, "that's not true. It's photoshopped, he's not even a meteorologist."

Signs to help identify articles: grammar, look at the source, who shared and if you trust the website. 

Some of the trusted sources to check are the National Hurricane Center, the National Weather Service, your local meteorologist. 

Dee adds, if the map you're seeing shows a forecast more than five days out, it's not legitimate.