The models for Irma were uncertain. We knew it would turn north, but we didn't know when. It was't sensationalism to say that, or to plan for the worst. If the high pressure area keeping Irma to the south had let up a day earlier, Miami could have gotten hit by a category 5. If the area had let up about 6 hours earlier, Irma would have avoided Cuba, and Tampa could have been hit by a category 3 or 4.
Florida was lucky. That doesn't mean NOAA or any of the other professional meteorologists were being sensationalist.
~Camilla
Ghavrel is Ghavrel is Ghavrel
*MySmiley*