Hurricane Irma is whipping up growing concern among Long Islanders with family and friends in Florida.

Chris Nicola, of Ronkonkoma, lives nearly 1,300 miles away from his mother and sister in Palm Beach County, Florida. His 27-year-old sister there is disabled, and he says she needs constant care. An extended loss of power at the family's home could harm her health.

One of the strongest storms on record in the Atlantic Ocean, the Category 5 Irma is expected to pack 185 mph winds and leave a path of destruction.

Floridians have been preparing for landfall by packing sandbags, buying up dwindling supply stocks and waiting in long lines at local stores.

Nicola says his family is not taking any chances. They have hurricane shutters on their home and continue to gather needed supplies.

"With the devastation caused by Harvey, who knows what Irma could bring," he says.

It's still unclear if Florida will see the brunt of Irma's force. The hurricane could storm into the Sunshine State over the weekend.