'May God Protect Us All': Historic Hurricane Irma Slams Caribbean on Track for Florida

Florida residents aren't leaving anything to chance, stocking up on water and supplies and taking the necessary steps to get ready for the extremely high winds expected if Hurricane Irma makes its way ashore there.

President Donald Trump has already approved emergency declarations in both Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands for what forecasters are calling one of the most powerful Atlantic storms in history.

"We have a lot to discuss, including the fact that there is a new and seems to be record-breaking hurricane (heading) toward Florida and Puerto Rico and other places ... it looks like it could be something that will be not good. Believe me, not good," the president said.

The airports on the island of Antigua have shut down. On their website, a simple prayer: "May God protect us all."

In Florida, Gov. Rick Scott has issued a state of emergency for all 67 counties.

"Do not sit and wait to prepare. Get prepared now," warned Scott.

Officials in the Florida Keys have also ordered mandatory evacuations.

"It's going to be crazy getting out of here," said one Florida Keys resident.

All this comes as Texans are still cleaning up in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey.

Meanwhile, the president has sided with Democratic leaders, agreeing to a "very good deal" that would rush disaster aid to Hurricane Harvey victims. It's part of a $7.9 billion measure that would fund the government and raise the nation's debt ceiling for three months.

"Both sides have every intention of avoiding default in December and look forward to working together on the many issues before us," House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said in a joint statement following a meeting with Trump.

In the meantime, charities like CBN's Operation Blessing International are standing in the gap, with thousands of volunteers helping with the cleanup efforts and working alongside Texans hoping to restore their lives.  

"The incredible thing is, when OB arrives they go from being incredibly downcast, to all of sudden having hope -- to all of a sudden knowing they're not alone," said Jody Gettys of Operation Blessing.  

The Operation Blessing team will continue their work with Texans and are also getting ready for Hurricane Irma as well.

"We are praying that thing turns around and goes out to sea, but if it hits the U.S., Operation Blessing will be there. We will be in more communities, just like we were in the eight cities here in Texas, loving on people, working with local pastors, churches and emergency management," said Gettys.  

Experts are predicting wind gusts for Irma of up to 225 miles per hour by the time all is said and done.