Irma is a Category 3 hurricane and is expected to strengthen.
Hurricane warnings have been issued for portions of the Leeward Islands, and a hurricane watch is in effect for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
Irma will move close to the Leeward Islands and Puerto Rico into midweek, and then near Hispaniola, the Turks and Caicos, Cuba and the Bahamas late week into next weekend.
Next weekend into early next week, Irma will turn north and likely impact a portion of the U.S. coastline.
It's too soon to know exactly what impacts to expect in the U.S. and where they will occur, but the chances of Irma impacting Florida are increasing.
Hurricane Irma is a growing threat to the continental United States, with impacts possibly beginning in Florida later this week. Before that, Irma will bring dangerous conditions to the Leeward Islands, Puerto Rico, Hispaniola, the Bahamas and Cuba.
(MORE: Hurricane Central)
Below is everything we know about Irma right now, including its latest status along with potential forecast impacts in the U.S. and the Caribbean Islands.
[h=3]Irma's Latest Status, Timing[/h]The center of Irma is located more than 500 miles east of the Leeward Islands and is moving west-southwestward at about 14 mph.
Irma is a Category 3 hurricane and satellite imagery shows that it has become better organized in the past day with an eye now clearly evident.
Low wind shear, increased mid-level moisture and ample oceanic heat content favor that Irma will remain a major hurricane (Category 3 or stronger) for the next several days, though some intensity fluctuations are likely.
One potential inhibitor of Irma maintaining its intensity would be if the hurricane's core interacts with land as it cruises westward near the Greater Antilles later this week.
Hurricane warnings have been issued for portions of the Leeward Islands. This includes Antigua, Barbuda, Anguilla, Montserrat, St. Kitts, Nevis, Saba, St. Eustatius, Saint Maarten, Saint Martin and Saint Barthelemy
A hurricane watch is now in effect for Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and Guadeloupe.
For the next five days, Irma will move west, then west-northwest on the south side of a ridge of high pressure called the Bermuda high, centered in the central Atlantic.
(INTERACTIVE MAP: Track Irma)
By next weekend, Irma will begin to turn north in the direction of a departing southward dip in the jet stream that will set up in the eastern United States. Where that northward turn occurs will be critical for what impacts Irma may bring to parts of the southeastern United States.
Here's a general overview of the timing for impacts from Irma into next weekend.
Potential Impact Timing
[h=3]U.S. Forecast: Watching Florida, Southeast Closely[/h]It is too soon to speculate on the specifics surrounding the U.S. threat from Irma, but the hurricane is forecast to remain powerful as it draws closer to Florida later this week.
As mentioned before, the vast majority of the forecast guidance indicates Irma will begin to turn more to the north by next weekend. The strength and expansiveness of the Bermuda-Azores high over the Atlantic Ocean and the timing, depth and location of a southward dip in the jet stream near the eastern U.S. will dictate where that northward turn occurs.
(MORE: Why the U.S. Forecast is Uncertain)
For now, all residents along the Southeast Coast and eastern Gulf Coast, including Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas, should monitor the progress of Irma closely.
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) said in its advisory late Monday morning that the chances of Irma affecting parts of Florida later this week or next weekend are increasing. In addition, rough surf and dangerous boating conditions will exist throughout the southeastern U.S. coastline by late week.
Destructive winds, storm surge inundation, pounding surf and heavy rainfall could all be potential threats from Irma in the Southeast U.S. Determining where those impacts will occur and how serious they may be is too early to determine.
No matter what the future holds for Irma's path and intensity, the NHC advises, "Everyone in hurricane-prone areas should ensure that they have their hurricane plan in place, as we are now near the peak of the season."
[h=3]Forecast: Leeward Islands, Puerto Rico, Hispaniola, Cuba, Bahamas[/h]Leeward Islands
Irma is expected to make its closest pass to the Leeward Islands late Tuesday through Wednesday and will likely be an intense hurricane at that time, possibly a Category 4.
Hurricane-force winds (74-plus mph) are possible within the hurricane warning area of the Leeward Islands by Tuesday night, and tropical-storm-force winds (39-plus mph) are possible by late Tuesday.
Preparations should be rushed to completion in the Leeward Islands at this time.
The exact strength of the winds will be dependent on the path of Irma's circulation center near the Leeward Islands.
Major wind damage can be expected if the eyewall of Irma cruises through the Leeward Islands, including Saint Martin and Anguilla. Storm surge flooding, high surf and rip currents will also be dangers, and heavy rain could contribute to flooding and mudslides, as well.
The NHC says that a storm surge of 6-9 feet above normal tide levels is possible in the extreme northern Leeward Islands near and north of where the center tracks.
Rainfall totals in the Leeward Islands may total 3-6 inches with locally 10 inches in spots.
Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands
Once again, the exact path of Irma's center will determine the strength of the winds and any storm surge impacts in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands starting Wednesday.
Hurricane conditions are possible in the hurricane watch area by late Wednesday with tropical storm-force winds possible earlier in the day.
High surf and dangerous rip currents will be impacts no matter where the center of Irma tracks in relation to the islands.
Heavy rain bands are likely to affect Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, which may result in flooding and mudslides.
Hispaniola, Turks and Caicos, Bahamas and Cuba
Irma could pass near Hispaniola, the Turks and Caicos, the Bahamas and Cuba late this week into next weekend as a major hurricane.
Residents and visitors in these areas should continue to monitor the progress of Irma and make preparations for a possible direct strike.
It's too early to determine the extent of any impacts at this time. Follow the advice of local officials in the days ahead for instruction.
(MORE: Beware 'I' Hurricanes)
Check back with weather.com for updates on Irma through the week ahead for the very latest. We will be updating our coverage of Irma frequently based on the latest forecast guidance for its future track and intensity.
This is the first time the name Irma has been used for an Atlantic tropical storm or hurricane. Irma replaced the name Irene after it was retired for the damage it caused in the Bahamas and the U.S. during the 2011 hurricane season.
Hurricane warnings have been issued for portions of the Leeward Islands, and a hurricane watch is in effect for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
Irma will move close to the Leeward Islands and Puerto Rico into midweek, and then near Hispaniola, the Turks and Caicos, Cuba and the Bahamas late week into next weekend.
Next weekend into early next week, Irma will turn north and likely impact a portion of the U.S. coastline.
It's too soon to know exactly what impacts to expect in the U.S. and where they will occur, but the chances of Irma impacting Florida are increasing.
Hurricane Irma is a growing threat to the continental United States, with impacts possibly beginning in Florida later this week. Before that, Irma will bring dangerous conditions to the Leeward Islands, Puerto Rico, Hispaniola, the Bahamas and Cuba.
(MORE: Hurricane Central)
[h=3]Irma's Latest Status, Timing[/h]The center of Irma is located more than 500 miles east of the Leeward Islands and is moving west-southwestward at about 14 mph.
Irma is a Category 3 hurricane and satellite imagery shows that it has become better organized in the past day with an eye now clearly evident.
Low wind shear, increased mid-level moisture and ample oceanic heat content favor that Irma will remain a major hurricane (Category 3 or stronger) for the next several days, though some intensity fluctuations are likely.
One potential inhibitor of Irma maintaining its intensity would be if the hurricane's core interacts with land as it cruises westward near the Greater Antilles later this week.
Hurricane warnings have been issued for portions of the Leeward Islands. This includes Antigua, Barbuda, Anguilla, Montserrat, St. Kitts, Nevis, Saba, St. Eustatius, Saint Maarten, Saint Martin and Saint Barthelemy
A hurricane watch is now in effect for Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and Guadeloupe.
For the next five days, Irma will move west, then west-northwest on the south side of a ridge of high pressure called the Bermuda high, centered in the central Atlantic.
(INTERACTIVE MAP: Track Irma)
By next weekend, Irma will begin to turn north in the direction of a departing southward dip in the jet stream that will set up in the eastern United States. Where that northward turn occurs will be critical for what impacts Irma may bring to parts of the southeastern United States.
Here's a general overview of the timing for impacts from Irma into next weekend.
Potential Impact Timing
- Leeward Islands: Late Tuesday-Wednesday
- Puerto Rico/Virgin Islands: Wednesday-Thursday
- Dominican Republic/Haiti: Thursday-Friday
- Turks and Caicos: Thursday-Friday
- Bahamas: Friday-next weekend
- Cuba: Friday-next weekend
- Southeast United States: Next weekend into early the following week (possibly as early as Friday in south Florida)
[h=3]U.S. Forecast: Watching Florida, Southeast Closely[/h]It is too soon to speculate on the specifics surrounding the U.S. threat from Irma, but the hurricane is forecast to remain powerful as it draws closer to Florida later this week.
As mentioned before, the vast majority of the forecast guidance indicates Irma will begin to turn more to the north by next weekend. The strength and expansiveness of the Bermuda-Azores high over the Atlantic Ocean and the timing, depth and location of a southward dip in the jet stream near the eastern U.S. will dictate where that northward turn occurs.
(MORE: Why the U.S. Forecast is Uncertain)
For now, all residents along the Southeast Coast and eastern Gulf Coast, including Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas, should monitor the progress of Irma closely.
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) said in its advisory late Monday morning that the chances of Irma affecting parts of Florida later this week or next weekend are increasing. In addition, rough surf and dangerous boating conditions will exist throughout the southeastern U.S. coastline by late week.
Destructive winds, storm surge inundation, pounding surf and heavy rainfall could all be potential threats from Irma in the Southeast U.S. Determining where those impacts will occur and how serious they may be is too early to determine.
No matter what the future holds for Irma's path and intensity, the NHC advises, "Everyone in hurricane-prone areas should ensure that they have their hurricane plan in place, as we are now near the peak of the season."
[h=3]Forecast: Leeward Islands, Puerto Rico, Hispaniola, Cuba, Bahamas[/h]Leeward Islands
Irma is expected to make its closest pass to the Leeward Islands late Tuesday through Wednesday and will likely be an intense hurricane at that time, possibly a Category 4.
Hurricane-force winds (74-plus mph) are possible within the hurricane warning area of the Leeward Islands by Tuesday night, and tropical-storm-force winds (39-plus mph) are possible by late Tuesday.
Preparations should be rushed to completion in the Leeward Islands at this time.
The exact strength of the winds will be dependent on the path of Irma's circulation center near the Leeward Islands.
Major wind damage can be expected if the eyewall of Irma cruises through the Leeward Islands, including Saint Martin and Anguilla. Storm surge flooding, high surf and rip currents will also be dangers, and heavy rain could contribute to flooding and mudslides, as well.
The NHC says that a storm surge of 6-9 feet above normal tide levels is possible in the extreme northern Leeward Islands near and north of where the center tracks.
Rainfall totals in the Leeward Islands may total 3-6 inches with locally 10 inches in spots.
Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands
Once again, the exact path of Irma's center will determine the strength of the winds and any storm surge impacts in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands starting Wednesday.
Hurricane conditions are possible in the hurricane watch area by late Wednesday with tropical storm-force winds possible earlier in the day.
High surf and dangerous rip currents will be impacts no matter where the center of Irma tracks in relation to the islands.
Heavy rain bands are likely to affect Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, which may result in flooding and mudslides.
Hispaniola, Turks and Caicos, Bahamas and Cuba
Irma could pass near Hispaniola, the Turks and Caicos, the Bahamas and Cuba late this week into next weekend as a major hurricane.
Residents and visitors in these areas should continue to monitor the progress of Irma and make preparations for a possible direct strike.
It's too early to determine the extent of any impacts at this time. Follow the advice of local officials in the days ahead for instruction.
(MORE: Beware 'I' Hurricanes)
Check back with weather.com for updates on Irma through the week ahead for the very latest. We will be updating our coverage of Irma frequently based on the latest forecast guidance for its future track and intensity.
This is the first time the name Irma has been used for an Atlantic tropical storm or hurricane. Irma replaced the name Irene after it was retired for the damage it caused in the Bahamas and the U.S. during the 2011 hurricane season.
