Hurricane Irma Now Cat 4, Heads For Eastern Caribbean

Hurricane Irma turned into a powerful Category 4 storm earlier today as it approaches the northeastern Caribbean.

Imrma is forecasted to begin buffeting the region on Tuesday. The storm had maximum sustained winds of 130 mph (215 kph) late Monday afternoon, and the U.S. National Hurricane Center said additional strengthening was expected. Irma was centered 490 miles (790 kilometers) east of the Leeward Islands and moving west at 13 mph (20 kph).

Emergency officials warned that the storm could dump up to 10 inches (25 centimeters) of rain, unleash landslides and dangerous flash floods and generate waves of up to 23 feet (7 meters) as the storm drew closer.