Hurricane Irma Strengthens To Cat 5 Storm As It Nears Caribbean

Hurricane Irma is now a dangerous Category 5 storm as it roared toward the northeast Caribbean on a path that could take it to the United States.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center said Irma had sustained winds of 175mph (280 kph) and was centered about 270 miles (440 kilometers) east of Antigua. It was moving west at 14 mph (22 kph).

The center said there was a growing possibility that the storm’s effects could be felt in Florida later this week and over the weekend, though it was still too early to be sure of its future track

A hurricane warning was posted on Tuesday for Antigua and Barbuda, Anguilla, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Martin, Saba, St. Eustatius, St. Maarten and St. Barts, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. and British Virgin islands.

A tropical storm warning was in effect for Guadeloupe and Dominica.

Source: Associated Press