At 5:00 AM, the National Hurricane Centre indicated that Irma’s maximum sustained winds have increased to near 150 miles per hour with higher gusts.
The distinct eye of Hurricane Irma was located near latitude 16.6 degrees North, longitude 57.0 degrees West. Irma is moving toward the west near 14 mph, and this general motion is expected to continue today, followed by a turn toward the west-northwest tonight. On the forecast track, the core of Irma will move near or over portions of the northern Leeward Islands tonight and early Wednesday.
Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 45 miles (75 km) from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 140 miles.
A NOAA Hurricane Hunter plane is scheduled to investigate the eye of Irma within the hour.
Some fluctuations in intensity are likely during the next day or two, but the National Hurricane Centre said Irma is forecast to remain a powerful category 4 hurricane.
However, some forecasters believe Irma has the potential to develop into a category 5 hurricane tomorrow.
The estimated minimum central pressure is 937 mb (27.67 inches).
Preparations to protect life and property should either be completed or rushed to completion.
Please continue to monitor local media stations, DDM’s website (bviddm.com) and Facebook at BVIDDM for regular updates and preparedness tips.
Disclaimer: The Department of Disaster Management (DDM) is not an official Meteorological Office. The Information disseminated by the Department is gathered from a number of professional sources used or contracted by the DDM to provide such information. This information is to be used as a guide by anyone who has interest in local weather conditions. By no means can the DDM or the BVI Government be held accountable by anyone who uses this information appropriately for legal evidence or in justification of any decision which may result in the loss of finances, property or life.
