BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – HURRICANE IRMA has gained in strength and is reported as being a Category 2 storm as it races across the Atlantic Ocean towards the Leeward Islands.
According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), the center of Hurricane Irma was located near latitude 18.5 North, longitude 37.8 West.
The hurricane is said to be moving towards the west-northwest near 13 mph (20 km/h).
The NHC said a turn towards the west is expected sometime tonight (Sept. 1), followed by a turn toward the west-southwest on Saturday.
At the time of receipt of this information, Irma was packing maximum sustained winds near 110 mph (175 km/h) with higher gusts.
Fluctuations in strength are expected either up or down and are possible during
the next few days, but Irma is expected to remain a powerful hurricane through the weekend, the NHC has reporting in its advisory.
Meteorologists are warning persons to be on guard for the hurricane, which could be a major one when it reaches the Leeward Island early in the new week.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) is urged persons to make preparations for the storm.
“We want to remind residents to stay away from known waterways and ghauts. For some reason we have to repeat this every year, especially during the season. And we ask that persons inspect their property for any loose items or heavy materials that may be picked up during heavy winds and become deadly missiles,” Coordinator at NEMA, Carl Herbert said.
Meanwhile, the NHC is reporting that hurricane-force winds from Irma extends outward up to 15 miles (30 km) from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 90 miles (150 km).
