Weather Update: Hurricane Irma Becomes A Major Hurricane 

Published: Thursday 31st August, 2017

SKN PULSE – Hurricane Irma has become a major hurricane. Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 115 mph (185 km/h) with higher gusts – a Category 3 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.
According to the National Hurricane center, fluctuations in strength, both up and down, are possible, but Irma is expected to remain a powerful hurricane for several days.

As of 5 p.m. AST/EDT, Irma is centered about 720 miles (1160 km) west of the Cabo Verde Islands and about 1780 miles (2865 km) east of the Leeward Islands.

Irma is moving toward the west-northwest near 12 mph (19 km/h).  This motion is expected to continue today, followed by a westward turn on Saturday, and a west-southwestward motion by Sunday. It is not an immediate threat to land.