Hurricane Irma latest: Everything we know about the Atlantic's most powerful storm ever recorded

Caribbean islanders are preparing themselves for the effects of Hurricane Irma, which is expected to be the most powerful Atlantic storm ever recorded.

Government officials have warned that it could prove to be “potentially catastrophic”, with the category 5 hurricane sustaining wind speeds of almost 300 kmh.

Humanitarian groups are bracing themselves for the potential fallout, with the storm currently so strong it is measuring on devices used to measure earthquakes.

President Trump has also approved a state of emergency request from Florida governor Rick Scott as the Hurricane prepares to hit the Sunshine state.

Here’s what we know about Hurricane Irma so far.

What are the vital statistics?

So far, Hurricane Irma has been travelling at destructive speeds of 300kmh. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) warns that some areas could be hit by heavy rainfalls of around 8-12 inches (20-30cm), and in extreme cases, up to 20 inches (50cm).

What is its projected path?

Hurricane Irma is expected to head in a west-north-westerly direction, with Anguilla and St Kitts believed to be the next in its path.

The hurricane is also expected to hit the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Turks and Caicos, and Cuba, before Irma potentially heads to Florida at the end of the week.

When will it hit the US?

At the earliest, it is expected that Irma could hit Florida by the end of the week.

How bad could it be?

The National Hurricane Center warns that the effects of Irma could be “potentially catastrophic”. Irma is expected to reach Miami with speeds of 150mph – only the 13th time a hurricane of such strength has come within even 50 miles of the city.

According to the National Oceanography Centre in Southampton, it is so strong that it is registering on seismographs that are traditionally used to record earthquakes.

Crucially, it is the most powerful Atlantic Ocean hurricane in recorded history.

What have people said?

In a joint letter to President Trump yesterday, Florida senators Marco Rubio and Bill Nelson warned of the devastating effects. ‘As the current projections indicate, this major hurricane will heavily impact Florida communities, and we urge you to immediately approve this request to ensure that full federal resources are made available’, they wrote.

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‘While the storm is not predicted to make landfall until later this week, the state and federal government must work together in order to help reduce the potential loss of life and destruction of property. As we recently witnessed with Hurricane Harvey, preparation and upfront resources are paramount.’