Yahoo News Hurricane Irma tracker: Where is it and when could it strike America?
Category five 175mph winds and extreme rain battered the Turks and Caicos Islands early today (Friday), as Hurricane Irma devastated the island of Barbuda.
This is just the latest havoc wreaked by the most powerful Atlantic hurricane ever, which has already killed 14 people. And now America is in its sights.
Where is Hurricane Irma right now?
The Turks and Caicos Islands, which remain under threat until tomorrow. The hurricane is also expected to move through the Bahamas today.
While it is still considered “extremely dangerous”, it has been downgraded to a category 4 hurricane with windspeeds now in the region of 155mph.
#Irma is expected to move through the SE Bahamas today and approach south Florida on Saturday as a dangerous category 4 hurricane pic.twitter.com/83bh2woM43
— NHC Atlantic Ops (@NHC_Atlantic) September 8, 2017
When will it strike America?
Irma is expected to reach south Florida tomorrow (Saturday) night. Residents of Cuba, Georgia and North Carolina have also been warned that a chance of direct impact is possible.
Tropical storm winds are likely to arrive in the FL Keys and south FL Saturday. Preparations should be rushed to completion. #Irma pic.twitter.com/eto2KVWtgP
— NHC Atlantic Ops (@NHC_Atlantic) September 8, 2017
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How many people have been affected?
According to the Red Cross, this figure currently stands at around 1.2 million. It is feared that the figure could rise to 26 million as Irma continues its path of destruction, leaving areas without drinking water or sanitary conditions in its wake.
Looting of televisions, food and water has altready been reported on the Caribbean island of St Martin, where officials are battling to restore order. Four people have been confirmed dead on the French side of the island (Saint-Martin), and one on the Dutch side (Sint Maarten).
Is Irma the only hurricane around at the moment?
No – Katia in the Gulf of Mexico and Jose, in the Atlantic, have both been upgraded to hurricane status.
You can follow all the latest at the NOAAA website here
