Countries in the Caribbean are keeping a close eye on Tropical Storm Irma.
At 5 p.m. the center of Tropical Storm Irma was located near latitude 16.4 North, longitude 31.2 West. Irma is moving toward the west near 15 mph (24 km/h). The tropical storm is expected to turn slightly toward the west-northwest at a slower rate of speed for the next couple of days.
Maximum sustained winds are near 60 mph (95 km/h) with higher gusts. Some strengthening is forecast during the next 48 hours and Irma is expected to become a hurricane Thursday or Friday.
Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 35 miles (55 km) from the center.
