Hurricane Irma has been upgraded to a Category 4 storm, churning in the Atlantic and posing a threat to parts of the Caribbean.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the storm continues to strengthen.
Hurricane warnings have been issued for parts of the Leeward Islands, including Antigua, Barbuda, Anguilla, Montserrat, St. Kitts, and Nevis, Saba and St. Eustatius.
France has issued a warning for St. Martin and Saint Barthelemy.
A hurricane watch has been issued for the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.
The storm is expected to remain a dangerous major hurricane through the upcoming week and could directly affect the British and U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Hispaniola, the Turks and Caicos, and the Bahamas.
All environmental factors suggest that Irma will at least maintain its intensity for the entire five-day forecast, if not gradually strengthen.
The hurricane center said hurricane conditions are possible within the watch area by Tuesday night.
Jamaica's Meteorological Service said Hurricane Irma is not a threat to the island but it will continue to monitor the system.
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