This story was last updated on: 10:56 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017.
Tropical Storm Irma formed in the eastern Atlantic Ocean on Wednesday morning, becoming the ninth named storm of the 2017 Atlantic hurricane season.
- Irma's max winds at about 65 mph
- Irma moving west at 12 mph
- FULL COVERAGE: Storm Season 2017: Forecast models, links and resources
AT 11 p.m. EST, Tropical Storm Irma was located near latitude 16.4 north and longitude 32.2 west, moving quickly westward at 12 mph.
Maximum sustained winds are currently at 65 mph, and gradual strengthening is likely as it moves through favorable conditions the next several days.
Irma is expected to become a hurricane Thursday, up to a category 2 by Friday and possibly even a major category 3 by the end of the weekend. After a few days, Irma will move into some cooler and drier air and may prevent any further strengthening.
Since Monday, models have trended slightly south, aiming Irma toward the Leeward Islands. Beyond that, some turn it sharply north, while others take it just north of Puerto Rico, Hispaniola and toward the Turks and Caicos by around Sept. 10.
The system is a long way from Central Florida, but it's the perfect time to go over your hurricane preparedness checklist. Make sure you have your supply kit, a plan to evacuate if you're in an evacuation zone and asked to leave and check with your insurance company regarding hurricane and flood coverage.
The peak of the hurricane season is Sept. 10, and the Atlantic looks a bit busy the next couple of weeks.
The 2017 Atlantic hurricane season runs through Nov. 30.
