This story was last updated on: 11:11 p.m., Friday, Sept. 01, 2017.
Hurricane Irma is going through an eyewall replacement cycle and is back to being a category 3 hurricane. Winds are now 115 mph.
- Irma is currently a Category 3 hurricane
- Irma may become a Category 4 by Monday
- Path of Hurricane Irma is uncertain
- FULL COVERAGE: Storm Season 2017: Forecast models, links and resources
As of 11 p.m. Friday EST, Irma was located near latitude 19.1 north and longitude 40.5 west, moving west near 14 mph. The storm is about 2,260 miles east of the Leeward Islands.
It still has a lot of open water to cross which will be a favorable environment to maintain its intensity. Fluctuations in strength, up or down, are possible in the next few days as it encounters occasional dry air and/or wind shear.
On this forecast track, Irma will approach the Lesser Antilles by Tuesday into Wednesday.
In the short range, the track has shifted back to the north, aiming Irma north of the Leeward Islands. Beyond that, there is still great uncertainty in the long range track since models are not in full agreement.
There is a 300-mile spread of where this storm could be around day five, which makes a significant difference in the forecast.
Some curve it north and keep it out to sea, while others take it just north of Puerto Rico, Hispaniola and toward the Turks and Caicos.
Irma is expected to be a major hurricane when it approaches the Lesser Antilles which will result in rough surf and strong rip currents. Irma could also cause dangerous winds, storm surge, and significant rainfall impacts. It is still too far in advanced to specify where and when those hazards could occur.
In addition, it is far too soon to tell what direct impacts Irma could have on the United States.
This is the good 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 basin looks a bit busy over the next couple of weeks.
The next complete advisory will be issued at 5 a.m.
The 2017 Atlantic hurricane season runs through Nov. 30.