French Caribbean islands placed on Purple Alert
As of 9pm tonight, September 5th, 2017, a Purple Alert has been issued for the islands of the French Caribbean, in particular St. Barths is expected to experience a potentially devastating hit with top winds at 185 mph and forward movement of 15 mph in westward direction.
The islands of St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Maarten and Anguilla are also on full alert as Hurricane Irma will be the strongest hurricane ever recorded for these islands and is expected to pass these islands around 7am Wednesday morning with sustained winds around 185 mph.
The passage of the eye of Hurricane Irma is expected to last 8 to 9 hours. Residents are urged NOT to go outdoors during this period. After the passing of the eye, storm winds are expected to last another 2-3 hours.
Latest stats on Hurricane Irma:
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Date: Sep 06
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Time: 03:00 GMT
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Lat: 17.4°
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Lon: -61.1°
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Wind: 185 mph | Pressure: 916 mb |
Type: Hurricane
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Category: 5
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The combination of winds at 185 mph and the barometric pressure at 916 mb makes Hurricane Irma a very dangerous hurricane and can be catastrophic for lives and property.
