Hurricane Irma strengthens as it barrels toward Caribbean


People along the Gulf and East Coasts are keeping a close eye on Hurricane Irma as the storm churns in the Atlantic Ocean. Early Monday, Irma was a Category 3 storm, with winds of 120 mph, and was gaining strength as it veered toward the Caribbean. Hurricane warnings were issued for the Leeward Islands, and a watch was issued for Puerto Rico, though forecasters still aren't sure where exactly the storm will make landfall. It could head north towards Florida and the Carolinas, or it could divert out to sea, though that's becoming less likely by the hour.
"Regardless, everyone in hurricane-prone areas should ensure that they have their hurricane plan in place, as we are now near the peak of the season," the National Hurricane Center said.
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Jessica Hullinger is a writer and former deputy editor of The Week Digital. Originally from the American Midwest, she completed a degree in journalism at Indiana University Bloomington before relocating to New York City, where she pursued a career in media. After joining The Week as an intern in 2010, she served as the title’s audience development manager, senior editor and deputy editor, as well as a regular guest on “The Week Unwrapped” podcast. Her writing has featured in other publications including Popular Science, Fast Company, Fortune, and Self magazine, and she loves covering science and climate-related issues.
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