Far out over the Atlantic, Hurricane Irma formed along a course that could bring it near the eastern Caribbean Sea by early next week. Its maximum sustained winds have increased to near 100 mph (155 kph), but it posed no immediate threat to land.

Irma was moving west-northwest near 10 mph (17 kph). The general motion is forecast through early Friday.

Irma is forecast to become a major hurricane by Thursday night and is expected to be an extremely dangerous hurricane for the next several days.

No coastal watches or warnings were in effect.