What has now become one of the most powerful Atlantic hurricanes ever is on track to hit Caribbean Islands on Wednesday and the U.S. state of Florida later in the week. 

The hurricane's likely path. Source: U.S. National Hurricane Center

On Tuesday, the U.S. National Weather Service reported the storm had become a Category 5 with sustained winds of nearly 185 miles per hour.

According to the NWS, Irma is one of the strongest storms ever in the Atlantic - not counting those that reached the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico - and it’s not far off from the all-time record hurricane wind speed of 190 mph.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) forecast on Tuesday that forecast the "extremely dangerous" hurricane would remain powerful through five days. 

"There is an increasing chance of seeing some impacts from Irma in the Florida Peninsula and the Florida Keys later this week and this weekend," the NHC said.

"Otherwise, it is still too early to determine what direct impacts Irma might have on the continental United States. However, everyone in hurricane-prone areas should ensure that they have their hurricane plan in place."

The Dominican Republic, a major banana and mango growing country, is in the path of the hurricane.

Category 5 #Irma with 185-mph winds- #Hurricane preparations in the NE Leeward Islands should be nearing completion https://t.co/tW4KeGdBFb pic.twitter.com/tMhL53YX5I

— NHC Atlantic Ops (@NHC_Atlantic) 5 de septiembre de 2017

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