Hurricane Irma strengthens to Category 5 as Tropical Storm Forms behind

Even as the Leeward Islands prepares for the impact of a dangerous Category 5 Hurricane Irma, the 10th tropical storm of the 2017 Atlantic season has formed and based on current projections, it could impact that chain of islands as a hurricane as well.

The National Hurricane Centre (NHC) in Miami issued its first advisory on Tropical Storm Jose at 11 a.m., at which time it was about 1,505 miles east of the Lesser Antilles and moving west northwest at 13 miles per hour.

“A movement toward the west or west-northwest at a slightly faster rate of forward speed is expected during the next two days. Maximum sustained winds are near 40 mph with higher gusts. Some strengthening is forecast during the next 48 hours and Jose could become a hurricane by Friday,” the NHC said.

It advised interests in the Leeward Islands to monitor the future progress of Jose.

Category 5 is the strongest hurricane category on the Saffir-Simpson hurricane strength scale. In a Category 5 storm, winds reach more than 157 mph and damage is expected to be catastrophic, with buildings and roofs destroyed.

The Carnival Cruise Line has diverted four ships carrying more than 13,000 passengers to maintain a "safe distance" from Irma, a spokesperson said.

"The safety of our guests and team members is our first priority," the company said in a statement. "We will continue to make adjustments as necessary."