Hurricane Irma: Latest Tracks, Storm Updates, Possible New Jersey Impacts

Packing winds of 175 mph-plus, Hurricane Irma is expected to make landfall in Florida by Sunday after striking the Bahamas and Puerto Rico, according to the National Hurricane Center. Evacuations are underway, and thousands are stocking up on supplies at Florida grocery stores.

For now, the hurricane center says it's still too early to know where the deadly Category 5 storm will strike, though the storm's path toward the Miami region looks certain. But forecasters are warning everyone in coastal areas along the East Coast to be prepared.

Here is the latest hurricane track:

Forecasters such as Gary Szatkowski, a retired meteorologist from the National Weather Service, says there has been a "clear shift eastward" that could point Irma toward North Carolina and areas farther north. That means Irma could impact our region by Wednesday of next week.

A large area of high pressure across the central North Atlantic is helping to steer Irma toward the north and east, AccuWeather Hurricane Expert Dan Kottlowski said in a release.

AccuWeather says a similar scenario could play out somewhere along the East coast next week, depending on where Irma tracks.

Watch: Hurricane Irma Pummels The Caribbean; Florida Could Be Next

Residents are urged to prepare now.

“This hurricane has the potential to be a major event for the East Coast. It also has the potential to significantly strain FEMA and other governmental resources occurring so quickly on the heels of Harvey,” Evan Myers, AccuWeather expert senior meteorologist and chief operating officer, said in an AccuWeather release.

Read more: Will Hurricane Irma Hit New Jersey?

AccuWeather offered some tips for preparation:

• Be prepared to possibly evacuate.
• Be prepared with a list of items you would need if you have short notice to evacuate, ranging from 30 minutes to a day.
• Fill prescriptions ahead of time and gather important paperwork, such as insurance documentation, deeds, car bill of sales, etc., that you would bring with you.
• Make sure you know where you and your family pets will head in case of evacuation.

Here is video of Hurricane Irma hitting St. Martin:

YouTube photo/video