Tropical Storm Irma is steadily intensifying over the far eastern tropical Atlantic Ocean. Maximum sustained winds are near 60 mph (95 km/h) with higher gusts. Some additional strengthening during the next 48 hours is forecast, and Irma is expected to become a hurricane Thursday or Friday.

It’s centered at 5 p.m. AST/EDT about 480 miles (770 km) west of the Cabo Verde Islands. Irma is moving toward the west near 15 mph (24 km/h), and is expected to turn slightly toward the west-northwest at a slower rate of speed for the next couple of days. Irma is not an immediate threat to land.