Hurricane Irma

Hurricane "Irma" – the first Atlantic hurricane in the last 7 years to be assigned Category 5. The last hurricane of such strength in the Atlantic Ocean was Hurricane "Julia".

The devastating storm formed on August 30, 2017, near the Cape Verde islands (a state located on 15 islands in the Atlantic Ocean). But in just 1 day the cyclone was upgraded to Category 2.  

Starting from September 5, Hurricane "Irma" was assigned the highest, Category 5.

As of September 7, 2017, Hurricane "Irma" had completely destroyed the small Caribbean island of Barbuda. Wind speeds at the centre of the hurricane reach 300 km/h. The storm also threatens residents of Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, the Bahamas and Florida.