As per an 11 a.m. advisory from the National Hurricane Center, Irma was moving west at 14 miles per hour with sustained winds of 180 mph and 220 gusts of mph.
Hurricane-force winds have the ability to extend 45 miles out, beyond from the center of the storm, while tropical storm-force winds extend out up to 140 miles.
The NHC said there was a growing possibility that the storm's effects could be felt in Florida later this week and over the weekend, though it was still too early to be sure of its future track.
"Everyone in hurricane-prone areas should ensure that they have their hurricane plan in place," NHC officials said.