Category 5 Strength and Duration
Hurricane Irma maintained Category 5 status for three consecutive days in the Atlantic, a record for sustained winds of 185 mph (298 km/h). This extended peak intensity made it one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes on record.
Wide Path and Regional Impact
Irma’s track affected multiple islands and U.S. states, including Barbuda, Saint Martin, the British Virgin Islands, Cuba, and parts of Florida. Widespread wind damage and storm surge caused significant infrastructure disruption across the region.
Key Numbers and Recovery Context
Irma generated a large storm surge, triggered tornadoes, and caused widespread power outages. Recovery efforts involved federal agencies, insurers, and local governments, with damage estimates reaching tens of billions of dollars across affected areas.
