The government of the Dominican Republic has issued a Hurricane Warning along the north coast of the Dominican Republic from the border with Haiti eastward to Cabo Engano.  A tropical storm warning has been issued for the south coast of the Dominican Republic from south of Cabo Engano westward to the southern border with Haiti.
A Hurricane Warning means that hurricane conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area.  A warning is typically issued 36 hours before the anticipated first occurrence of tropical-storm- force winds, conditions that make outside preparations difficult or dangerous.  Preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion.
DISCUSSION AND 48-HOUR OUTLOOK ------------------------------ At 500 PM AST (2100 UTC), the distinct eye of Hurricane Irma was located near latitude 17.1 North, longitude 59.8 West.  Irma is moving toward the west near 15 mph (24 km/h).  A turn toward the west-northwest is forecast to begin tonight and continue for the next couple of days.  On the forecast track, the extremely dangerous core of Irma will move over portions of the northern Leeward Islands tonight and early Wednesday, move near or over portions of the northern Virgin Islands Wednesday, and pass near or just north of Puerto Rico late Wednesday and Wednesday night.
The estimated minimum central pressure is 926 mb (27.35 inches).