<P> The nascent storm began developing upper - level poleward outflow as an anticyclone became established over the system , with banding features becoming increasingly evident in satellite images . Early on August 31 , shortly after the development of a central dense overcast ( CDO ) and an eye feature , Irma rapidly intensified beginning at 09 : 00 UTC on August 31 , with winds increasing from 70 mph ( 110 km / h ) to 115 mph ( 185 km / h ) in only 12 hours . On September 2 , a ship passed 60 mi ( 90 km ) to the west of the center of Irma , recording maximum winds of 45 mph ( 70 km / h ) , which indicated that the eye of Irma remained compact . A strengthening subtropical ridge over the central North Atlantic pushed Irma from a western to southwestern direction on September 2 and 3 . The first aircraft reconnaissance mission departed from Barbados on the afternoon of September 3 , discovering an eye 29 mi ( 47 km ) in diameter and surface winds of 115 mph ( 185 km / h ) . </P>
<P> The nascent storm began developing upper - level poleward outflow as an anticyclone became established over the system , with banding features becoming increasingly evident in satellite images . Early on August 31 , shortly after the development of a central dense overcast ( CDO ) and an eye feature , Irma rapidly intensified beginning at 09 : 00 UTC on August 31 , with winds increasing from 70 mph ( 110 km / h ) to 115 mph ( 185 km / h ) in only 12 hours . On September 2 , a ship passed 60 mi ( 90 km ) to the west of the center of Irma , recording maximum winds of 45 mph ( 70 km / h ) , which indicated that the eye of Irma remained compact . A strengthening subtropical ridge over the central North Atlantic pushed Irma from a western to southwestern direction on September 2 and 3 . The first aircraft reconnaissance mission departed from Barbados on the afternoon of September 3 , discovering an eye 29 mi ( 47 km ) in diameter and surface winds of 115 mph ( 185 km / h ) . </P>
what is the current diameter of hurricane irma
what is the current diameter of hurricane irma
September 3 , discovering an eye 29 mi ( 47 km ) in diameter and surface winds of 115 mph ( 185 km / h )
September 3 , discovering an eye 29 mi ( 47 km ) in diameter and surface winds of 115 mph ( 185 km / h )