Hurricane Irma disrupted some airline and cruise travel Tuesday as it threatened the eastern Caribbean and prompted South Florida’s airports and seaports to activate emergency measures to safeguard their facilities.

Irma's core, with maximum sustained winds of 185 mph -- well above the 157 mph threshold of a Category 5 -- slammed Barbuda early Wednesday before hitting St. Martin and Anguilla.

Antigua's airport has closed with an ominous statement from local authorities as Hurricane Irma approaches the Caribbean island.

The Caribbean Tourism Organization expresses concern for residents and visitors in the countries that are in the hurricane’s projected path, and pray that the impact will be reduced.

Hurricane Irma is still Category 5, continuing to strengthen with wind now at 180 mph. Wednesday the storm is expected to be near Puerto Rico and by Friday it will be near Cuba.

Hurricane Nicole snapped trees, flooded homes and peeled off some roofs as it pummeled the British territory of Bermuda on Thursday.