More than 100 Kiwis in Hurricane Irma's path

A satellite image of Hurricane Irma as it approached the Leeward Islands earlier today. Image/US National Hurricane Center

More than 100 New Zealanders are in the firing line of the monstrous Hurricane Irma, authorities say.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said 110 Kiwis are known to be in the path of the Category 5 storm - the biggest hurricane ever recorded in the Atlantic.

"New Zealanders currently in the path of Hurricane Irma are advised to follow any instructions issued by the local authorities, including any evacuation orders, keep their family in New Zealand informed of their well-being and contact their airline or travel agent directly if their travel has been disrupted," an MFAT spokesman said.

The 110 New Zealanders are those that have registered with the Government's SafeTravel website, he said.

The Category 5 storm made landfall just after 5pm NZ time, slamming Barbuda with 300km/h winds as the eye of the hurricane made its way over the island.

At 10pm NZ time the eye was moving away from Barbuda and toward St Martin, according to the US National Hurricane Center.

Irma is expected to remain a powerful hurricane for at least five days. It is currently at the Leeward Islands (which include Antigua, Barbuda and Sint Maarten), and is forecast to churn its way over Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Cuba to reach Florida.

The USNHC called Irma a "potentially catastrophic category 5 hurricane" that would bring "life-threatening wind, storm surge, and rainfall hazards".

#Irma is the strongest #hurricane in the Atlantic basin outside of the Caribbean Sea & Gulf of Mexico in NHC records https://t.co/tW4KeGdBFb pic.twitter.com/P8ebbQJR4k

— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) September 5, 2017

There's little news from the Caribbean islands affected so far as large swathes have no power, although there have been some reports of property damage.

Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne tweeted that the islands had been spared the worst of the storm.

06/09/2017, 5:42:18 AM: Gaston Browne: Colleagues, the Lord has protected us and we have been spared the worst of Irma.

— Gaston Browne (@gastonbrowne) September 6, 2017

The MFAT website says New Zealanders in Irma's path should follow the advice of local authorities and seek shelter.

"It is generally considered sensible practice not to venture outdoors and remain well away from the sea."

New Zealanders can register and update their travel plans on the New Zealand government SafeTravel website.

New Zealanders who need urgent consular assistance can contact the New Zealand High Commission in Barbados on +12466227800 or after hours on +12462317356.