 With the improved structure, as well as light wind shear and high sea surface temperatures, Irene was forecast to strengthen to near hurricane force prior to landfall in Hispaniola.Over the subsequent day (August 22), while passing near the island of Saint Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Irene traced toward Puerto Rico, more northward than initially expected, where it underwent a considerable increase in strength and organization.Hours later, Irene moved ashore, approaching from the southeast at landfall near Punta Santiago, Humacao, Puerto Rico, with estimated sustained winds of .