Tropical Storm Dorian was the fourth named tropical storm of the 2019 Atlantic hurricane season and is now the second offical hurricane. Although initially a small storm, extending only 45 miles from the centre, Donald Trump has declared a state of emergency in Puerto Rico as the storm gathers pace. Dorian is currently whipping out 70mph winds as it’s churning very near St Croix in the US Virgin Islands – with wind speeds predicted to reach 100mph, making it a Category 2 hurricane.
Read below for Express.co.uk’s live updates from Tropical Storm Dorian. All times in BST.
Tropical Storm Dorian is expected to strengthen into a hurricane (Image: NOAA/CNN)
01.20am update: Puerto Rico: Hundreds of flights cancelled
More than 100 flights have been cancelled at at the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan due to the looming storm.
It comes as Puerto Rican officials say they have a generator strong enough to power the whole island.
Jose Ortiz, the Executive Director of the Electric Power Authority (PREPA), said: “A month ago, we installed a 6-megawatts generator that has the capacity to cover 100% of the electric services of the island.”
He added many appears which were rebuilt following Hurricane Maria in 2017 are much stronger today.
Claire Anderson taking over live reporting from Kaisha Langton.
10.42pm update: State of emergency declared in Florida ahead of Dorian
Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency ahead of Hurricane Dorian’s arrival.
His statement reads: “Today, I am declaring a state of emergency to ensure Florida is fully prepared for Hurricane Dorian.
“It’s important for Floridians on the East Coast to monitor this storm closely.
“Every Florida resident should have seven days of supplies, including food, water and medicine, and should have a plan in case of disaster.
“I will continue to monitor Hurricane Dorian closely with emergency management officials. The state stands ready to support all counties along the coast as they prepare.”
10pm update: National Hurricane Center issued update at 10pm BST
Hurricane Dorian is now moving north of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, where conditions will improve tonight.
The hurricane will continue northwest through Thursday night before turning west northwest on Friday.
9.34pm update: Puerto Rico has instituted a “dry law” to prohibit the sale of alcohol
Governor Wanda Vazquez Garced announced that a dry law order has been instated for all of Puerto Rico.
She said the sale of alcohol is prohibited “from this moment on,” and the dry law would remain in place for up to 24 hours or until authorities recommended otherwise.
She said: “Everyone should be home, in a safe space with family.
“Classes are cancelled for tomorrow and work is suspended for public employees.”
8.54pm: A man has died while preparing for Hurricane Dorian
An 80-year-old man from Bayamon, Puerto Rico, died after falling from the roof of his home, Public Safety Secretary Elmer Roman confirmed during a briefing Wednesday afternoon.
The man has climbed up a ladder and onto his roof to clean a drain while preparing for the devastating storm to hit.
Mr Roman said the incident was “very sad”, adding that officials do not have details or confirmation that he lived alone.
He added that currently, there are state and municipal resources, “but we must be sure to do wellness checks on residents who live alone and get them to shelter.”
8.17pm: Parts of Puerto Rico are under a flash flood warning
Portions of southwest Puerto Rico have been issued flash flood warnings as the outer bands continue to stream across the Island.
Flash flood warnings are still in effect on St John and St Thomas as the most powerful part of the storm continues to batter the islands.
8.01pm update: Maximum predicted winds anticipated to reach Category 3 status
Maximum predicted wind speed for Dorian is expectedto reach 115mph on Sunday at 1pm.
Hurricane Dorian is currently tracking across St Thomas with maximum sustained winds of 75mph making it a Category 1 hurricane.
Dorian is moving northwestwards at 13mph and it is expected to continue that trajectory.
6.54pm update: Tropical storm Dorian has become a hurricane
The National Hurricane Center reported that tropical storm Dorian has officially become a hurricane near St Thomas in the US Virgin Islands.
5.46pm update: Dorian could become a Category 2 hurricane by Sunday
According to the National Hurricane Center, Dorian could reach 100mph winds by 7am on Sunday, September 1.
According to the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale winds between 96 and 110 mph are classed as “extremely dangerous winds which cause extensive damage.”
The NHC said of these sustained winds: “Well-constructed frame homes could sustain major roof and siding damage.
“Many shallowly rooted trees will be snapped or uprooted and block numerous roads.
“Near-total power loss is expected with outages that could last from several days to weeks.”
4.48pm update: Hurricane warnings in effect
As of 4pm the following warnings are in effect:
- Hurricane Warning: US and British Virgin Islands, Vieques, and Culebra
- Tropical Storm Warning and Hurricane Watch: Puerto Rico
- Tropical Storm Watch: Dominican Republic from Isla Soana to Samana
4.28pm update: Threat of dangerous storm surge has increased
The risk of dangerous storm surge and hurricane-force winds is increasingly in the central and northwestern Bahamas and along the Florida east coast.
Residents in these areas are being advised to have their hurricane plans in placce and not focus on the forecast track for Dorian’s centre.
2.40pm update: Winds could top 100mph
Within four days, Dorian’s winds could top 100 mph, the National Hurricane Center said.
Dorian will likely strengthen somewhat as it approaches Puerto Rico on Wednesday.
But while it could lose some intensity by passing over that land mass, the storm is then expected to gain power and become a hurricane.
According to NOAA current predictions show Dorian hitting Florida’s coast as a hurricane late Sunday or early Monday.
2.19pm update: Threat of hurricane conditions ‘have increased’
The threat of tropical storm or hurricane conditions in the northwestern Bahamas and portions of Florida’s east coast have increased.
Residents in these areas should monitor the progress of Dorian and ensure that they have their hurricane plan in place.
2.13pm update: Puerto Rico’s Governor: “I want everyone to feel calm”
Puerto Rico’s Governor Wanda Vazquez declared a state of emergency on Monday, insisting: “I want everyone to feel calm.”
She said: “Agency directors have prepared for the last two years. The experience of Maria has been a great lesson for everyone.”
1.05pm update: Dorian to become hurricane by Friday
Tropical Storm Dorian is currently whipping out maximum sustained winds of 60mph, but is expected to rapidly strengthen as it nears Florida later this week.
According to CNN meteorologist Haley Brink, the storm is forecast to strengthen into a Category 1 hurricane by Friday morning as it tracks to the east of Turks and Caicos and will continue to strengthen to a Category 2 storm by Sunday.
That means a potential Hurricane Dorian will make landfall in Florida on Labor Day.
Hurricane Dorian: Dorian is expected to strengthen into a hurricane on Friday (Image: CNN)
10.43am update: Dorian to become a hurricane in two days
According to NOAA, some additional slow strengthening seems likely today before Dorian reaches Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
The land interaction could end the strengthening trend or even cause some temporary weakening, however, environmental conditions favour intensification after the storm pulls northward into the southwestern Atlantic.
Nearly all of the intensity models show Dorian becoming a hurricane in about two days, NOAA reports.
9.32am update: Current warnings and watches in effect
A Hurricane Watch is in effect for:
- Vieques
- Culebra
- U.S. Virgin Islands
A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for:
- Puerto Rico
- Vieques
- Culebra
- U.S. Virgin Islands
- British Virgin Islands
- Dominican Republic from Isla Saona to Samana
8.36am update: Tropical storm Dorian and Tropical Storm Erin could merge
Two tropical storms are tracking through the Atlantic Ocean, and are expected to impact land.
Both are expected to strengthen in the coming days, with storm Dorian forecast to reach hurricane status by the weekend.
Dorian is predicted to track across Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic and then across to Florida.
Tropical storm Erin was located approximately 300miles south-east of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina as of 11pm EDT (4am BST).
Strengthening is forecast and a direction northward is expected throughout Wednesday.
Read more about the two life-threatening storms HERE.
Tropical storm Dorian and Tropical Storm Erin could merge (Image: NOAA)
6.06am update: Puerto Rico prepares
CNN meteorologist Chad Myers gave a damning report on forecast predictions for the hurricane: “There’s already so much damage on the ground from Maria that this isn’t going to take a lot to make a significant amount of damage, especially flooding.
“Some of these power lines are not held up by very much — 70 mph would bring them back down.”
5.18am update: Power to remain on in Puerto Rico
According to CBS, Puerto Rico’s power grid will not be switched off ahead of Storm Dorian.
Puerto Rico’s head of the national grid insisted that the lines are more resilient and will withstand the storm.
4.14am update: Donald Trump approves emergency declaration for Puerto Rico
The White Hosue has announced that Trump has declared an emergency declaration.
By doing that, the President has allowed federal assistance to help local response efforts.
Tropical Storm Dorian: Residents in Puerto Rico have prepare for a potential hurricane (Image: REUTERS)
2.26am update: Residents fear of hurricane Maria-like destruction
Some Puerto Rico residents have spoken of the fear they have for the impending arrival of Doria.
One resident said: “I’m so insecure here with the power, the food, the security — so I’m leaving.”
1.55am update: Storm continues approach towards Puerto Rico
According to reports, Dorian is expected to drop 10 inches of rainfall over the Windward Islands.
Moreover, CNN meteorologist, Haley Brink said: “The storm is still forecast to be a hurricane as it approaches Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic on Wednesday and Thursday.”
12.12am update: NHC provides update
Within their most recent statement, the NHC insisted that the likelihood of hurricane conditions, along with a storm surge in the Bahamas has increased.
There will also be heavy rainfall across the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas which could produce flash flooding over the next few days.
However, it is unclear if a hurricane will hit Puerto Rico despite the declaration of a state of emergency in the country.
10.50pm update: Metereologists reveal the chances Dorian will become a hurricane
AccuWeather Meteorologist Reneé Duff said: “At present, Dorian is a small tropical cyclone, which will spare large areas from feeling its worst impacts.”
AccuWeather Hurricane Expert Dan Kottlowski added: “The chance that Dorian could become a hurricane before passing over or near Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic decreased on Tuesday.
“It could still be near hurricane strength for landfall in Puerto Rico late Wednesday,” he cautioned.
9.40pm update: Puerto Rico preparedness
The Governor of Puerto Rico declared a state of emergency for the US territory on Monday in anticipation of the storm.
She added that there will be about 360 shelters open across the island, which hold a capacity of 48,500 people have been opened.
6.30pm update: NHC report
The NHC said: “Slow strengthening is forecast during the next 48 hours, and Dorian is forecast to be near hurricane strength when it moves close to Puerto Rico and eastern Hispaniola,
“Tropical storm conditions are expected and hurricane conditions are possible in Puerto Rico on Wednesday and in portions of the Dominican Republic Wednesday night and Thursday,
“The threat of winds and heavy rains later this week, into this weekend, in the Turks and Caicos, the Bahamas and Florida is increasing.
“Residents in these areas should monitor progress of Dorian and ensure that they have their hurricane plan in place.”
5.22pm update: Florida prepares for hurricane
Dorian is moving toward the northwest at around 13 mph with this expected to continue throughout the night.
The forecast track could see Florida impacted by storm and hurricane conditions.
Residents in Florida have been encouraged to make preparations early and monitor the storm’s path and progression.
3.54pm update: Latest key updates about Tropical Storm Dorian
Tropical storm conditions will continue in portions of the Lesser Antilles during the next several hours.
Storm and hurricane conditions are expected in Puerto Rico on Wednesday and in parts of the Dominican Republic on Wednesday night and Thursday.
Heavy rainfall could produce flash flooding over the next few days and with the threat of winds and heavy rains this weekend in the Turks and Caicos, the Bahamas, and Florida.
The level of uncertainty in the intensity forecast later this week remains higher than usual due to Dorian’s potential interaction with Hispaniola and Puerto Rico.
1.35pm update: Puerto Rico braces for first hurricane
Tropical Storm Dorian is gathering strength and is expected to become a hurricane by the time it hits Puerto Rico.
A state of emergency has been declared in the US territory as residents prepare for Dorian to bring the first hurricane of the season.
The National Hurricane Centre said the storm already has sustained winds of up to 50mph and is forecast to strengthen over the next 48 hours.
The Puerto Island is still in recovery from Hurricane Maria which killed almost 3,000 people.
Tropical Storm Dorian: Turks and Caicos may see a direct hit (Image: GOOGLE)
12.54pm update: Mountainous terrain could stop Dorian from hitting Florida
Dorian will soon reach the open waters of the eastern Caribbean.
AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Dan Pydynowski said: “Dorian is expected to make a bit more of a northward turn and head in the direction of Puerto Rico and Hispaniola around midweek.”
Whether Dorian will continue to Florida depends on how much interaction the weather system will have with Puerto Rico and Hispaniola.
The mountainous terrain in these countries boast a history of tearing tropical systems apart.
Mr Pydynowski added: “Depending on its exact track and intensity, Dorian could cause flash flooding and mudslides on the steep terrain across Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic and Haiti during the middle to latter part of the week as 4-8 inches of rain may fall in some areas.
“There is the possibility of tropical storm- to hurricane-force winds in southwestern Puerto Rico and the eastern part of the Dominican Republic, should Dorian pass in between the two large islands, known as the Mona Passage.
“However, if the storm manages to dodge the heart of Hispaniola or Puerto Rico and travels northwestward relatively unscathed, it could become a hurricane southeast of Florida this weekend.”
Tropical Storm Dorian: The map shows potential impacts through Thursday (Image: AccuWeather)
12.30pm update: Latest watches and warnings in effect
A Hurricane Watch is in effect for:
- Puerto Rico
- Dominican Republic from Isla Saona to Samana
A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for:
- Martinique
- St Lucia
- St Vincent and the Grenadines
- Puerto Rico
A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for:
- Dominica
- Grenada and its dependencies
- Saba and St Eustatius
- Dominican Republic from Isla Saona to Punta Palenque
- Dominican Republic from Samana to Puerto Plata
11.21am update: Google predicts Tropical Storm Dorian path
Tropical Storm Dorian is just off the southwest coast of St Lucia – travelling at about 13mph in a northwesterly direction.
The google public alert shows the storm’s path will track away from Caribbean islands Martinique, Dominica, Guadeloupe, Montserrat, Antigua, St Kitts and Nevis, Anguilla and the British Virign Islands and US Virgin Islands.
But Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic will not be so lucky – possibly seeing landfall on Thursday.
The Turks and Caicos Islands is also on a direct track of the storm’s path, likely hitting on Friday.
10.59am update: Tropical Storm Dorian to hit Florida on Saturday
Tropical Storm Dorian is on track to slam into the US state of Florida later this week as it intensifies in the Atlantic Ocean.
Meteorologist at WFTC Irene Sans said Florida is now in the path of the storm, but there will be an increased margin of error in the coming days.
However, Ms Sans warned: “Remember impacts go beyond the centre of the storm.”
That means although Florida is not directly hit by Dorian, residents in the area could experience high winds and heavy rainfall.
AccuWeather Chief Broadcast Meteorologist Bernie Rayno said if the storm manages to dodge the heart of Hispaniola or Puerto Rico and travels northwestward relatively unscathed, “it could become a hurricane southeast of Florida this weekend”.
The company’s Chief Broadcast Meteorologist Bernie Rayno added: “We could be looking at an impact along the U.S. coastline.”
Read more about Dorian’s predicted path HERE.
Tropical Storm Dorian map: The NHC reveals the storm’s expected path (Image: NHC)
10.33am update: Tropical Storm Warning and Hurricane Watch issued for Puerto Rico
The government of the Dominican Republic has issued a hurricane watch from Isla Saona to Samana.
In addition, the government issued a Tropical Storm Watch on the south coast of the island from Isla Saona to Punta Punta Palenque and on the north coast from Samana to Puerto Plata.
A Hurricane Watch means hurricane conditions are possible within the watch area within 48 hours.
9.50am update: Storm losses a bit of maximum sustained winds
Tropical Storm Dorian has maximum sustained winds of 50mph as it crosses Barbados.
The storm system is travelling northwest at about 13mph.
Dry air seems to be weakening Forian, which is struggling to maintain its speed as it approaches the Caribbean.
Tropical storm or hurricane watches are expected to be issued on Tuesday morning for the Hispaniola.
Tropical Storm Dorian map: The storm is edging towards the Caribbean (Image: CYCLOCANE)
9.14am update: Dorian to produce life-threatening conditions
Swells generated by Dorian are affecting portions of the Lesser Antilles and they should continue during the next several hours.
According to NOAA, swells are expected to increase along the southern coasts of Puerto Rico and Hispaniola on Wednesday and they could cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.
9.02am update: Travellers visiting the Caribbean warned to “exercise due caution”
Holidaymakers heading to the Caribbean have been warned of Dorian, set to hit the islands on Tuesday.
The UK Foreign Office has issued an alert to all travellers, while the US National Hurrican Centre warned the storm could be “near hurricane strength” when it hits the Eastern Caribbean.
The warning covers Barbados, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Dominica, Martinique and Grenada.
A Foreign Office spokesperson said: “Tropical Storm Dorian is forecast to affect the eastern Caribbean from Tuesday 27 August. You should exercise due caution and monitor local news and weather reports.
“The hurricane season normally runs from June to November. You should monitor local and international weather updates from the US National Hurricane Centre and follow the advice of local authorities, including any evacuation orders.”
Tropical Storm Dorian map: This spaghetti map shows the storm could be on a collision course with Florida (Image: CYCLOCANE)
Tropical Storm Dorian: Dorian is approaching the Windward Islands (Image: CYCLOCANE)
8.35am update: Dorian approaching the Windward Islands
Dorian is approaching the Windward Islands with tropical storm force winds.
According to NOAA, the weather system’s maximum sustained winds are currently at 50mph (85km/h).
Its present movement is west-northwest at 13mph.
8.29am update: Summary of watches and warnings in effect
A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for:
- Martinique
- St Lucia
- St Vincent and the Grenadines
A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for:
- Dominica
- Grenada and its dependencies Saba and St Eustatius
- Puerto Rico