Hurricane Dorian 2019: ‘People have got to be ready’ – warning as storm heads for Florida

Hurricane Dorian is the latest hurricane of the Atlantic hurricane season and comes just weeks after experts predicted a surge of extreme weather on the US east coast. The Atlantic ocean was, until recently, extremely quiet with far fewer named storms developing in the region. Dorian marks the first storm in the most active part of US hurricane season, around August and September. The storm promises to bring extreme winds to Florida in the next three days.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in the US, Dorian could become a category four hurricane when it makes landfall in the country this Sunday.

A Category 4 system could pack winds of up to 130mph, and the storm is currently sweeping towards Florida, where it is predicted to make landfall by August 31.

The latest advisory from the National Hurricane Centre (NHC) reads: “Dorian is moving toward the northwest near 13 mph (20 km/h), and this general motion is expected to continue through Friday.

“A west-northwestward motion is forecast to begin by Friday night and continue into the weekend.”

READ MORE: Hurricane Dorian NOAA 5pm update: Dorian to be ‘extremely dangerous’

“On this track, Dorian should move over the Atlantic well east of the southeastern and central Bahamas today, and on Friday, approach the northwestern Bahamas Saturday, and move near or over portions of the northwest Bahamas on Sunday.

“Maximum sustained winds are near 85 mph (140 km/h) with higher gusts.

“Strengthening is forecast during the next few days, and Dorian is expected to become a major hurricane on Friday, and remain an extremely dangerous hurricane through the weekend.

“Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 15 miles (30 km) from the centre and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 90 miles (150 km).”

READ MORE: Hurricane Dorian barreling towards Florida in terrifying aerial video

The prospect of a dangerous system thrashing the US southeast coast forced Florida governor Ron DeSantis to declare a state of emergency.

Today, the governor expanded the warning to all of Florida’s 67 counties.

He said in a statement: “Due to Hurricane Dorian’s uncertain projected path, I am expanding the state of emergency to include all 67 counties throughout Florida.

“All residents, especially those along the east coast, need to be prepared for possible impacts.”

READ MORE: Hurricane Dorian Florida tracker: What time will Dorian reach Florida?

“As it increases strength, this storm has the potential to severely damage homes, businesses and buildings, which is why all Floridians should remain vigilant.

“Do not wait until it is too late to make a plan.”

Ken Graham, director of the National Hurricane Centre, told CNN: “People have got to be ready before Sunday.”

The NHC has discontinued warnings for American territories and countries formerly in the hurricane’s path, including Vieques, Culebra, and the US Virgin Islands.

There is also no longer a tropical storm warning for popular holiday destination Puerto Rico.

source: express.co.uk