Hurricane Dorian brought extreme weather conditions last night as the barrelling vortex churned past Puerto Rico, a country which is still recovering from the devastating effects of Hurricane Maria two years ago. An 80-year-old man died after falling from the roof of his home as he tried to protect the poperty from the oncoming storm, Public Safety Secretary Elmer Roman confirmed during a briefing Wednesday afternoon. A state of emergency has been declared in all 67 counties in Florida. Forecasters predict Dorian could make landfall on the populous eastern side of the USA territory later this week, with Florida right on the hurricane’s track – where it could make landfall as a Category 4.
Dorian is currently some 330 miles from the southeastern Bahamas, with multiple observations of hurricane force winds reported in the region.
The NOAA report said that as of 11pm AST (4am BST), Hurricane Dorian is moving toward the northwest near 12 mph (19 km/h).
The advisory said: “A west-northwestward to westward motion is forecast to begin by Friday night and continue into the weekend.
“On this track, Dorian should move over the Atlantic well east of the southeastern and central Bahamas tonight and on Friday, approach the northwestern Bahamas Saturday, and move near or over portions of the northwest Bahamas on Sunday.
“Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 105 mph (165 km/h) with higher gusts. 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 25 miles (35 km) from the centre, and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 105 miles (165 km).”
Hurricane Dorian: Tropical storm Dorian strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane today (Image: NOAA/GOOGLE)
Rain is likely to hit the Bahamas this week, with up to fourinches possible in isolated areas of the central Bahamas and up to seven inches in northwestern Bahamas and a massive 15
The NOAA warns this rainfall may cause life-threatening flash floods.
Swells around the US and British Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico should gradually diminish today, but are likely to begin to affect the east-facing shores of the Bahamas and southeastern US coast over the next few days.
These swells may cause life-threatening surf and rip conditions.
There are currently no coastal watches or warnings in effect, both those in the northwestern and central Bahamas should monitor the progress of Dorian.
READ MORE: Find out the latest about Hurriane Dorian path as Trump declares EMERGENCY
Hurricane Dorian: Hurricane Dorian and tropical depression Erin in the Atlantic Ocean (Image: NOAA)
Hurricane Dorian: Satellite imagery of Hurricane Dorian as it tracks closer to the US (Image: WINDY.COM)
The weather agency warned: “Swells are likely to begin affecting the east-facing shores of the Bahamas and the southeastern United States coast during the next few days.
“These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.
“Please consult products from your local weather office.”
Hurricane Dorian: Warning map for Hurricane Dorian as it makes its deadly path towards the US (Image: NOAA)
Hurricane Dorian: NASA satellite imagery showing Hurricane Dorian nearing Puerto Rico (Image: NASA)
Hurricane Dorian is recording winds of 105mph right now with max predicted wind speeds estimated to reach staggering 132mph.
Dorian became a hurricane yesterday, surpassing the minimum requirement of 74mph winds required for Category 1 status.
On its current track, there are no significant bodies of land in Dorian’s immediate path.
But as Dorian travels over water towards mainland USA, the storm will strengthen to a Category 2 hurricane by Thursday evening, “with even more room to grow as it nears the warm waters of the Bahamas Saturday” according to CNN.
Hurricane Dorian: Google map alert for Hurricane Dorian (Image: GOOGLE)
“Dorian will likely be a very formidable hurricane as it approaches late Sunday into Monday morning,” CNN meteorologist Dave Hennen said.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency on Wednesday and urged all residents on the coast to get ready for the storm.
“It’s important for Floridians on the East Coast to monitor this storm closely,” DeSantis said.
“Every Florida resident should have seven days of supplies, including food, water and medicine, and should have a plan in case of disaster.”
Hurricane Dorian: Key warnings about Hurricane Dorian from the National Hurricane Center (Image: NOAA)
Key Messages:
1. The risk of life-threatening storm surge and hurricane-force winds this weekend conitnues to increase in the northwestern Bahamas, and hurricane watches could be issued there tonight or Friday. Residents should have their hurricane plan in palce and listen to advice given by local emergency officials.
2. There is an increasing likelihood of life-threatening storm surge along portions of the Florida east coast late thisweekend or early next week, although it is too soon to determine where the highest storm surge will occur. Residents should have their hurricane plan in place, know if they are in a hurricane evaluation zone, and listen to advice given by local emergency officials.
3. The risk of devastating hurricane-force winds along the Florida east coast and peninsula late this weekend and early next week continues to increase, although it is too soon to determine where the strongest winds will occur.
4. Regardless of the exact track of Dorian, heavy rains are expected to occur over portions of the Bahamas, Florida, and elsewhere in the southeastern United States this weekend and into the middle of next week.