Hurricane Dorian made landfall over Cape Hatteras, North Carolina on Friday with maximum sustained winds near 90mph. The deadly hurricane has already caused flooding in parts of the Carolinas and spawned a number of tornadoes in the states earlier today. More than 387,000 people were left in the dark in South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia, according to poweroutage.us.
There have been several reports in eastern North Carolina of sustained tropical-storm-force winds and hurricane-force gusts, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said.
The scientific agency warns life-threatening storm surge and dangerous winds are expected to continue along portions of the state’s coast as well as portions of southeast Virginia and the southern Chesapeake Bay.
Water levels could rise well in advance of the arrival of strong winds and flash flooding is already occurring.
Flooding will continue to become more widespread across the western Carolinas and far southeast Virginia on Friday and there is a significant risk of life-threatening flash flooding over these areas.
READ MORE: Hurricane tracker: SHOCKING maps reveal the SEVEN storms churning now
What areas are next on Dorian’s destructive path?
Dorian is moving northeast at 14mph, and a faster motion is expected during the next few days.
According to NOAA, this track forecast takes the hurricane along the coast of North Carolina during the next several hours and near or over Atlantic Canada this weekend.
The hurricane is also expected to cross the north wall of the Gulf Stream current in about 36 hours.
Dorian will gradually weaken as it head over much colder waters after that.
READ MORE: Hurricane Dorian in pictures: The Bahamas before and after
Current watches and warnings in effect
A Storm Surge Warning is in effect for the following areas over the next 36 hours
- Salter Path NC to Poquoson VA
- Pamlico and Albemarle Sounds
- Neuse and Pamlico Rivers
- Hampton Roads
A Hurricane Warning is in effect for
- Surf City to the North Carolina/Virginia border
- Pamlico and Albemarle Sounds
A Hurricane Watch is in effect for the following areas over the next 36 hours
A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the following areas over the next 36 hours
- North Carolina/Virginia border to Fenwick Island DE
- Chesapeake Bay from Drum Point southward
- Tidal Potomac south of Cobb Island
- Woods Hole to Sagamore Beach MA
- Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard MA
A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for the following areas over the next 36 hours
- Prince Edward Island
- Magdalen Islands
- Fundy National Park to Shediac
- Francois to Boat Harbour