Tracking Hurricane Dorian: Cat 4 storm with 'catastrophic' conditions in Bahamas nears Flori

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Photo: NASA | Category 4 Hurricane Dorian has made landfall in the Bahamas and is being called the "strongest hurricane in modern records" to strike the area. Stay here and check back for the latest.

Hurricane Dorian remains a very dangerous category 4 storm with sustained winds over 180 mph. The National Hurricane Center in Miami says the powerful slow-moving hurricane made a second landfall in the Bahamas Sunday on the Great Abaco Island near Marsh Harbour at 185 mph. Island residents were told to evacuate and seek shelter immediately to protect their lives from 18-23 feet of storm surge. The videos below coming out of the Bahamas are heartbreaking. Dorian is also slowing down, moving west at just 5 mph. This means that areas in the Bahamas can experience destructive hurricane-force winds for an extended period of time.

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After Dorian's direct hit on Bahamas, a scene of 'total devastation'

Major damage in Bahamas

West Palm mayor urges community to shelter in place

Hurricane conditions expected in Florida by late Monday or Tuesday

Hurricane warnings for parts of Florida

Jacksonville to order mandatory evacuations starting Monda

What to expect on Florida's east coast Sunday Night through Monday, NWS Miami

MORE ON DORIAN: Hurricane Dorian's path has shifted from Florida to Georgia, Carolinas. Latest advisory & images, Sat. 083119

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IMPACT ON FLORIDA

Accuweather is forecasting Dorian will get as close a 60 miles to Palm Beach County and models bring the hurricane near Florida before turning north. The predicted track still brings the "extremely dangerous" hurricane close to the coast before it makes that turn. Hurricane Dorian *may miss a direct hit on Florida and instead make its way towards the Carolinas and Georgia. There is still a threat to Florida and officials urge residents to take the storm seriously. The National Hurricane Center says stay alert as the massive storm's course and "cone of uncertainty" remains unpredictable. As of 2:00pm advisory, Dorian was 105 miles east of West Palm Beach moving west at 1 mph. NWS Miami tracking wind gusts in the monster Category 4 storm now topping 185 mph. They say some showers/storms associated with the outer bands of Dorian will continue to impact South Florida this afternoon. Gusty winds are the main threat. The hovering storm could possibly bring rainfall totals in excess of over 10 inches.

STORM SUMMARY

Hurricane Watches/Warnings issued for all coastal areas. This is a serious situation and preparations should be on their way to completion. Hurricane force wind gusts possible along barrier islands with intensity of winds decreasing as you go inland.

Hurricane warning issued from Jupiter Inlet to the Volusia/Brevard county line.

Tropical storm watch issued for Lake Okeechobee.

Mandatory evacuations have been ordered for Zones A & B in Palm Beach County & Martin County effective 1:00pm Sunday.

PBIA announced it will shutdown Monday, September 2nd. Travelers advised to call airline for updates and cancellations.

Palm Beach County Schools will be closed on Tuesday.

Gov. Ron DeSantis urged Floridians to remain vigilant and cautioned the storm could still produce major flooding, dangerous weather conditions, possible beach erosion and significant storm surges across the state by early to mid next week. Although the projected cone of the storm is looking more "positive" for Florida, the governor stressed that "we are not out of the woods yet and do not let your guard down."

The Florida Highway Patrol announced Sunday that it has activated 12-hour Alpha/Bravo shifts for about 1,400 state troopers in the eastern parts of the state. "We are here for you," FHP said.

Per FDOT, Gov. DeSantis has directed the suspension of tolls on Florida’s Turnpike Mainline, and selected toll roads across the state.

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper & South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster joined Florida's governor in declaring a state of emergency.

President Trump is receiving briefings on the storm from FEMA.

Next intermediate NHC advisory at 800 PM EDT. Next complete advisory at 1100 PM EDT.

HURRICANE TIPS, INFO & REMINDERS

The Palm Beach County Emergency Information Center number is 561-712-6400.
Take action now. Finalize preparations. Have a safety plan in place including shelter for you, loved ones & pets. Stay alert.
Palm Beach County has opened 7 shelters, as well as the special needs shelter at South Florida Fairgrounds and the pet-friendly shelter at West Boynton Recreation Center. Click HERE for more info & what you need to bring to shelter.
Under Florida Law, the Governor’s State of Emergency executive order allows residents to refill their prescriptions early before a storm.
Heed warnings from local officials including evacuation orders
GasBuddy.com offers a free tool for residents to find out if local gas stations have gas.
Most major airlines are allowing travelers to change reservations without a fee.
Cruise lines rerouting ships.
Orlando theme parks remain in the projected path.
Hurricane season peaks between mid August and late October.