AFTER STALLING OVER THE BAHAMAS, HURRICANE DORIAN RESUMES APPROACH TOWARD SOUTHEASTERN US COAST
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2019 AS OF 11:00 AM EST
Hurricane Dorian was stationary over the Bahamas for approximately 18 hours, causing severe storm surge and destroying infrastructure. Hurricane Dorian began moving this morning in a north-northwest direction at 2 miles per hour. While the maximum sustained winds have been downgraded to Category 2, the storm is also growing in size, with hurricane force winds now extending 60 miles from the center of the storm and tropical storm force winds reaching 175 miles. Current guidance suggests that the storm will pass dangerously close to the east coast of Florida over the next few days, before turning towards the north late Wednesday. Even if the eye of the storm remains offshore, residents of Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas are likely to experience heavy rain, storm surge (4 – 7 feet), and hurricane-force winds.
Hurricane Dorian Moves Slowly Along the Florida East Coast: Source
Dorian is expected to pass near Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina later this week. With Hurricane Dorian tracking so close to land along the coast, citizens of these states should prepare for potential hurricane conditions and possible impact. North Carolina joined Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina in issuing evacuation orders for residents (more information below). Residents of counties with evacuation notices are encouraged to heed the warning of their local authority.
NOAA Advisory on Potential Tropical Storm-Force Winds: Source
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides guidance to individuals preparing for, experiencing, or affected by hurricanes. Hurricane Dorian is anticipated to pass along to southeast coast over the next few days, individuals are encouraged to monitor the hurricane and make preparations for evacuation. The Hagerty Blog Team will continue providing information and updates.
FEMA Guidance on Responding to Local Officials
If you’re told to evacuate for Hurricane #Dorian, don’t delay; leave quickly. Follow your local officials to know if you need to leave.
Know your route before leaving, don’t forget to bring pets & have a few options for places to go.
Tips from @Readygov: https://t.co/Chwi6Bp6Rd pic.twitter.com/FigufhelWf
— FEMA (@fema) September 1, 2019
Public Advisories
Here’s the breakdown of public advisories from NOAA’s NHC in decreasing order of severity:
Hurricane Warning:
- Grand Bahama and the Abacos Islands in the northwestern Bahamas
- Jupiter Inlet FL to Ponte Vedra Beach Fl
- North of Edisto Beach SC to South Santee River SC
Hurricane Watch:
- North of South Santee River to Duck NC
- North of Ponte Vedra Beach FL to Edisto Beach SC
- Albemarle and Pamlico Sounds
Tropical Storm Warning:
- North of Deerfield Beach FL to Jupiter Inlet FL
- North of Ponte Vedra Beach FL to Edisto Beach SC
Tropical Storm Watch:
- Lake Okeechobee
Storm Surge Warning:
- Jupiter Inlet FL to South Santee River SC
Storm Surge Watch:
- North of South Santee River to Cape Lookout NC
Evacuations and Emergency Declarations
Florida: See evacuation zones here
- Voluntary Evacuations have been issued for: Glades, Hendry, Highlands, Okeechobee, Osceola, and Palm Beach counties
- Mandatory Evacuations have been issued for: Brevard, Clay, Duval, Flagler, Indian River, Martin, Nassau, Palm Beach, Putnam, St. Johns, St. Lucie, Volusia counties
Georgia: See evacuation resources here
- Mandatory Evacuations have been issued for: Bryan, Camden, Chatham, Glynn, Liberty, and McIntosh counties
South Carolina: See evacuation zones here
- Mandatory Evacuations have been issued for: Beaufort, Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton, Dorchester, Horry, Georgetown, and Jasper counties
North Carolina: See evacuation zones
- Voluntary Evacuations have been issued for: Duplin, Onslow
- Mandatory Evacuations have been issued for: Hyde