HURRICANE DORIAN MAKES LANDFALL IN THE UNITED STATES
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2019 AS OF 11:00 AM EST
Category 1 Hurricane Dorian made landfall for the first time in the United States over Cape Hatteras, North Carolina early this morning. Dorian has increased speed and is now moving in a northeast direction at 17 miles per hour, with increased forward speed expected over the next few days. Dorian remains strong with wind speeds of 90 miles per hour. Tropical force winds extend 220 miles from the eye of the storm. The North Carolina coast should expect to experience hurricane conditions today. Storm surge as high as 7 feet is possible in isolated areas along the coast. Guidance shows Hurricane Dorian becoming a post-tropical storm after crossing the northern boundary of the Gulf Stream and into colder waters. The drier air and wind shear in the north east will also slow the storm before it arrives in Nova Scotia, Canada on Saturday.
Dorian Makes Landfall Over Cape Hatteras
#Dorian has made landfall over Cape Hatteras, North Carolina at 835 AM EDT. Maximum sustained winds were estimated near 90 mph (150 km/h), and the estimated minimum central pressure was 956 mb (28.23 inches). More: https://t.co/tW4KeFW0gB pic.twitter.com/IgOso4dvvs
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) September 6, 2019
Evacuation orders have been lifted for Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina; however, many counties in North Carolina remain under notice (more information below). Residents of North Carolina are likely to experience heavy rain and storm surge throughout the day. The Outer Banks of North Carolina could potentially experience flash flooding as Dorian continues to travel along the coastline. The National Weather Service (NWS) warns individuals to seek higher ground, and to avoid walking or driving in flood waters.
NWS Guidance for Flash Flooding in North Carolina
Flash Flood Emergency continues for Buxton NC, Ocracoke NC, Avon NC until 12:00 PM EDT pic.twitter.com/naZ3IpnAmo
— NWS Newport/Morehead (@NWSMoreheadCity) September 6, 2019
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides post-storm guidance for individuals impacted by hurricanes. Individuals should heed the warnings of local authorities and remain safe as they recover from the storm. The Hagerty Blog Team will continue providing information and updates.
FEMA Guidance on What to do After a Storm: Source
Public Advisories
Here’s the breakdown of public advisories from NOAA’s NHC in decreasing order of severity:
Hurricane Warning:
- Bogue Inlet to the North Carolina/Virginia border
- Pamlico and Albemarle Sounds
Hurricane Watch:
- Nova Scotia
Tropical Storm Warning:
- 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
- East of Bar Harbor to Eastport, ME
Tropical Storm Watch:
- Prince Edward Island
- Magdalen Islands
- Fundy National Park to Shediac
- Francois to Boat Harbour
Storm Surge Warning:
- Salter Path, NC to Poquoson, VA
- Pamlico and Albemarle Sounds
- Neuse and Pamlico Rivers
- Hampton Roads, VA
Evacuations and Emergency Declarations
Florida: See evacuation zones here
- Evacuation Orders have been lifted.
Georgia: See evacuation resources here
- Evacuation Orders have been lifted.
South Carolina: See evacuation zones here
- Evacuations Orders have been lifted.
North Carolina: See evacuation zones
- Voluntary Evacuations have been issued for: Beaufort, Brunswick, Camden, Carteret, Craven, Duplin, Jones, New Hanover, Onslow, Pamlico, Pasquotank, Perquimans, Pitt, Sampson, and Washington counties
- Mandatory Evacuations have been issued for: Beaufort, Brunswick, Carteret, Currituck, Dare, Hyde, and New Hanover counties
Related Stories
- Remember, Ready.gov provides information on how to prepare for a storm and how to keep you and your family safe.
- Understanding the meaning of hurricane maps – a NY Times Opinion Piece: Those Hurricane Maps Don’t Mean What You Think They Mean
- NY Times regularly updated tracking of Hurricane Dorian: Track Hurricane Dorian’s Path
Keep track of Hagerty’s Hurricane Dorian coverage here: