ON THE HEELS OF DORIAN, NEW TROPICAL DISTURBANCE IS MOVING TOWARDS THE BAHAMAS AND FLORIDA

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2019 AS OF 11:00 AM EST

A tropical disturbance has formed to the east of the Bahamas in the Atlantic Ocean. Guidance shows that the storm has the potential to strengthen and move across the Bahamas and Florida this weekend. This system follows closely behind Hurricane Dorian, which recently devastated the Bahamas. Currently, the storm is barely moving but is expected to increase forward motion over the next few days, continuing in a north-northwest direction. The storm has wind speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour, with the potential to become Tropical Storm Humberto later today. Without a clearly defined eye, this system’s trajectory remains uncertain.

NOAA 2 Hour Time Lapse of Tropical Disturbance: Source

The system is expected to bring tropical force winds, heavy rainfall, and storm surge to the Bahamas. The Bahamas could receive as much as 6 inches of rain in the next few days. Heavy rainfall and storm surge following the impacts of Hurricane Dorian could further devastate the Islands. Residents of the Bahamas are encouraged to heed the warnings of local authorities.

New System Poses Threat to Devastated Bahamas

This area of disturbed weather has the potential to form into a tropical storm over the next couple of days, close to the parts of the #Bahamas devastated by Hurricane Dorian. pic.twitter.com/awMdDnjoPx

— Met Office Storms (@metofficestorms) September 12, 2019

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) encourages individuals to be prepared and not be scared by planning in advance for extreme weather conditions. Residents of the Bahamas and Florida should continue to monitor the system as it develops over the next few days, and start preparing. The Hagerty Blog Team will continue providing information and updates.

FEMA Guidance on Hurricane Preparedness: Source

Public Advisories

Here’s the breakdown of public advisories from NOAA’s NHC in decreasing order of severity:

Tropical Storm Watch:

Jupiter Inlet to Flagler-Volusia County line

Storm Surge Warning:

Northwestern Bahamas excluding Andros Island

HURRICANE DORIAN EXPECTED TO BRING STORM SURGE AND EXTENSIVE FLOODING

FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2019 AS OF 11:00 AM EST

Hurricane Dorian was upgraded to a Category 2 hurricane late last night. Reports suggest that the storm will continue to reduce speed and strengthen as it passes through the Atlantic Ocean, making landfall as a Category 4 hurricane in the coming week. Hurricane Dorian is currently moving at a speed of 10 miles per hour, reducing its speed by approximately 3 miles per hour in the last 24 hours. Hurricane-force winds extend more than a hundred miles from the center of the storm. Dorian is expected to bring dangerous conditions, with catastrophic storm surge as high as 10 – 15 feet above tide levels.

NOAA Hurricane Dorian Forecasted 5-Day ConeSource: NOAA.gov

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Hurricane Center (NHC) forecasts that Hurricane Dorian could hit the east coast of Florida as early as Monday. Extensive inland flooding is possible as Dorian is expected to quickly downgrade from a Category 4 to a Category 1 hurricane after making landfall. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis amended the State of Emergency to include all 67 counties due to the increasing risk posed by Dorian. Florida continues to prepare to respond to the incident.

NOAA Guidance on Inland Flooding
Source: National Weather Service

Health and Human Services (HHS) offers helpful guidance for those in the path of Hurricane Dorian. It is important to understand your evacuation zone and prepare to evacuate when directed by local officials. Residents of Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina are encouraged to monitor this storm as it approaches the mainland. The Hagerty Blog Team will continue providing information and updates.

HHS Guidance for Hurricane Dorian
Source: US Department of Health and Human Services

If you’re in the path of Hurricane #Dorian, don’t wait until it’s too late! These tips will help you get your car and home ready before the storm hits. https://t.co/w86MdHrw0n #HurricaneDorian2019 pic.twitter.com/osZrs5qqbv

— HHS.gov (@HHSGov) August 30, 2019

Public Advisories

Here’s the breakdown of public advisories from NOAA’s NHC in decreasing order of severity:

Hurricane Watch:

Northwestern Bahamas

Evacuations and Emergency Declarations

Florida: See evacuation zones here
Georgia: See evacuation resources here
South Carolina: See evacuation zones here

Hurricane Dorian Strengthens as It Moves Through the Atlantic Ocean

Thursday, AUGUST 29, 2019 AS OF 11:00 AM EST

Yesterday, Dorian brought heavy rainfall, high winds, and flash flooding to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The hurricane is traveling north-northwest of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands; however, its trajectory remains uncertain. Tropical Storm Dorian was upgraded to a Category 1 hurricane yesterday and is expected to continue strengthening as it moves through the warm Atlantic Ocean. Reports show that Dorian may make landfall in Florida as a Category 4 hurricane with winds between 130-156 miles per hour.

Projected Path of Hurricane Dorian Towards Florida: Link

Florida state and local governments are preparing for Hurricane Dorian to hit the peninsula in the next few days. Governor Ron DeSantis declared a State of Emergency on Thursday, August 28, 2019, urging all residents and visitors to prepare for Dorian’s potential impact.

Governor Ron DeSantis on Hurricane Dorian:

As Hurricane #Dorian approaches, I’ve declared a state of emergency to ensure local governments and emergency management agencies have ample time, resources and flexibility to get prepared. Please continue to follow local reports and @FLSERT for updates. https://t.co/FyQM6wd8er

— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) August 28, 2019

FEMA provides guidance to individuals preparing for, experiencing, or impacted by hurricanes. Residents of Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina are encouraged to monitor this storm as it approaches the mainland. The Hagerty Team will continue providing information and updates.

Evacuations and Emergency Declarations

Florida: See evacuation zones here
Georgia: See evacuation resources here
South Carolina: See evacuation zones here

UNCERTAINTY SURROUNDING TROPICAL STORM DORIAN AS IT MOVES TOWARDS PUERTO RICO: WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28, 2019 AS OF 11:00 AM EST

Tropical Storm Dorian formed in the Atlantic Ocean and will move over Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands today. While storm forecasting uncertainty is greater than usual, it is likely that Dorian will pass over Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands with significant rainfall and tropical storm winds, still it is possible Dorian could strengthen to a Category 1 hurricane later today. Current reports suggest that the storm will move east of the Bahamas and reach the Florida Peninsula later this week. It is expected this will produce heavy rains and possible storm surge.

Tropical Cyclone Dorian Moving Towards the Islands: Link

Rescue teams in Florida prepare to support Puerto Rico and Florida as the storm moves closer. Another hurricane could be devastating for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands which are still recovering from the 2017 storms.

NOAA Hurricane Dorian Forecasted 5-Day Cone: Link

FEMA provides guidance to individuals preparing for, experiencing, or impacted by hurricanes. Residents of Puerto Rico, U.S Virgin Islands, and Florida are encouraged to monitor this storm as its current trajectory remains uncertain. Stay tuned as we continue to provide updates.