Updates on Dorian (And Other Hurricane Tips)

August 29, 2019 /

By Brady Lorch (Web Editor-in-Chief)

As Hurricane Dorian continues to move closer to Florida, it also continues to grow and grow, leaving some people increasingly worried. While all this is happening, staying up to date is crucial to staying safe and informed. It is also good to know a few tips for waiting out a hurricane if you plan to do so.

According to the National Weather Service, as of 11:00 A.M. Eastern Standard Time on the 2nd of September, Hurricane Dorian is reported to be a category 4 hurricane, with wind speeds of up to 155 mph, and moving west at about 1 mph. Now a category 4, Dorian is currently pounding the Bahamas and is expected to cause catastrophic damage to the Grand Bahama Island. According to Hurricane Dorian Public Advisory Number 37, “Maximum sustained winds are near 155 mph (250 km/h) with higher gusts. Dorian is an extremely dangerous category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Although gradual weakening is forecast, Dorian is expected to remain a powerful hurricane during the next couple of days.” (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration).

As Hurricane Dorian continues to inch ever so slowly towards the Florida coast, the track continues to predict a turn to the northwest before landfall. However, during Hurricane Irma, the European model, one of the more trusted models, also predicted that Irma would turn away before landfall. Once again, it is urgent that people keep in mind that models can be wrong. Just because it is not predicted to touch Jacksonville, that does not mean it is 100% safe during this week. Please stay updated and always be prepared!

Some safety tips for waiting out a storm like Dorian include:

  • Stock up on food, water, and medical supplies
  • Know your home’s “safe spot”
  • Make sure you can access information about the storm
  • Follow the instructions of local authorities
  • If you live in a mobile home or in an area that is not on higher ground, find a shelter
  • Stay inside

For more safety information, click here to go to FEMA’s hurricane safety page.

For more information on Hurricane Dorian, click here to go to NOAA’s page for Hurricane Dorian.

This story will be updated throughout Hurricane Dorian as much as possible with reports and advisories from the NWS. It was last updated at 12:11 P.M. on Monday, September 2nd.

Photo Credit: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration